Thread: Loading for a 22 Creedmoor

Originally Posted by Pommy

Yep people work up and keep going until they get a heavy bolt lift or a flat primer or stamp. And then maybe back it off a fraction and call that their max charge. Which is probably too hot since it's all relative to the action and the toughness of the components and does nothing to actually tell you what the pressure is.

The yanks also have an obsession with H4350 (AR2209) and try to shoehorn it into everything. Whilst it's an ideal powder for 6.5 Creedmoor, case capacity to bore ratio says that slower powders will be better suited with the 22cal version.

I know I can get more speed safely using AR2217 in my 22-250AI with 88gr pills. Even AR2225 is a viable option. AR2209 tops out quite a bit sooner.

Yes I believe you are correct with the heavier pills but remember they are shooting this calibre with a wide variety of pills down to even 52gr, but commonly 60's, 70's & the 75 ELDM seems very popular choice so its horses for courses regarding powder. Many still running 26 inch tubes at insane speeds, others down to 16 inch and in between.

2209/4350 can pressure spike quite quickly so need to be careful RL16 is fairly similar burn rate. RL26 was best performance, then RL16, 2209/4350 then 4831sc for me in 88's. So think there are a couple of key factors firstly your bullet weight but then what you barrel length is for what works in particular rifle.

H1000/2217 seems to be most popular choice for 95' SMKs wasn't much around so I haven't bothered trying, 88's go good and half price.