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.223, .223 ai, OR .22-250??? New stick ideas!!!

Farmboy05

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Jul 13, 2009
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JBER, AK
I just got my .260 back from RW Snyder and am contemplating having him build me another rifle. The .260 just completed is a Rem 700 with a 24" Rock 5R MTU, Manners T4, Badger M5 bottom metal. I'm selling my H.S. in .223 Wssm and would like ideas as to a new chambering for the next rifle. It will be used primarily as a coyote rifle and would like to keep to something with commercially available ammo. I have owned rifles in both .223 and .223 ai, but never in .22-250 or .220 swift. I really like the .223 ai, but I also really like being able to be shooting, not reloading all the time. So long story short I am open to ideas and suggestions. I'll be having the rifle built to the same specs as the .260, the only thing that I might change is the contour of the barrel. Any input would be very appreciated!
 
Re: .223, .223 ai, OR .22-250??? New stick ideas!!!

Farmboy05,

I'd go pure economy and do 223.Most shots on Yotes are shot at less than 200Y and ammo is everywhere.220 swift was one of my favorite cartridges.Since I've discovered those adjustable turrets on top of my scopes,laser rangefinders and ballistic programs things have changed.
smile.gif


Steve
 
Re: .223, .223 ai, OR .22-250??? New stick ideas!!!

I really like my 22 250. I have one in a Ruger No 1 and with the right loads it will shoot 3/4 groups at 100, I know they are not the most accurate guns around but I love the way they look. I also have a 22 250 being built by GA that I ordered about 7 months ago with Badger detachable magazine bottom metal that I am anxiously awating their call. It is a great round and can find good quality ammo just about anywhere.
 
Re: .223, .223 ai, OR .22-250??? New stick ideas!!!

It's hard to beat the selection of ammunition and economy of a 223.
If you build one with an 8 twist throated properly, you can shoot everything from 35 to 80 grains.
That being said, I went 223 AI.
 
Re: .223, .223 ai, OR .22-250??? New stick ideas!!!

A 75gr Amax pushed at swift and 22-250 velocities is pretty impressive when you run it through JBM, but that would also mean loading it. The .223 seems like a no-brainer since there's a lot of good factory ammo available. The AI might be a step better, but you're back to loading your own ammo to take advantage of it.
 
Re: .223, .223 ai, OR .22-250??? New stick ideas!!!

I fully realize you said that you do not want to spend a lot of time reloading. So my comments may be disregarded if you want. however I built a 22-250 with a 1in8 Krieger barrel for long range hunting(varmints) and shooting. All of my shooting so far has been limited to 600 yards. And I have been extremely pleased with this rig. the 1in8 will also stabilize 55 grain factory ammo. I have shot the Hornady 55 grain factory ammo with great success. however the 75 grain A-Max is one fantastic bullet for long range hunting of varmints. Just an opinion. Tom.
 
Re: .223, .223 ai, OR .22-250??? New stick ideas!!!

22-250. It will do anything the 223 will do and do it better. Yeah I know ammo is higher but you get what you pay for in this case. I can't for the life of me figure out why someone wouldn't want to reload, to me that's half the fun. But to each his own I guess.
 
Re: .223, .223 ai, OR .22-250??? New stick ideas!!!

223ai

No brass trimming, 75g A-max at 3050 to 3100+ arent hard to like

i would go that route over the 223 just bc i dont like to trim brass, plus regular ole 223 shoots great in a 223ai

i wouldnt go 22-250 just because i feel the extra case capacity isnt worth it, WAY more barrel heat, i can shoot my 223ai 20x and a 22-250 that my buddy had was hotter after 10x shots

i like to pull the trigger and for me the 223ai is where its at for a plinker or training gun, i find its a real hammer, once you start pushing her past 800yd conditions will get the best of me most of the time, but its a great round

 
Re: .223, .223 ai, OR .22-250??? New stick ideas!!!

I have no problems reloading, it's just that it would be nice to be able to pick up some loaded cartridges for "Just in Case". I'm leaning more towards the .223 ai or .22-250, but haven't made up my mind yet. Thanks for all of the replys so far!
 
Re: .223, .223 ai, OR .22-250??? New stick ideas!!!

.22-250, Surgeon RSR single shot or repeater, Lilja #8 (or 27 taper
whistle.gif
) fluted, McMillan Prone (60% OD, 40% light grey). Shit, now I have to look in the penny jar.
 
Re: .223, .223 ai, OR .22-250??? New stick ideas!!!

I love a 223 ( especially on Prairie Dog towns) but when it comes to Song Dogs a 22-250 gets my vote.

