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223 vs 22-250

J

Judd

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Sep 1, 2010
216
44
DFW
I am going to put together a prairie dog rig. I had my mind made up on a 22-250 and a buddy told me to go with the 223 because the recoil isn't as much and you get to see more of your kills. He says that is the most fun part of dog hunting.

I plan on reloading because I have bought all the reloading so cost of the rounds doesn't really play a factor in it.

Truth be told I almost had decided to go with the 220 swift even but decided 22-250 would be a little better.

What is y'alls thoughts?
 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

The 223will be easier on barrels. Just use a 40gr bullet and im sure your visual excitement will be fulfilled!! Lee
 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

I've had both. If I could call the barrel twist it would be 1:7 and 223 all the way.
Was an avid 22-250 fan using heavy bullets until I got my 1st 223 rem and shot 80gr sierra's.
 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

I have taken thousands of dogs out with the 22-250 over the years. Really flat shooting and bucks wind better than a 223. i shoot the Nosler 50 BT @ 3970 fps. There is not enough recoil to take the fun out of watching them fly.
I guess that means I would vote for 22-250.
 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

Both are great, the .223 has the economic and recoil benefits(not that a 250 kicks hard) but the 22-250 has the awesome velocity that makes the pdogs do their aerial display.
Since you are going to build this gun I would suggest a faster than standard twist if you build the 22-250, like at least a 9 if not an 8. that way you can shoot the larger bullets and get more effective range out of it. If you end up going with the .223, I would recommend the same twist's.
 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

I vote 22-250. Shooting 50 gr Nos. BT's at 3800+ wacks em hard and I have never had a problem spotting my hits. My rig does weigh 13 pounds, so that has something to do with the minimal recoil.

so.... +1 22-250
 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

I have hunted prairie dogs for several years now,and have used many cartridges. If I could use only one it would be a .223. A lot of guys like the 22-250, but it doesnt shine like the swift. One of my favorite is the 223ai in a ar, it is a little less than the 250. So my two guns are a 223ai and a swift.
 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

I had a 22/250AI with a fast twist years ago and used 60g vmax? for varmints. Explosive! The rifle weighed 16lb with a 28 1/2 barrel and was easy to watch hits. If I had to do it again I would lose the AI just for the added time in brass prep.
 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

Like my 250 alot and it's taken it's fare share of sod poodles.
 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

Have owned several 250s and liked them all. The 223 is a great round but I stick with the 22-250 for the longer range yote kills. Kinda rough on the barrel life when loaded hot.
 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

Fast twist 22-250, drive 75 A-max over 3K fps. Down side to 22-250 is you heat up barrel fast, get lots of mirage and throat errosion if shooting fast in a heavily populated PD town. MTU/AMU or heavier contour, 26 to 28" finish length. If dedicated PD rifle I'd be tempted to go with a 1.25 straight cylinder. Bigger heat sink, enough weight you'll be able to spot your own hits (aerial show), and when you need to chop off the 6" of fire cracked barrel can use it to make a nice 223 that'll finish off around 20".

Could always AI the 22-250 if you want bit more velocity. Might go that way to help minimize how often you need to trim the 22-250 brass.

223 with 60 V-max was probably my favorite when doing lots of shooting in PD towns.

Depends on how much shooting you'll be getting in on a daily basis. High volume shooting, 223 would be my suggestion. Low to medium volume shooting a fast twist 22-250 would be a lot of fun!
 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

You should have no problem seeing the hits with a heavy barreled 22-250. I can see most with my Savage 12BVSS with a 6-24 scope. 55 NBTs over 3800 MV.
 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

Or you could always add a brake. If I re-barrel my 223 wssm to 243 wssm, I will likely add a brake for the same reason - too see the hits.
 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

I run a 22-250 with 55 grain V-max and can see the show just fine. Just turn the magnification down a little and if you practice the basic fundamentals, you shouldn't have any problems spotting the aerobatics. Definitely 22-250 IMO.
 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

I have used an old 700 BDL Varmint Special chambered in 22-250 for years. I don't have any problem spotting the hits, recoil is almost nonexistant. I shoot 55 grain ballistic tips traveling at 3,500 fps with good results.

It's hard to argue with the economics of the .223 though. Brass is cheap and plentiful, plus, it uses less powder, stays cooler and is easier on barrels. My .223 load shoots the same 55 grain ballistic tip at 3,100 fps but uses 11 less grains of powder to achieve that (24 vs 35).

The varmints don't seem to know which rifle I shot them with. The 22-250 is my favorite, but if I were starting out from scratch I would probably go with a .223 and a fast twist.
 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

Thanks guys...sounds like it is more personal preference and they will both get the job done. Decisions, decisions....

