I hunt for fur too. The 223 does alot less pelt damage and trust me i mean ALOT LESS...and ur rite the 22-250 does shoot flatter but theres a catch to that...If you get your 223 (AI) or (ackley improved). Then itl outshoot that 22-250 by a long shot. And especially if u role ur own llike ido...makes all the difference. But yea 223 def. the way to go...better pelts, less recoil, less noise, and the (AI) is a LASER!!!!!