How Much Powder to Start?

[Hunter8282]

Finally got the bore of the Optima all cleaned out of the shipping grease. Tried a Barnes Expander MZ that I bought and was able to push it down the bore with nice even solid pressure. Nothing excessive like a lot of reviews stated. Just started it with my Powerbelt Starter and was able to nice and evenly slide it down the bore.

I also got the sample pack of Thors and I had to push the .500 down so I don't think I'll try the others. Probably going to stick with the MZs.

So, onto powder... Shooting the 250gr MZs, where should I start at with my powder? 90gr and then work my way up in 5 grain increments? I have the TC -Uview powder measure and will be shooting BH209. I just set the measure to 90 (or whatever) and filler up right?

Got to get the scope mounted and then be off for my first range trip!
Thanks!

 

[frontier gander]

if it were me, i'd start out with 100.

 

[Just Mike]

100 grains of BH209 works just fine with my Optima and the 250 gr Barnes Expander. Very accurate in my rifle. I use Winchester 209 primers.

 

[cayuga]

starting at 90 grains is a great idea. See what the bullet will do. If the group is tight, then up it to 100 grains and see what changed. Keep us posted.

 

[GM54-120]

Whichever one groups the best. That 250 MZ will function great on game with either amount but...if it were me i would try 100gr first.

 

[Widude]

When 1st zeroing a scope I start light with lower budget projectiles. For me that's about 80 grns of powder & a home cast handgun bullet in a sabot. Once I get things close I move the charge up & switch over to the projectiles I'll use for final tuning. With B209 I end up near 115 grains in my Knight 50 cal with a 250 grn SST.