.223 vs. .22-250

pbird74 · 12-14-2006, 03:39 AM

I'm in the market for a predator gun. Coyotes, groundhogs, bobcats. I'd like to get a 300 yd shot if necessary (for the challenge), but the .223 seems cheaper to shoot. Any advice?

Chantecler111 · 12-14-2006, 03:40 AM

Nothing is wrong with the .223, for 300 yard shots on varmints, or yotes.

duramaxnay6 · 12-14-2006, 09:48 AM

I shoot a .223. 300yards is pretty much the end of it's effective hunting range. A 22-250 ora 220swift would be better for ranges farther than that. It all depends on how much you shoot and whether or not you reload also. If you only coyote hunt, you may want to get a 22-250. It has more knock down and is more versitile. Especially if you reload seeing as it is about the same price to reload .223 or 22-250.If you don't reload and you do shoot a lot, the .223 will be just fine.

North Texan · 12-14-2006, 01:38 PM

Either will kill coyotes very easily at 300 yards.

If you are doing a little more volume shooting, like groundhogs, all else equal, the .223 will be able to keep up a little higher rate of fire because it won't heat up as quick.

I like the flexibility of the .223. I've got a 1:9" twist barrel, and I can shoot 40 gr. V-Maxes on up to the heavier grain Nosler Partitions without any problems. If my barrel twist was much faster, I couldn't shoot the 40 grainers without them flying apart as they leave the barrel. Much slower, and I wouldn't be able to stabilize heavy for caliber bullets.

I am about to start working on some reduced loads. I should be able to use some Blue dot and get loads that mimic the performance of 22 Hornet, maybe even a 22WMR. This will limit the damage done to smaller critters, like bobcats and coons, and also lessen the report.

jake smith09 · 12-14-2006, 07:38 PM

duramaxnay6, i'll have to disagree with you.... I have a Savage 10FP .223 and shoot out to 400 yards consistintaly. a .223 is a good choice for what your looking for. Cheap Ammo, Very accurate (for me i hit 1/4" groups at 200 yards

) Thats my standing.

RJH · 12-21-2006, 01:06 AM

I have both calibers andshoot black hills, hornady, Winchesterballistic tip. They are priced pretty closeI don't think you are gonna hunt coyotes with plinker ammo so I would base yourdecision on the cheap ammo unless like others said you are gonna shoot alot.A .22-250 will hit a little harder and shoot a little flatter but also be a little louder.My .22-250 is a savage mdl 12 bvss and .223 is a ar15with a 1 in 8 twist so it is pretty verstile as I can shoot 45 grain to 77 grain ifI want.Ifyou geta .223 I would get a fast twist rate so you can shoot heavier bullets just for the versatility.

jake smith09 · 12-22-2006, 08:41 PM

RJH, .22-250's do not shoot flatter than a .223! A .223 is considered one of the flattest shooting guns on the market. I didnt know they made 1-8 twist i know they make 1-9 though.... thats what mine is

cascadedad · 12-22-2006, 09:20 PM

Your signature line. "Early to bed, Early to rise, Hunt like heck, Make up lies"

Ok, now I understand where you are coming from.

biscuit jake · 12-23-2006, 08:52 PM

I would see 2 reasons to go to a 22-250: distance and wind. They can get you more range, and since they can push a pill faster, they are slightly less susceptible to wind. The 220 Swift is also a great speed king. Both make more noise than the 223 if you shoot in settled areas like I do.

BTW I have a Sako with a 1:8 twist.

Ridge Runner · 12-24-2006, 11:17 AM

I'd opt for a 1/8 223, its better than a standard 22-250 even for longer shots(500 yds and more) due to the fact that it will stabilise the 69 gr smk's and the 75 gr amax's and scirroco's. I personaly have killed groundhogs to 550 yds (missed one at 600 by less than 2") with my 24" 1/8 twist RRA varminter. Remember this at longer ranges high BC outruns velocity everytime, and is effected less by wind.
RR