500m precision rifle choice + .223 vs 22-250

[Ariat]

Hi guys,

Trying to decide on a new rifle with a few requirements and want to see what people think.

Selection criteria as follows.

1) First priority is accuracy, with a max (and commonly used at) 500m range.

2) To be used for serious but non-competitive target shooting. Want to do well but choice is not dictated by any rules or restrictions or a particular class.

3) Low recoil, e.g. not interested in .30 calibre or similar options.

4) Also to be used for varmints/hunting so needs to be reasonably carryable. Not a BR profile stock and truck axel barrel.


At the moment I'm thinking a T3 Super Varmint ticks all the boxes.


Assuming that's the way I go, the most suitable chamber options seem to be either .223 Rem (with the 1:8 twist barrel option) or .22-250. (1:14 twist).

Where I'm a little murky on the 22-250 is I read a lot of feedback saying it is more accurate than the .223 rem, but not much supporting explanation to back the comments up.

.223 can be apples and oranges too depending on whether you are talking about a 1:12 option shooting light pills or a 1:8 option shooting heavy pills.

On paper it seems to me the 1:8 .223 could potentially do better due to being able to shoot heavier / higher BC pills. The 22-250 could potentially do better due to the increased velocity. I'm just concern with accuracy between the two, not reloading costs or other factors.


So question 1) Thoughts on rifle?

Question 2) .223 or 22-250 for accuracy and why?


Thanks guys

[happyhunter]

.

[Chronos]

you won't be able to buy a factory 22-250 with a barrel twist fast enough to stabalize high BC bullets for long range, a 1:8" twist 223 would be the best choice of the two

Chronos

PS: Don't waste your money on a Super Varmint, just get a Varmint and fit a EGW Pic rail if that's what you need

[Modena]

just because I want to know, what exactly is "serious but non-competitive target shooting" ?

[sandgroperbill]

I don't target shoot, but would the 6 or 6.5 cals be worth looking at? Other than that, 22-250 obviously produces higher velocities, but the.223 1:8 has more potential being able to bring heavier and high bc pills to the table.
.223 has definite advantages over all these calibers, though. Pretty much available in any rifle you can imagine, plentiful, cheap ammo, and OSA/ADI producegreat and inexpensive factory ammo.
My vote would be .223

[deye243]

so do you want 5 or 6 thousand accurate rounds (sub .5moa) or 2 if you only want 2 get a 22-250

[Apollo]

I'd be thinking a .243W if it's to be a Factory Rifle. More accurate at longer range on a consistant basis but 500m is a bit too far in my view.

[happyhunter]

.

[Ariat]

PS: Don't waste your money on a Super Varmint, just get a Varmint and fit a EGW Pic rail if that's what you need

Ooow. You're right.

I see I've made a mistake there, I had it in my head that the Super Varmint was only about $80 more than the Varmint but on double checking I see it is more like $400.

I'd go with the regular Varmint then.

[Ariat]

just because I want to know, what exactly is "serious but non-competitive target shooting" ?

I mean I will not be competing in events, but I still want that level of accuracy.

I mention it specifically so it's clear I'm not limited by restrictions or requirements that a particular competition places on the rifle being used, and that I'm free to buy whatever.

[Ariat]

Thanks for the other suggestions on 6.5 options or .243, they're not hitting the spot for me though and still favouring the other options for recoil, and .223 is sounding better in itself plus the added benefit of factory ammo and being cheap all around.

.223 it is I think.

[Gwion]

Seriously, go a 223 Rem.

Cheaper to feed and also cheaper in the long run when the barrels last 2-3 times as long.

Also, as stated, unless you go a project build and put a new barrel on a 2nd hand 22-250, you will have a better choice of barrel twist in a 223rem. Read up on barrel twist and ballistic coefficient in relation to bullet length (often referred to as bullet weight).

From memory, a 1:9 twist (Howa & Weatherby VG) will handle (stabilise) up to 65gn bullets & 1:8 twist (Tikka & Sako) will handle 70gn+ bullets. They will have you shooting just fine out to 500m at targets with practice.

I managed to stay close to the middle with 50gn bullets in a 1:12twist barrel out of my 223rm @ 500yd but at 600yd it was very marginal. A longer heavier bullet would have carried better but i ended up getting a bigger cal (7mm).

With practice for wind and range (and the right load) you will be able to shoot vermin out to 300yd with out too much trouble with a 223.

I know i've just glanced over a lot of info, just trying to hint at things for you to read up on.

[Gwion]

Also, do you have a 22lr already?

If not, get one and shoot it out at 100yd (after practice at 50). You will start to see how much technique can make a big difference to groups at range, and do so without spend wads of cash on ammo while burning barrel life on your center fire.

[Seik]

.223 Remington.

The extra velocity of the 22-250 isn't of much advantage for what you want to do compared to missing out on the benefits of the .223 Rem.

[Baronvonrort]

Hi guys,

Selection criteria as follows.

1) First priority is accuracy, with a max (and commonly used at) 500m range.

.223 can be apples and oranges too depending on whether you are talking about a 1:12 option shooting light pills or a 1:8 option shooting heavy pills.

Thanks guys

Shooting a .223 out to 500 will mean 1:8 twist.

Nothing wrong with having both a .223 and 22-250, why does it always have to be one or the other

[Ariat]

why does it always have to be one or the other

Because I haven't found that winning lottery ticket yet

[Baronvonrort]

why does it always have to be one or the other

Because I haven't found that winning lottery ticket yet

I would consider a .243 if you can only have one.

[ebr love]

.223 with heavy pills, hands down.