22-250 vs 223

[MalleeFarmer]

.250 v fox headshot. Best thing about the 250 is the sound. You can actually feel the very significant pressure increase rather than just hear it! It's awesome!

[Browning]

Unless you've got a medical prob, your shoulder is made of butter or you're not eating enough cement mix, don't even think about recoil....
Honestly, if recoil is an issue on either a 223 or 250, find another sport..

[Rakk]

One thing that hasn't been mentioned is that velocity is a real bastards when it comes to steel targets.

Plates that will deflect a .308 with a slight dimple, the 22-250 can go straight through. Or damage much more significantly and wear through in short order.

Seriously strong targets are required if you want them to last, otherwise use something you consider more disposable.

[MalleeFarmer]

One thing that hasn't been mentioned is that velocity is a real bastards when it comes to steel targets.

Plates that will deflect a .308 with a slight dimple, the 22-250 can go straight through. Or damage much more significantly and wear through in short order.

Seriously strong targets are required if you want them to last, otherwise use something you consider more disposable.

I use both the .308 and the .22-250 and I have found that neither make a large mark on a bisalloy plate at 100-200 yards

[bigfellascott]

One thing that hasn't been mentioned is that velocity is a real bastards when it comes to steel targets.

Plates that will deflect a .308 with a slight dimple, the 22-250 can go straight through. Or damage much more significantly and wear through in short order.

Seriously strong targets are required if you want them to last, otherwise use something you consider more disposable.

I use both the .308 and the .22-250 and I have found that neither make a large mark on a bisalloy plate at 100-200 yards

This one got nailed by my 250 at around 80m from memory Hardox 500 plate and she sailed straight through it, the 338 Lap, 308 and 223 hardly made a scratch.

[MalleeFarmer]

S#!t what load is that with?

[Rakk]

Yep, that'd be what I was talking about.

[bones-350]

I got a ,223 and a 22,250 and my peace maker 7mm rem mag.
Personally if had my time again I would go for a .243 win instead of the 22.250
.223 rem .243 win and my 7mm rem mag. would cover all bases.

[John]

Personally not a big fan of the 22/250 but you can stretch the shots out a lot more than the .223 if you think your gunna want to take longer shots on thin skinned game it’s not a bad option I use to use a 220 swift that was a bit finicky to load but had very impressive results at longer ranges if there wasn’t any wind around the standard 220 was hard on cases they stretched a lot I had mine improved for that reason but than barral life became a problem still a great gun I’m not sure how the 250s stand up barrel and case life I haven’t used one long enough to gage that one.

[Ziege]

Now that I handload, I would have gone 220 swift, but in saying that I don't think I would have shot anything with it my 223 couldn't

[boingk]

Brain says 223 gets the vote. 22-250's aren't a bad cartridge at all but are a bit of an intermediate IMO. Sure they're fast and fast is nice, but why not have the power to go with it? Just get a 223 and you'll be right.

Heart, however, says get the 22-250 and load those fahkers up to 4000fps and ledder rip sunshine!

- boingk

[bigrich]

okay, old post fellas .but who likes 22-250 and what do you use it for ? all personal experiences and views welcome . has anyone tried a fast twist and used heavier .224 high B.C projectiles ? does anyone use this as a "walking" rifle , or is this caliber just for bull barrelled varmit rifles . i used to see a lot of older european sporters , sako's , krico's ect in this caliber .

[Ziege]

way I see it, for how useful .224 projectiles are over distance at lighter weights, If you can shoot, the choice between the two is more noise or less noise.

[SCJ429]

okay, old post fellas .but who likes 22-250 and what do you use it for ? all personal experiences and views welcome . has anyone tried a fast twist and used heavier .224 high B.C projectiles ? does anyone use this as a "walking" rifle , or is this caliber just for bull barrelled varmit rifles . i used to see a lot of older european sporters , sako's , krico's ect in this caliber .

I have owned a number of rifles in 22/250 and shot a lot of bunnies and foxes with them using 50 or 55 grain pills. Also used it on smaller pigs and goats. Always shoot very well and got over 2,500 rounds out of a barrel shooting 1/4 inch groups. You can shoot them at warp speed or throttle back to 223 speeds if you need to. Lapua make brass for it and the 1:14 twist barrels make for a very accurate combination using some flat based match bullets.

