22-250 vs 223

Varminting and vertebrate pest control. Small game, hunting feral goats, foxes, dogs, cats, rabbits etc.

22-250 vs 223

Post by petemacsydney » 16 Sep 2015, 9:12 pm

OK OK OK, i know this one has been done to death before, but despite hours and hours of googling, i'm no closer to making a decision...

22-250 VS .223

What would you get and why?

Don't worry about what i'm going to use it for etc etc, i'm just interested to hear why each of you choose one over the other and why??? Hopefully it will help me make a decision. Maybe you choose both, but for different reasons??? I'd love to hear about both choices and reasons.

Just keen to hear your thoughts on the matter...

Thanks all - always great to hear what other Aussie hunters and shooters are liking and choosing!!

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22-250 vs 223

Post by headspace » 16 Sep 2015, 9:27 pm

Personally I'd go for the 22/250, it's a great cartridge and very accurate. Ideal if you want to do long range shots on foxes and rabbits. I had a 223 but sold it and bought a 222 Rem. In my opinion a better cartridge. But I really will consider a 22/250 down the track. The best thing about the 223 is ammo availability, but I don't that's a good enough reason to by one.
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22-250 vs 223

Post by aaronjo » 16 Sep 2015, 9:53 pm

I got a .223 just to start as a first rifle as ammo is cheap and it's accurate but if I'm ever gonna change my .223 the 22-250 is top of my list.
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22-250 vs 223

Post by Browning » 16 Sep 2015, 10:08 pm

Never owned a 223 but my 250 T3 Varmint is easily the favourite cal in my safe.. Friggin laser beam.. Love it, get one now..
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22-250 vs 223

Post by Baldrick314 » 16 Sep 2015, 10:11 pm

The 22-250 has greater velocity which translates to better hitting power but at the cost of barrel life. If you're using it on small game the difference is negligible at normal hunting ranges, it will only be appreciable if you use it on medium game at slightly longer distances. As a hunting rifle I'd choose the 250 every time but if you were more inclined to target shooting I'd choose the 223.

If we were in a position to get military ammo cheap that would be another tick for the 223 but we're not. 223 factory is cheaper but handloading makes the costs about equal.

Bottom line I have a 250 that I inherited from my dad, when the time comes to re-barrel or replace it I'll be choosing the 250 again
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Re: 22-250 VS .223..... School me!

Post by brett1868 » 16 Sep 2015, 10:48 pm

Do you want to try a 22-250 Pete?
Happy to bring my Sako 22-250 out to the range some time, if St Mary's isn't too much of a hike for you. I can also bring the Sako .204 Ruger as well just for comparison sakes. Unfortunately I don't own a .223, only because the .204 & 22-250 do such a good job on the varmints. I have to confess that I haven't shot the 22-250 in the last 12 months as I'm having an affair with a .257 Weatherby Magnum.
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Re: 22-250 VS .223..... School me!

Post by sandgroperbill » 17 Sep 2015, 1:02 am

It really does depend on individual circumstances and what you're using it for and what else you have. Personally I chose a .223 in 1/8. It's a workhorse hunting rifle. ammo is very readily available, it,s accurate enough for what I need, has enough range for what I use it for and the barrel will last a lot longer. Factory ammo is also relatively cheap. Being 1/8 it stabilises a larger range of pill sizes. If you do get a .223, I would suggest 1/8.

If the .223 isn't suitable for the job, I use something bigger
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Re: 22-250 VS .223..... School me!

Post by pomemax » 17 Sep 2015, 2:20 am

If your in NSW not western aust just get one of each
Seriously the cost of the the Ammo is not a factor look at the cost federal 223 55g $22.00/20 federal 22.250 55g $24.00/20
any thing i hit with 223 or 22.250 they end up dead so i cant ask what worked better for them.
Reloading I reload for both its cost effective
if your at all recoil sensitive go 223 even if 22.250 its still not much recoil
.I have 2 223 both work well with any pill i put in them 1 Tikka 1 Ruger
22.250 is a Ruger and when i'm shooting it its just a feeling a' flatter shot ' with more if that makes any sense
Like other have said 223 for a target rifle at the moment i'm having an old omark 308 converted to 223 for a target rifle
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Re: 22-250 VS .223..... School me!

