Fixing to start reloading 22 Savage High Power. I want to use Varget and 60 gr Buffalo Arms .228 bullets. Anyone have any expericnce or advise that you would share? Thanks.

I have a 22 HP also, have always planned to load for it, lots of other things higher priority. I do recall,however, that some years back Ken Waters did an article in Handloader on it, probably in his Pet Loads column. I would contact Wolfe for a reprint. One thing I remember from the article is that he got the best accuracy from .224 bullets, not .228's. That was the conclusion reached in another article, some time ago, on the 22 HP by someone else (I don't remember who wrote it or where.) If/when I start loading for mine I will definitely get some .228's (Hornady or Buffalo Arms) but I won't be afraid to tro try .224's as well. Good luck. Are you going to give us a report on your results? Might want to post on the Savage collectors forum on this site. In fact, you might want to look for help there as well.

Try Loaddata.com. Good site for hard to find data.

Thanks doclee. Good site. Lots of loads there,but they want money to tell you how much powder.

Here�s the specifications out of my old Reloading Handbook (circa 1970) for reloading the .22 Savage Hi-Power cartridge.

Savage Model 99
20-inch barrel
Twist: 1-12
Groove Diameter: .229

Cartridge Specifications:
Bullet Diameter: .228 inches
Maximum Case Length: 2.050 inches
Trim-to-Length: 2.040 inches
Maximum Overall Length (with Bullet): 2.510 inches

Test Components:
Cases: Winchester
Primers: Winchester 120
Jacketed Bullets: Winchester 70 grain


NOTE: Variations in groove diameters are something encountered in rifles chambered for this cartridge. Most barrels have a groove diameter of .228� while a small percentage are found with a larger groove of .229�. Jacketed bullets of .228� diameter work well when used in a standard groove (.228�) barrel. For oversize barrels, we recommend the use of case lead alloy bullets which will expand to groove diameter.



70 Grain Jacketed Bullet

IMR3031 starting load: 24.0 grains = a Muzzle Velocity of 2433 feet/per/second
Maximum Load: 27.0 grains. MV = 2777 fps

IMR4895 starting load: 25.0 grains = a MV of 2400 fps
Maximum Load: 28.0 grains = a MV of 2754 fps

IMR4320 starting load: 27.0 grains = a MV of 2652 fps
Maximum Load: 30.0 grains = a MV of 2840 fps


ACCURACY LOAD: 25.3 grains of IMR3031 = a MV of 2604 fps

FACTORY DUPLICATION LOAD: 25.5 grains of IMR3031 = a MV of 2624 fps

NOTE: THESE MAXIMUM LOADS MAY BE DANGEROUS IN YOUR RIFLE. YOU SHOULD WORK UP TO THESE MAXIMUM LOADS CAREFULLY.

I hope this helps you out�


Strength & Honor�


Ron T.

Thanks Ron T. I should have thought to ask you!

De nada, compadr�.........

The nice folks at Hodgdon Powder Company have a good website with most of the modern cartridges listed and Varget loads for many of them. I have a sneaky suspicion that the 22 High Power is not on their current list, but go to <hodgdon.com> to check. Then if the powder and/or cartridge is not listed, they have been very accomodating in responding to e-mailed inquiries.

I had a similar question with Varget and my 250/3000 and they gave me special treatment. I think they are setting a high standard and will likely help get you shooting your High Power.

The Loaddata site is pay for play, which is OK too. I'm glad that Hodgdon does their service to us shooters for mutual fun and enjoyment, making us knowledgeable customers.

Border Doc