[Blr243]

Mine is a heavy barrelled howa. Just picking it up and putting it on the rack of my quad bike is an effort ... it weighs a ton. It’s strictly a quadbike spotlighting rifle for foxes and cats There’s no way I’m walking thru the bush with it

[bigrich]

okay, old post fellas .but who likes 22-250 and what do you use it for ? all personal experiences and views welcome . has anyone tried a fast twist and used heavier .224 high B.C projectiles ? does anyone use this as a "walking" rifle , or is this caliber just for bull barrelled varmit rifles . i used to see a lot of older european sporters , sako's , krico's ect in this caliber .

I have owned a number of rifles in 22/250 and shot a lot of bunnies and foxes with them using 50 or 55 grain pills. Also used it on smaller pigs and goats. Always shoot very well and got over 2,500 rounds out of a barrel shooting 1/4 inch groups. You can shoot them at warp speed or throttle back to 223 speeds if you need to. Lapua make brass for it and the 1:14 twist barrels make for a very accurate combination using some flat based match bullets.

how did you find this caliber with a sporter barrel ? was accuracy consistant for a couple of quick shots ?

[bigrich]

Mine is a heavy barrelled howa. Just picking it up and putting it on the rack of my quad bike is an effort ... it weighs a ton. It’s strictly a quadbike spotlighting rifle for foxes and cats There’s no way I’m walking thru the bush with it

i got a 223 vangaurd with a shortened barrel . the weatherby /howa action is heavy for what it is . accurate though . i can only imagine what one with a varmit barrel weighs . maybe you should set it up on the qaud with a 50 cal browning swivel mount

[Bello]

Hi Mate
I have both 223 and 22-250, Sold the 204.
I find he 223 does everything I need t to do with 55gr pills, most of my hunting is within 200 Meters.

I see the difference like that of the 22LR vs 22HMR

The 22-250 will stretch the distance you can effectively take game over the 223. As long as you are also capable of placing the shot.
Just remember, it usually the same 55gr (Or about that weight pill), that is used in a 223, just driven faster.

If you want a bit more hitting power out further possibly look at 243.

223 will shoot for a long time, 22-250 is a barrel burner.
223 Cheaper to run
223 Quieter than 22-250
A fair few pro roo shooters have gone from 22-250 to 223. for the above reasons.
Both good calibres.
Comes down to personal choice.
Do what I did...Buy BOTH

[Blr243]

Big rich...I have Foam covered racks at the right height for rifle rest front and sides Of my quad so this gives me 180 degree shooting from my quad. To steady the back end when I take a shot I jam my back against my dog cage .....but it’s a bit of a stretch sometimes If you mention swivel mount, Just as a joke but I have equipment and I like making stuff , so now u is giving me ideas. If dj can do something swiveling for the back of his cruiser perhaps I can do same for my quad ....I’ll be giving this some thought and putting pen to paper

[bigrich]

Big rich...I have Foam covered racks at the right height for rifle rest front and sides Of my quad so this gives me 180 degree shooting from my quad. To steady the back end when I take a shot I jam my back against my dog cage .....but it’s a bit of a stretch sometimes If you mention swivel mount, Just as a joke but I have equipment and I like making stuff , so now u is giving me ideas. If dj can do something swiveling for the back of his cruiser perhaps I can do same for my quad ....I’ll be giving this some thought and putting pen to paper

by swivel mount i mean a rail in a semi circle with a "mount" that can be slid around on this rail to fire in different directions to the way the vehicle is facing . i saw this system in a WW2 movie . the rail was attached inside of the top edge of a american half-track .

just a idea , a m16 spec half track with a qaud 50 would be handy for large mobs of pigs, buffalo and invading armies

[bigrich]

Hi Mate
I have both 223 and 22-250, Sold the 204.
I find he 223 does everything I need t to do with 55gr pills, most of my hunting is within 200 Meters.

I see the difference like that of the 22LR vs 22HMR

The 22-250 will stretch the distance you can effectively take game over the 223. As long as you are also capable of placing the shot.
Just remember, it usually the same 55gr (Or about that weight pill), that is used in a 223, just driven faster.

If you want a bit more hitting power out further possibly look at 243.

