Soup,
I havent messed with as many #1’s as some others on here have but the ones I have messed with shot preferred loads very well. The last two I played with were in 22hornet and .222 and both shot preferred loads around 1/2” for 5 shots at 100 yards.
Neither are heavy barreled varmint rifles and both are bone stock. I would suggest making sure the quarter rib on yours is tight.
As far as the 22-250 being a 300 yard coyote or ground hog rifle… absolutely yes. I’ve killed many coyotes at 400-500+ yards with a 22-250. I’ve probably shot more H4895 through 22-250 barrels than everything else combined but did try 8208 a few years ago when I got yet another 22-250 for shooting coyotes and it seems to work just as well. Varget, imr4064, h380, CFE223 have all worked well for me. I generally shoot 50BT for coyotes as fast as I can push them because they usually go in and blow to pieces and don’t destroy the hide coming out. As far as general purpase bullets the 55 hornady sp is cheap and accurate and kills anything from p dogs to deer. I’ve had good luck with about any bullets in 14 twist 22-250’s except the 55 blitz king and 53 vmax.
Good luck with your new rifle!
