.22-250 - reduced load questions

[The Baron]

I've got several coyote hunting spots where the bark of my .22-250 is not desirable, nor is the need to shoot more than 100 or maybe 150 yards. So, I'm looking at loading my .22-250 with some reduced loads. It looks like a light load of Varget (33-ish gr. with a 55gr bullet) will mimic .223 performance and a light charge (24-ish gr. of H4198 or H4895) will push a 40 gr. bullet to about .22 Hornet velocities.

Having no previous experience with reduced loads, my main question is... if I am copying .223 or .22 Hornet velocities in my .22-250 can I expect similar noise levels? Anyone out there have any experience with reduced loads in any of the otherwise high-octane .22 CF's?

 

[Suputin]

The noise difference between a larger round like the 22-250 and a smaller round like the 223 is at most 1-2 dB. You won't notice it at all.

 

[g-manz35]

Made up some reduced loads for my 223. they were very quiet. I think they were running about 2000 fps. Can't say for sure as it was super cold and my croney wasn't working. I used H4895 and followed their 60% formula.

https://www.hodgdon.com/PDF/H4895 Reduced Rifle Loads.pdf

 

[cr5]

You may need to use a different rifle. You need to look at the pressure the cartridge creates and bring that down substantially if you want to reduce the noise signature of the rifle.
Another option which would really reduce the noise would be to go with something like a 17HMR, 22mag, or 22WMR. I've played with all three of them and at 150 yards or less you shouldn't have problems taking a yote. After shooting my buddy's 22WMR I would recommend that as your primary focus, his rifle was very accurate and really packs a punch compared to the others.
I find my 17 fireball is much quieter than my 223 even though the 17FB is close to 4000fps. That could be another option.

 

[M12shooter]

Tried that in my youth...loading down 22-250 to lower velocities re: Speer manual as hits were chewing up fox and coyotes bad. This was with 55 FMJ stuff and found that with reduced velocity bullet drop was huge past 150. Also you may want to shoot shoot bullets designated for hornet velocities then.

 

[Dogleg]

You could try around 13 grains of SR4759 and a 52-55 grain bullet in the 22/250. You'll get about 2000 fps and not a lot of noise.

 

[Northman999]

I've loaded 45 grain hornet bullets over Trail Boss for a measured 2200 fps out of my 22-250. WAY quieter than either .223 or .22-250 factory ammo. You may want to go that route.

 

[The Baron]

I've loaded 45 grain hornet bullets over Trail Boss for a measured 2200 fps out of my 22-250. WAY quieter than either .223 or .22-250 factory ammo. You may want to go that route.

I think I'll go that route, and try pushing a .224" bullet designed for Hornet velocities, using H4895 or (if that doesn't work) I'll try finding some Trail Boss.

Thanks guys.