Barnes TTSX 250 hand load for the Ruger Ranch 16"

[Moore77]

Just shot my first test loads of 450 Bushmaster from my Ranch Rifle. Needless to say they pretty much sucked. I used the Hodgdon load data and went with 35.5 through 38.5 grains of Lil Gun (1 grain increments). The Barnes TTSX 250 bullet , once fired Hornady Brass & CCI 400 primers(nothing else available in my area). I had 36.5 & 37.5 cut the same hole on the first and second shot then it went to HELL. I let the barrel cool and cleaned it between each group. This rifle shot 1" groups at 100 yards with the Factory Black Ammo. The COAL is 2.26 with a light factory crimp from a Lee die.

[Bmt85]

I'm curious, what is the actual outside diameter of these bullet's? I have a feeling this might be a factor.

Another thing that could be messing with you is the cleaning. When I do load development, I will clean the barrel before shooting particular bullet, but not during. I also foul the barrel with a few low end loads before my ladder. I do this because I've noticed that most of the time barrels don't shoot well when clean.

[SF42]

A buddy and I have been working up loads with the ttsx 250 boa tail. I’m shooting a custom built 450 bolt action with a 24 inch barrel. These bullets are not only accurate but weight retention after being fired average between 246 grain and 248. I was able to put 3 shots through same hole at 100 yards. 85 degree temp out, no wind, lil gun, cci small rifle primer.

[SF42]

You may want to go lower on powder. Sweet spot seems to be between 33.5 and 34.5. Your speed will probably drop to 2100
And 2150 with that length barrel.

[Moore77]

Thanks guys for the information. Diameter for this bullet is .451. When I set up a crimp die I usually use a factory load and set the for to it. However the factory bullet is .452 so my neck tension was nill. Second when I got home I found two issues. 1 being I found that two scope screws had come loose and 2 my digital scale was varying 2 to 3 tenths from my mechanic scale. I'm waiting on a shipment of bullets now. Would any of you have a idea of fps using the 275 grain bullet ? This areas I hunt limit shots to 100 yards mostly 50 - 75. Thanks for the comments . It was costly but I learned a lot.

[Texas Sheepdawg]

You may want to go lower on powder. Sweet spot seems to be between 33.5 and 34.5. Your speed will probably drop to 2100
And 2150 with that length barrel.

No. It’s well documented here that 37.0- 38.0 grains of Lil Gun for a 250 grain weight bullet should be your starting point
And then to work UP!
Not down!
You get too low and you’ll have pressure events or even a squib.

[Texas Sheepdawg]

Thanks guys for the information. Diameter for this bullet is .451. When I set up a crimp die I usually use a factory load and set the for to it. However the factory bullet is .452 so my neck tension was nill. Second when I got home I found two issues. 1 being I found that two scope screws had come loose and 2 my digital scale was varying 2 to 3 tenths from my mechanic scale. I'm waiting on a shipment of bullets now. Would any of you have a idea of fps using the 275 grain bullet ? This areas I hunt limit shots to 100 yards mostly 50 - 75. Thanks for the comments . It was costly but I learned a lot.

You shouldn’t have any problems with this bullet using Lil Gun starting at around 37.0to 38.0 grains and slowly working up in 0.2-0.5 grain Increments. I wouldn’t push past 40.0 grains however without watching for pressure signs. I would definitely be nervous at 41.5- 42.0 grains with a 1:16” twist barrel in a bolt action.

[Moore77]

Thanks again for the helpful information. I'm a novice reloader and your support is appreciated !

[Bmt85]

Checked Barnes website to see if they ever got around to putting up load data for the 450B. Finally, after how many years, they did.
Anyway, for the 250 TTSX using Lilgun, they have a starting load of 30.7gr and an end load of 34.1gr. That is with an C.O.A.L. of 2.245"

[Bmt85]

Thanks guys for the information. Diameter for this bullet is .451. When I set up a crimp die I usually use a factory load and set the for to it. However the factory bullet is .452 so my neck tension was nill. Second when I got home I found two issues. 1 being I found that two scope screws had come loose and 2 my digital scale was varying 2 to 3 tenths from my mechanic scale. I'm waiting on a shipment of bullets now. Would any of you have a idea of fps using the 275 grain bullet ? This areas I hunt limit shots to 100 yards mostly 50 - 75. Thanks for the comments . It was costly but I learned a lot.

Is the diameter exactly .4510? Did you mic it?

What I'm trying to get at is I have a feeling the diameter is smaller than .451, which would affect accuracy. The 275 TSX is actually around .4505", but has a longer bearing surface, so accuracy isn't too bad. Barnes told me it was to reduce pressure, but maintain accuracy. Well the 200 XPB, which is a little larger in diameter, but shorter bearing surface, gives me better accuracy then the 275 TSX in a couple different barrels.

Kind of like how most people reloading FMJ bullets in the 450B usually don't get great accuracy. They usually run .4500-.4510 diameter and have a short bearing surface. I have tried the Nosler FMJ flat point (.4510 diameter, but longer bearing surface) and Sierra FMJ (.4515 diameter), and had better luck.