Dropped this Dog today ( 8 twist rock 75gr amax)

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( 75gr amax)
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Lighter weight bullets also work

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Re: .223, .223 ai, OR .22-250??? New stick ideas!!!

i am in the process of building a 22-250AI on an RSR as we speak. i LOVE the 223AI. it is my all time favorite but run the .435 BC 75 a-max at 3400-3500 out of a 22-250AI and you have a VERY flat shooting rifle capable of much more than its caliber would lead you to believe.

chuck
 
Re: .223, .223 ai, OR .22-250??? New stick ideas!!

Robert built my 223AI, 1:7 twist, 20" Brux, sub.5moa rifle. Probably a quarter minute gun with a real shooter. Drives 80gr VLD's and 80gr Amaxes like they were on a mission. Absolutely no regrets!
 
Re: .223, .223 ai, OR .22-250??? New stick ideas!!

I am sure you would like any of them. For coyotes, I would not consider any of them but the 22-250. I do not know about the guy who shoots them at less than 200 yd. That is not the case in KS. Also about laser rangefinders, dials etc. Someone must be hunting some very tame coyotes. Here thay are usually running and over 300 yd. Get a 22-250, 55 grain bullets and seat them down on a case filled up to the base of the neck with IMR 4064. Sight for 300 yd and that should put you less than 2" high at 100 and 200. About 5" low at 400. 16" low at 500. If you want a .223 for coyotes, get a good accurate AR. I usually carry both and take all shots out to 250 with the AR and use the 22-250 for longer ranges. And remember you can also lead less with the 22-250. One of the worlds great Ctgs. If ordering a custom barrel for a 55-60 grain bullet consider a 13 twist. That should get you to 600, and that is about all you can do with a 22 and get good solid kills. JMO
 
Re: .223, .223 ai, OR .22-250??? New stick ideas!!

223ai does it all, however I would lighten up the barrel and shorten it. mine weighs in just under 10 lbs it is the one in the front. 22" benchmark 8 flute rem. varmint contour. it is a surgeon rsr in adj. mcmillan a3 with badger m5
IMGP6529.jpg
 
Re: .223, .223 ai, OR .22-250??? New stick ideas!!!

If you are using this primarly as a hunting rig I woul go 22/250 with a fast twist barrel and load for the heavies.

If you are consirned about factory ammo and want to shoot at the range a lot I would go 223 AI. Just shoot the factorys for awhile. You won't be giving up much in accuracy. Load ackleys down the road.
 
Re: .223, .223 ai, OR .22-250??? New stick ideas!!!

Nice coyotes, Ridge!

'Course he could build him a .22-243 and launch those 75AMAXs at 3400 or 55NBTs easy over 4K...

Talk about a coyote slayer!
 
Re: .223, .223 ai, OR .22-250??? New stick ideas!!!

About the .223 AI. It holds 7% more powder for 3-5% more velocity. This cannot be disputed with facts. If you are getting more than this it is due to overloading. You can overload a std .223 just as well, if you are so inclined. About ammo, are you really going to shoot "junk" in your new custom stick? I sure would not. Are you going to the Australian outback to shoot kangroos and need to buy standard ammo in large quanities? I hear so much BS about the .223 AI from local guys I am amazed.
(3800 from a 50 grain bullet in a 24" barrel etc.) It is a fine ctg, but come on. When those coyotes are rolling along, I want a 22-250 or fast shooting AR for short range. Reach for the laser, loose the shot. Dial your scope, gone.
A lot of the rifles shown on here look like safe queens to me. My coyote rifles have not been shot for about 12 hours now and will not be shot until after 5 pm today. The bores are worn, and there is mud on the stocks. And I can hit a quarter at 300 yds first shot, right now. To kill coyotes, that is what I want. And no .223 will get it done like the 22-250. And by the way, you should not overlook the Rem VSSF, or 40X repeater. Not a cool gun I guess, but I have seen a few of them that shot .25 moa out of the box. How much better can it get?
 
Re: .223, .223 ai, OR .22-250??? New stick ideas!!!

I found trimming 223 brass after nearly every firing to get old fast, as opposed to almost never with the Ackley version. More performance is a nice addition as well. You can easily run factory 223 ammo in it and when your done, voila, you've just made Ackley brass. My fireform groups were 1/4 moa bigger on average than my final match loads (or roughly 1 moa). I see no down side other than the initial expense of having the work done to the rifle. If it's a custom tube, the expense is the same.
 
Re: .223, .223 ai, OR .22-250??? New stick ideas!!!

rth1800,

i KNOW my 223ai pushes a 52 a-max at 3750 and i KNOW that there are damn few people who can shoot running coyotes at 300yds plus on a regular basis and even fewer who could make a first shot hit on a quarter at 300yds at the drop of a hat. i just measured a quarter at .950 diameter. so your worn out coyote rifles are holding .3moa and you can shoot them that well on any given sunday. IMPRESSIVE! maybe you should try running quarters at 300yds for a challenge.


chuck
 
Re: .223, .223 ai, OR .22-250??? New stick ideas!!!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: pc3</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Will the .223ai feed through the néw .223 ai mags? </div></div>

Like a fat bitch at a buffet....
 