Post by petemacsydney » 17 Sep 2015, 7:42 am

Thanks guys. Appreciate the info!
Brett, I'll take you up on that offer mate. That would be great. Ive shot plenty of 223, but never a 250.
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Re: 22-250 VS .223..... School me!

Post by heeple » 17 Sep 2015, 11:26 am

Baldrick314 wrote:The 22-250 has greater velocity which translates to better hitting power but at the cost of barrel life.


And a bit higher cost in ammo too, burning more powder.
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Re: 22-250 VS .223..... School me!

Post by sandgroperbill » 17 Sep 2015, 11:28 am

If you already have a .223, perhaps consider a .204 ruger?
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Re: 22-250 VS .223..... School me!

Post by brett1868 » 17 Sep 2015, 11:52 am

petemacsydney wrote:Thanks guys. Appreciate the info!
Brett, I'll take you up on that offer mate. That would be great. Ive shot plenty of 223, but never a 250.
Cheers pete


Done, drop me a line when you're ready and I'll bring out the Sako twins and possibly even my Weatherby mistress :D
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Re: 22-250 VS .223..... School me!

Post by <<Genesis93>> » 17 Sep 2015, 11:56 am

Is it fair to say the 223 Rem is the standard today in 22 centrefire??...... its available in faster twist for higher mass bullets, but lower velocity potential compared to the 22-250 Rem which has a larger case, larger diameter and rim size (22-250 = standard rim like 30-06 family / 223Rem small rim)

22-250 is generally slower twist rifling for lighter bullets and higher velocity than the smaller 223Rem

The 223Rem ammo is probably the cheapest centrefire??? you may even come across commercial ammo as cheap as 50-55c/round which is what I've previously paid for the cheap wolf ammo, steel case, which is all you need for plinking, even hunting the small stuff....they dont complain....

Recoil is negligible....if you complain about it then you best be returning to the knitting needles for your recreation...

Out of interest the 22-250 is called the '250 as its a necked down 250-3000Savage being a quarter-bore named after the velocity that was back then, a century ago super fast (they used a lighter proj, I recall 80 or so grain to get it to reach 3k)
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Re: 22-250 VS .223..... School me!

Post by <<Genesis93>> » 17 Sep 2015, 11:58 am

<<Genesis93>> wrote:Is it fair to say the 223 Rem is the standard today in 22 centrefire??...... its available in faster twist for higher mass bullets, but lower velocity potential compared to the 22-250 Rem which has a larger case, larger diameter and rim size (22-250 = standard rim like 30-06 family / 223Rem small rim)

22-250 is generally slower twist rifling for lighter bullets and higher velocity than the smaller 223Rem

The 223Rem ammo is probably the cheapest centrefire??? you may even come across commercial ammo as cheap as 50-55c/round which is what I've previously paid for the cheap wolf ammo, steel case, which is all you need for plinking, even hunting the small stuff....they dont complain....

Recoil is negligible....if you complain about it then you best be returning to the knitting needles for your recreation...

Out of interest the 22-250 is called the '250 as its a necked down 250-3000Savage being a quarter-bore named after the velocity that was back then, a century ago super fast (they used a lighter proj, I recall 80 or so grain to get it to reach 3k)


edit to add: I believe a large part of the popularity here, is the expectation (really a fantasy unfortunately) that milsurp ammo will be available to Aussie shooters, bringing down the price of fodder... apparently we have laws preventing this, therefore you will see milsurp Aussie ammo available in the US market, not here!!! :evil: :evil:
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Re: 22-250 VS .223..... School me!

Post by bigfellascott » 17 Sep 2015, 5:04 pm

I love the BOOM of the 250 - I own 222, 223, 204 and 22-250 and the 250 smashes things way better than the rest (the thump when that 55gn projectile hits is beautiful to hear) and the red mist action is nothing but spectacular to say the least.

I love using em all but the 250 really is awesome when it comes to red mist action.
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Re: 22-250 VS .223..... School me!

Post by brett1868 » 17 Sep 2015, 8:08 pm

bigfellascott wrote:I love the BOOM of the 250 - I own 222, 223, 204 and 22-250 and the 250 smashes things way better than the rest (the thump when that 55gn projectile hits is beautiful to hear) and the red mist action is nothing but spectacular to say the least.

