wyotimberghost

I've decided to buy a varmint-style rifle for long distance prairie dogs, coyotes, and targets, and possibly the occasional doe. My question is this- how much of an advantage would a 243 have over a 22-250 in terms of its ability to buck the notorious Wyoming wind? I'd shoot 75-85gr bullets in a 243, and if I were shooting a 22-250 I'd probably use 55gr bullets. Top shooting range would be about 500 yards. Prairie dogs and targets are my main concern since I have a 7mm Rem Mag that can be used for deer and dogs in the high winds.

Also, how much of a difference would I find between a 243 and 22-250 regarding my ability to watch bullet impact through the scope? This won't really effect which cabliber I pick; I'm just curious since I've never shot a 243.

Any input is appreciated.

(BTW, I realize the 22-250 is not legal to harvest deer with here. No need to remind me[8D])

DANTHEHUNTER

You could watch your bullet with either of those cartridges.If I was in your shoes (I hope you wear 12) I think I would opt for the .243,You can still shoot 55gr through it also.In a target/varmint rifle they will weight enough to hold the bucking down.
I just cant help myself I have to say I really love my .220 swift,it has been alot of fun loading for and its hard to stop shooting it.I have enough space here to shoot out to 1000 meters. No I cant hit worth a $$$T at that range but its fun trying. Now with my .50bmg watch out

zrexpilot

HEAD0001

243 all the way. IMO any 22 caliber past 300 yards is ineffective on varmints. The wind is just too hard on 22 calibers. I know alot of people like their 22-250's, and their 220 swift's. And I am not trying to step on any toes. I like the heavier bullets for distances past 300 yards. A 223 Remington is effective to 300 yards-so I see no need for the other 22's. Except the Hornet. The 243 will give you the wind bucking ability. I think I would step up to at least the 25 caliber. I just ordered a 6.5 X 284 for ground hog's here in WV-out to 600 yards.

I have owned all the 22 caliber's over the years. I have been ground hog hunting for 37 years. And if you want to make consistent hits on hogs over 300 yards. Then you need at least a quarter bore. Tom.

Ruddyduck

Unless you reload as a pure varmit round there is nothing better than the 22-250. If you're looking for something as a dual purpose that will shoot a heavier bullet for deer sized game then go with a 243.
I 'll have to disagree for there's thousands of marmots, p. dogs and woodchucks that would testify about a 22-250 ability (in the right hands) at 400-450 yards ,that is if they were still around.

358WINMAN

I agree, Ruddy...

The 22-250 can and will shoot well with 55 gr pills out to 450yds. Ask all the coyotes that have died by this very recipe!!! My .22-250 AIwill do 3460fps with 55's and shoot them into a nickle all day long. I have the trigger set to a very crisp 2.5 lbs and the crown is recut to 11 degrees, lugs lapped, bolt face trued etc. The cartridge is up to the job, the reality is, many shooters are not! They don't practice long range shooting which is necessary to be successful at sniping critters beyond 300yds. JMHO

HEAD0001

I am by no means saying that the faster 22 caliber's will not do it. I am just saying that when I shoot past 300 yards it has been my experience that my "HITS" are much higher with the larger bullets. And out to 300 yards, I can nottell any major difference between the hot 22's, and the 223 Remington. Tom.

BowHunterFett

I would have to say do what you want to. I have a .243 and love it, just went out to the range Saturday and shot a few rounds with it. I have it hittin an inch high at 100 with 58 grain Hornady V-Maxs'. I set up targets at 80, 125, 175, 200, and 250. All I have to do is put the crosshairs where I want em and pow, seeya. I put one at 325yds and only aimed about 2" high and bullseye. The gun is totally capable of anything. Had a full pop can sittin at 500 last fall, 2nd shot sent it sailin, had to aim about a foot high, but nailed it, completly shredded it. These shots were with a cross wind about 10-15 mph, hit right on. Bucks the wind great. I am in love with this gun. Just my experience with it, so make your own decision.

biscuit jake

At 500, even if you know your average velocity, small targets are tougher to work. Heck the wind can change out there as soon as you pull the trigger. So where wind is an issue, I would be after the .244 bullets. If you reload, I would go 6mm. Just my take.