That's a dang good rifle.

The heaviest bullet I ran in my Savage 22-250 barrel was 55gr. With that twist rate (1:14") I think the charts show that's the heaviest you can go. Charts don't replace trying it out for yourself, though.

By the way, my hand loads with a 55 gr Sierra Game King spire point boat tail had a screaming muzzle velocity of 3780 fps! That was a pretty stout load of Varget, though. No wonder I tomato staked the barrel after 1400 rounds.

I'm pretty sure that your rifle will stabilize the 63 gr Sierra SMP bullet, but I don't think you can buy that in a factory loaded round. And you might try the Winchester 64 gr PSP, which is factory loaded.

This is exactly my experience as well handloading for nearly 40 years with several 1/14"-twisted .22-250s.

I've never had the 63 Sierra fail to stabilize, and it also shoots very accurately. I've taken a buck or three with it and a gang of cull does.

The 64 WW PSP also stabilizes well, but the accuracy has been hit or miss in my several guns....most often quite good, but usually falling a bit behind the Sierra.

Since you're shooting heavy-for-caliber bullets, load for top velocity to ensure stabilization in 1/14" guns.

Savages website shows this particular model at 12......

Now you're golden. a 1/12" twist will easily stabilize heavy bullets in a .22-250. You have a fine gun for Texas deer and hogs now.

Awesome choice, teach that boy good shot placement and he will be able to shoot any gun he wants in the future. 60 grain should be fine, I really like Barnes TSX bullets. They retain 90-100% of their weight after impact while expanding very nice.

Barnes now has a 50 grain TTSX factory load. Just got a couple of boxes and upgraded the scope on my 22-250 from a 3x9 to a 4.5x14. Still haven't had a chance to shoot paper or critters, but confident a behind-the-ear shot from that little screamer will drop a 150 lb pig in its tracks.

If your wanting a single shot the Thompson Center Encore Pro Hunter is a nice rifle. You can change out the barrels to fit your needs. I like the 22-250, it's light enough for young kids to handle and big enough to hunt deer. Good luck.