Re: .223, .223 ai, OR .22-250??? New stick ideas!!!

I shoot both 223 and 22-250. Both rounds will get it done at reasonable distances. To me i'ts whether I want to drive a Prius or a Porsche. If your looking for longer distance (less bullet drop) and speed with accuracy then it's 22-250 all the way. There's plenty of commercially available ammo or reloading supplies.
 
Re: .223, .223 ai, OR .22-250??? New stick ideas!!!

I have had all 3 the 223,223AI and the 22-250. The 22-250 was ok, the 223 has the same group sizes and cheaper to load. The AI is the same cost to load and you can shoot the heavy bullets. If you want fast and hard hitting just build a 50 or 408,416,338....
 
Re: .223, .223 ai, OR .22-250??? New stick ideas!!!

Selfbow,
.223 AI, Less than 10% more powder. 5% more velocity max. EVERYTHING else is due to overloading. It is a nice case, and a fine cartridge. It is not magic. If you load a 22-250 to the same pressure, it will shoot a 50-52 grain bullet to 4050 fps.
I also said my rifles are worn in the bore, not worn out. If you care to visit, I will lay my 22-250 over the hood of my truck and shoot that quarter. If I miss I will pay for your trip. We can try to shoot some coyotes while you are here. Offer good to end of FEB, except weekend of 19-21. I darn sure do not hit all shots on running coyotes at any range. I am not willing to sit on the sidelines and watch them run off either. I and I do kill quite a few. 21 so far this year.I have averaged over 20 a year for the last 40 years. Farthest this year was 510 standing and one running at a bit over 425. Both with a 22-250. I would also say that I kill most of them with an AR in .223 Rem. Past 300, I want the 22-250. Just my opinion. Except the FACTS on the .223 AI. If you believe that 7-10% more powder can give a 15-20% increase in velocity with the same pressure, you have drank the cool-aid. You can also overload a std. .223 and increase the velocity as well.
 
Re: .223, .223 ai, OR .22-250??? New stick ideas!!!

well, i never have to use a hammer to open my bolt and i havnt blown myself up yet so i guess my 223ack load is somewhat sane. why dont you come down to texas and prove what you say. three things i can GUARANTEE: we will have a hell of a time, we will kill some dogs, and you should bring extra cash because you WILL be buying the refrestments after the 300yd quarter and running coyote shots. i have hunted coyotes my whole life and at some times quite seriously. my shooting skills are at least slightly below average! i would say most shots are 100yds or so and i can count on my fingers the times i have had to take a 300yd running shot. this includes shooting quite a few doubles and more than one triple. kansas coyotes must have a SEVENTH sense. we will just have to agree to disagree regarding the little 223ack. i have pushed standard 223's extremely hard but have never approached what the 223ack will do.

chuck

chuck
 
Re: .223, .223 ai, OR .22-250??? New stick ideas!!!

Farmboy-

.260 would be my first choice.Get it rebarreled when time comes.

.223 Rem would be next.


As a side note:I shoot a .223 AI.Its a hell of a rifle.Accurate to 1100 yards with an 80 SMK.Went with that chamber for extra powder capacity.Already had a .223 LTR that was getting wore out quickly.Wanted to see how the .223 AI performed.Had him make me a fireform barrel and the final barrel I'm using now.Fun little rifle.

Had the thing put together for my then ten year old daughter to shoot at a longer range with hardly any felt recoil.The wife could use it too.Figured they could handle that better than any of the .30 caliber stuff I have.


van
 
Re: .223, .223 ai, OR .22-250??? New stick ideas!!!

I'd prefer the .22-250 for coyotes. More punch and more range, better suited to the coyote sized game. I'd consider the .223 to be better suited for 'Chucks and keep my shots within 300yd to ensure clean kills.

Greg
 
Re: .223, .223 ai, OR .22-250??? New stick ideas!!!

self,
I would say that killing a running coyote at over 300 is harder to do than hitting a still quarter at 300. At least I miss more running coyotes at long range than I do 1" dots at 300. On the math, it is .950 + one half of a .223 bullet on either side of a or .973.
I actually shoot at a 1" dot I stamp on the target. Or a dot I ordered to be 1", I did not measure it.
 
Re: .223, .223 ai, OR .22-250??? New stick ideas!!!

22-250 is a fantastic hot/flat round that rips coyotes apart! Ammo EVERYWHERE when you need it at fair prices and i dont think ive ever seen one that didnt shoot lights out.

Do the 22 250 and you will love it! If not hollar at me and ill probably snag it from you! LOL! If its a nice build i probably would as ive never built a custom as ive bought high end factory guns and they have always shot bug holes.