Again, thanks!
 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

IMG_2528.jpg


IMG_2581.jpg


.22-250 all the way! 55gr nosler ballistic tips with 35.4gr of IMR 4320 shoots the same hole @ 100 yards all day long.
 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

22.250 will out shoot a .223 All week long every day of the week . hands down.
There not even in the same ballpark IMO

THem are some awesome camo 250s there BOB
 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Bozcoyote</div><div class="ubbcode-body">22.250 will out shoot a .223 All week long every day of the week . hands down.
There not even in the same ballpark IMO

THem are some awesome camo 250s there BOB </div></div>

Thanks! But only the tan one is a .22-250 the other 2 are .300 win mag and .308 win.
 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

If you're worried about powder cost and barrel life, the .204 will beat them both.
 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

223. barrel life, smaller case size, and plentiful factory loadings make it ideal to me

plus a 22-250 AR is painfully retarded. Theres absolutely no benefit to the increased case capacity, it runs vastly hotter, and requires the use of a 308 designated lower.

I know this is bolt gun section, but I wanted to show it from an across the board spectrum. Many I know who Pdog use AR platforms. Which means 223 is <span style="text-decoration: underline">readily</span> availiable. If you hit a large dog town and finally run out of 22-250, your shit outta luck.
 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tucsondave</div><div class="ubbcode-body">22-250 Ackley. 1/14t 50gr. @ 4050fps rugs those little critters out and makes for some spectacular aerial displays. No question .22-250
003lo.jpg
</div></div>

What kind of stock is that? Been looking for a nice laminate for my next build.
 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

I got a PM asking for more info about the rig in the above post.
It is a 22-250 1:9 twist 18" barrel made by Competitor Corp. It will shoot a 64 Berger at 3100 FPS. It hit 12" steel at 400 yards on the first try, witnessed by Rodent, snipershide member.
It can be carried in the field with the bandolier holster or shot off a bench.
Cmptrinholster.jpg
 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

Personally, I am a .220 Swift kind of guy. More than the .22-250, Lots more than the .223, and I don't have a problem knowing which brass is mine at the range, or dog town.
 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

+1 for the 22-250 Ackley. swift performance without the brass trouble

Mine is a 22-250AI (the one on the right) 1 and 8 twist 26" bbl to shoot the 75 and 80 grainers

DSCF0053.jpg
 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

I know this is a bolt action section, but why not run an AR?

.223 will kill pdogs more than adequately, good aerial shows on rabbits, pdogs and kills yotes.

Lots of aftermarket if you feel the need to "tacticool" it out.

Lighter than most bolt guns. Holds more rounds per mag than a person really needs, but is fun just the same.

Just sayin.
162714_1352812320750_1844673127_700549_1295785_n.jpg


Got one just like this with a 4-16 Sightron. Killer on vermin.
 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Bob L. Swagger</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Bozcoyote</div><div class="ubbcode-body">22.250 will out shoot a .223 All week long every day of the week . hands down.
There not even in the same ballpark IMO

THem are some awesome camo 250s there BOB </div></div>

Thanks! But only the tan one is a .22-250 the other 2 are .300 win mag and .308 win. </div></div>


Ahhh...well, that would explain the brakes
smile.gif
 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CamoWildcat</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I got a PM asking for more info about the rig in the above post.
It is a 22-250 1:9 twist 18" barrel made by Competitor Corp. It will shoot a 64 Berger at 3100 FPS. It hit 12" steel at 400 yards on the first try, witnessed by Rodent, snipershide member.
It can be carried in the field with the bandolier holster or shot off a bench.
Cmptrinholster.jpg
</div></div>

Just looked 'em up online...
Unique, I'll give you that.
I'm just trying to understand "why"? Cost is similar to a long gun. And these "pistols" are really closer to a SBR in terms of size (they just don't have a stock). What's the advantage?
 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Alderleet</div><div class="ubbcode-body">223. barrel life, smaller case size, and plentiful factory loadings make it ideal to me

<span style="font-weight: bold">plus a 22-250 AR is painfully retarded</span>. Theres absolutely no benefit to the increased case capacity, it runs vastly hotter, and requires the use of a 308 designated lower.

I know this is bolt gun section, but I wanted to show it from an across the board spectrum. Many I know who Pdog use AR platforms. Which means 223 is <span style="text-decoration: underline">readily</span> availiable. If you hit a large dog town and <span style="font-weight: bold">finally run out of 22-250, your shit outta luck</span>. </div></div>

would rather pDog with a bolt any way. ar are only fun for burnin through mags...