223 will shoot for a long time, 22-250 is a barrel burner.
223 Cheaper to run
223 Quieter than 22-250
A fair few pro roo shooters have gone from 22-250 to 223. for the above reasons.
Both good calibres.
Comes down to personal choice.
Do what I did...Buy BOTH

yeah , i understand the "cons" of the 22-250 in terms of barrel life . don't realy want to step up to 243 . i'm thinking in terms of powder and projectiles i already use ,i see the addition of the 250 as a versatile step up from the 223 . with a 1-12 twist i could use 50-60 gn projectiles but with more energy and reach . cost isn't the big factor as i don't do high volume culling .
i've found the 222 to be a nice accurate, quiet caliber for such uses. if not for the millitary developement of the 223, the 222 would probably be very popular still .
noise is probably the biggest factor to concern me , i'm thinking accuracy loads in the 250 at 223ai/really hot 223 load levels would be practicle without pushing preasure limits

keep your thoughts coming fellas

[Diamond Jim]

22-250 is certainly a popular calibre and it does have an impressive "boom". When I bought a .22 calibre rifle I asked "what do professional shooters use?"

[Blr243]

After my last trip away I’m thinking of Taking my thermal scope of the 250 and sticking the 250 in the safe for possibly a long rest. I’d rather have my 243 it’s more versatile when in on my quad at night. It’s better suited to being able to take pigs if I see them. I don’t want to be carting different rifles on my quadbike

[JimTom]

Have had both and really they’re two different animals. 22/250 has obvious advantage for the long range varmint shots. 223 has several advantages also in other areas, ie running costs, barrel life etc.
I sold my 22/250 and got a 223.

[Elmer]

Like Jim I have both. I use the .223 out to 450 and the 250 to 600yds .
I must say i really like the .223 but also the 250...
If I had to choose it would be the .223 , very accurate, not too noisy and of course longer barrel life.
With a good balliatics chart, anemometer and a quality rf you will be surprised just how far away you can drop varmints....especially in calm conditions.

[Diamond Jim]

I can reasonably consistently hit a 10cm circle (clay target) at 250m with my .223 with a rest and a favourable wind. Not guaranteed but pretty consistently. At 400 plus I'd struggle to hold steady enought regardless of the cartridge - I'm just not that good. Target shooters regularly exceed those ranges and more power to them - they put in the time and money to get those results. If you can shoot varmints in a paddock with a 22-250 (or any other cartridge) consistently at 600 yards I say "good shooting" and I'd love to get your tips. I struggle to see and identify the beggars that far away.

[straightshooter]

It's all well and good to provide personal perceptions and anecdotes for one's choice, one way or another, but the only enlightening comparison is with numbers by simply comparing point blank ranges.
Since both are primarily small game cartridges an appropriate choice of PBR is 2 inches above or below the line of sight.
So for both cartridges using the same Sierra 55 grain projectile loaded to sensible top reloader guide velocities we get
223 - MV 3150 fps - PBR 245 yards
22-250 - MV 3750 fps - PBR 286 yards
So the 22-250 extends one's PBR by 41 yards.
What does that mean in terms of practical hunting, probably not as much as one may like to think.
I doubt if anyone's unassisted range estimating ability could reliably tell the difference and if you have to fiddle with range finders and sights then the comparison between the two blurs into meaninglessness. Then the only thing that matters is true accuracy.

[Bugman]

A mate had the same dilemma a few months back. Met up with him the other day and asked what he bought. Ended up with a 223, said he liked it but didn't really say why he chose it. My guess is that ammo is pretty well available in most major places and I think cheaper than 22.250.

[Bill]

I think with a better understanding of twist rates, reloading and bullet construction these days its pretty easy to say Hello 243 goodbye 22-250 and you have so much more gun in your hands

[Grandadbushy]

I think either of these calibers put in the hands of a competent shooter (ie Elmer) would produce the same out come, to find a difference one would have to ask why the military chose the 223 for a weapon of choice, i doubt it was for cheapness of ammo, personally i think it is a personal choice for a shooter for which caliber they chose because other than the 250 having a little more ''umph'' there isn't much of a difference in outcome especially with good bullet selection, i chose the 250 because i think it is a little ''more'' for what i use it for , I've almost never had a runner so i like that little more thump it works for me, but when it comes to the wire i believe it will end up being a personal choice , but as i said with no bias either caliber put in the hands of a competent shooter will produce the same outcome so there is only price difference which lends itself to the 250 being slightly more expensive to load for or to buy ammo for.