250-3000 with 60g bullets?

[JeffG]

Hello All,
I've got a Savage 99H (short barrel, 14 twist) that is having accuracy trouble with 87g and 75g bullets. Does anyone have experience with Hornady flat nose bullets in this caliber?

I know these bullets are meant for slower cartridges but I thought it was worth a try as a coyote load.

[BigSky56]

Jeff a 87 gr was made for that gun in a 14" twist barrel before you change bullets take the forearm wood off and shoot it for a group. if you want a bullet that wont tear up the hide use the sierra match king its like shooting a FMJ. If that gun groups with the wood off it just needs a proper bedding to keep the groups good. danny

[jager3]

I used to load a '99R in .250Sav with 60gr Hornady bullets. I have since lost the reloading data, but I recall that the most accurate load was with IMR3031 at just over 3100fps. I fired a 5 shot string at 100 yards and was amazed at how accurate that load was; however, I wasn't too sure how useful it would be at longer distances because of bullet's poor ballistic coefficient. I also loaded the same bullet to a reduced velocity of about 1200 to 1400fps utilizing "Kapok" to take up the "dead case space" and a charge 8 to 10gr of Unique. That load was useful on squirrel and rabbits, while printing POA at 50 yards without sight adjustment. (The rifle I used had a 1:14 twist.)
You might also try Sierra's 90HPBT (Game King), which I've found to be accurate in most .250's. +1 on BigSky's forearm suggestion, as well as checking to see that the buttstock bolt is good and tight. Good luck!

[JeffG]

thanks Gentlemen,
That's encouraging Jager3, my intended use is for a coyote load under 150yds. I have a double negative on the forearm distortion because this is a barrel band model.

[M. M. Wright]

I had a 99F in 250 that I had to shoot 87 grain bullets in because of the 1 in 14 twist but it was one of the most accurate guns I have ever owned, especially at long range. Don't remember, and can't find my notes but I do remember backing off on the charge a half grain to make it quit sticking cases.

[Charles]

If your Savage 99 won't shoot 87 grains bullets, the problem IN NOT the bullet weight/length.