Na, every walmart, kmart, and store I have been in that stocks ammo, has the winchester bulk pack 22-250 in stock. VERY Common round.

Only reason for the 223 is for zombies or burnin through mags on full auto...since i dont see no zombies or own a full auto...
 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

The .204 and 20 TAC are the best of both worlds. Quite, outshoot a 22-250 for trajectory and wind drift and no recoil. You really cannot believe it until you see it. I was skeptical, but now am amazed. Kills well on coyotes beyond 400 yards, I am yet to get one over 500 with it, so I do not know.
 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

Wannashootit,

Advantage? Only one I can think of offhand is its easy to carry along with all the other stuff you need to call coyotes.

Reason for buying it? The same reason I bought most of my other guns - its fun to shoot. And I can tell you this - I get far more requests to shoot it than all my other guns combined. And how many guys own a pistol that can kill p-dogs out to 400 yards or beyond?
 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Night poacher</div><div class="ubbcode-body">223 = Ford Focus

22-250 = ZR1 Corvette</div></div>

True but think about it this way

223...barrel life of over 5k and uses 24ish grains of powder

22-250...barrel life less than 2k uses 38-42 grains of powder
 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JCH</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Night poacher</div><div class="ubbcode-body">223 = Ford Focus

22-250 = ZR1 Corvette</div></div>

True but think about it this way

223...barrel life of over 5k and uses 24ish grains of powder

22-250...barrel life less than 2k uses 38-42 grains of powder </div></div>


Ackley Improve that 22-250
 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CamoWildcat</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I got a PM asking for more info about the rig in the above post.
It is a 22-250 1:9 twist 18" barrel made by Competitor Corp. It will shoot a 64 Berger at 3100 FPS. It hit 12" steel at 400 yards on the first try, witnessed by Rodent, snipershide member.
It can be carried in the field with the bandolier holster or shot off a bench.
Cmptrinholster.jpg
</div></div>



NICE!!!! That is one cool rig.
 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

Thanks Tucsondave,
I hope to show it to you in person in a month or so. And we can see just how far out it can hit steel.
 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

In a bolt gun? 22-250 no question about it. Super accurate, flat shooting, and lots of good powders and bullets to work with.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: D_TROS</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Only reason for the 223 is for zombies or burnin through mags on full auto...since i dont see no zombies or own a full auto... </div></div>

pfft
 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

Great discussions and I really appreciate it...nice guns y'all posted!

I found a smoking deal on a Savage 12 .223 and if I get it I plan on AI'ing if after this post.

As for the AR comments...the outfitter I plan on using doesn't allow AR's bolt guns only. I shot a AR and wasn't that impressed...cool gun but not what I am after.

Keep'em coming I haven't committed to buying anything yet.
 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JCH</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

22-250...barrel life less than 2k uses 38-42 grains of powder</div></div>

I think that would be pretty true if you shoot max load or near max and get the barrel so hot you can't touch it regularly. I don't shoot anywhere near max with mine and keep a very close eye on barrel temp. Also I only load 34.5 grains of Varget and the starting load is 34 grains. Its only about 3500 fps but does the trick and is very accurate.

Mine has 2850 rounds on it and is ready for a re-barrel here directly as I can no longer keep the bullet my prefered .020 off the lands anymore (more like .040 and growing). This is not really that big of a deal as it still shoots good but it won't make it through another P-dog season. I think it would go another 500-700 rounds and still be pretty accurate but p-doggin is coming in just a few months. Just my .02
 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

New to the forum but have some predator/varmint experience.

I say depending on where you plan on doing your hunting go with the 223. It kills a pDog just as dead as a 22-250 and is slightly more economical even though you're hand loading(less powder). Your barel will also last 1.5x pushing 2x longer than the '250.

Now that being said if you live in an area that has wind like a hurricane or you plan to realy reach out there (I'm talking 600+ yards) then you may want to step up to the 22-250 for added velocity and balistics. Also if you plan on doing som 'yote hunting and the like, you probly want the extra energy from the 22-250. not that a 223 wont do the job, guys make a living off killing yotes with their trick ar 223's, but the 22-250 is more forgiving of por shot placement.
 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CamoWildcat</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Or you could choose a 223 wssm which is faster than the swift & 22-250AI.

Edit: Check out www.forums.wssmzone.com </div></div>


LMFAO I wouldnt give a warm squirt of Piss for a 223wssm,,,,,,,barrel gone in 400rnds that thing wouldnt last ONE day in our PDog town..... Thats some funny stuff right there, you were JOKING right~
 
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