I love using em all but the 250 really is awesome when it comes to red mist action.


Probably the best summary of all, the 250 definitely blows the bunnies to pieces and the thump is distinctive. Bugger...with all this talk I'll definitely hit the range tomorrow with it and hope the mistress doesn't find out.
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Re: 22-250 VS .223..... School me!

Post by petemacsydney » 18 Sep 2015, 10:08 am

lol. the Mrs always finds out...
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Re: 22-250 VS .223..... School me!

Post by <<Genesis93>> » 18 Sep 2015, 10:53 am

petemacsydney wrote:lol. the Mrs always finds out...


Brett knows that, he's got the Mrs covered.... he was talking about the Mistress .... :lol: :silent:
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Re: 22-250 VS .223..... School me!

Post by petemacsydney » 18 Sep 2015, 10:58 am

oh OK that's another story then!!! If the fiddy cal gf gets wind he's shooting a 250, she will be right pee'd off !!!!
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Re: 22-250 VS .223..... School me!

Post by Baronvonrort » 20 Sep 2015, 8:52 pm

Get a 22-250 then decide between .204 ruger and .223
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Re: 22-250 VS .223..... School me!

Post by happyhunter » 21 Sep 2015, 12:07 am

.
Last edited by happyhunter on 13 Feb 2017, 10:56 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: 22-250 VS .223..... School me!

Post by GLS_1956 » 21 Sep 2015, 3:29 am

Get both.
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Re: 22-250 VS .223..... School me!

Post by petemacsydney » 21 Sep 2015, 8:33 am

happyhunter wrote:Depends on how much noise you want to make. Get both if undecided.


whats the noise difference like?
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Re: 22-250 VS .223..... School me!

Post by bigfellascott » 21 Sep 2015, 8:49 am

petemacsydney wrote:
happyhunter wrote:Depends on how much noise you want to make. Get both if undecided.


whats the noise difference like?


Ones a BOOM (22.250) the others a CRACK (223) 22.250 being louder (more powder = more noise obviously.
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Re: 22-250 VS .223..... School me!

Post by rsj223 » 21 Sep 2015, 9:54 am

bigfellascott wrote:
petemacsydney wrote:
happyhunter wrote:Depends on how much noise you want to make. Get both if undecided.


whats the noise difference like?


Ones a BOOM (22.250) the others a CRACK (223) 22.250 being louder (more powder = more noise obviously.

That Boom sound is the best, would it be similar to .308 without the kick?
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Re: 22-250 VS .223..... School me!

Post by petemacsydney » 21 Sep 2015, 12:00 pm

is the kick much more than a 223?
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Re: 22-250 VS .223..... School me!

Post by <<Genesis93>> » 21 Sep 2015, 12:36 pm

petemacsydney wrote:is the kick much more than a 223?


Although not in the realm of the 308win (with up to approx 20 ft.lb.force)

The 22-250 produces (surprisingly) almost 50% more free recoil compared to the 223.

Going by ADI loads for 55gr combinations;

22-250Rem = 6.2ft.lb.force free recoil 8lb rifle
223Rem = 4.2ft.lb.force max free recoil 8lb rifle



(Free recoil is determined by; a) Rifle mass b) projectile mass c) projectile velocity d) propellant charge)
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Re: 22-250 VS .223..... School me!

Post by petemacsydney » 21 Sep 2015, 1:14 pm

cool, thx
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Re: 22-250 VS .223..... School me!

Post by Sam45 » 21 Sep 2015, 7:25 pm

I have a .223 and a 308 and defiantly my next rifle will be in 22.250. A mate I go hunting with has one, and it certainly does the job. My .223 I have found is my fav so far. Really easy to shot. As i'm fairly new to shooting I have found you can shoot it all day long, well the .308, smashes you after a while :)
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Re: 22-250 VS .223..... School me!

Post by Elmer » 21 Sep 2015, 9:02 pm

Get both mate, Ive got 3 sako 85s LVSS a .223 , 22-250 and a .260....will be using the 250 from 400-550 maybe 600yds and have used the .223 to smack bunnies out to 450yds. Both are very accurate but if your content to limit your self to about 450yds well then I would stick with the .223. Check out my youtube channel , have got some good long range shots with the .223.
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