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223 vs 22-250

Re: 223 vs 22-250

No. love the 22-250 but the 223 is cheaper to sho0t and has a wider range of barrrel twist and bullet seletion.

with the 22-250 you just gain a little more fps.
 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

I agree with shooter65 on that there will be a velocity gain by going with the .22-250. Assuming you are shooting bullets of the same weight the .22-250 will buck the wind a bit better and have less drop than the .223.

I also will say that the .22-250 also heats up barrels faster, and wears out barrels more quickly than the .223, both of which aren't exactly what you would be looking for if you got on a well populated prarie dog town.

I have a .22-250 as my coyote gun, and a .223 for more of a target gun that I may take coyote hunting if I ever get the chace again.
 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

I have a Remington 40XB in .22-250, and several .223s

On a calm day, the .22-250 will outshoot the .223s on paper, but, with the twist rate of the barrel, it only wants to shoot bullets up to 55 grain.

Out on the windy praries of the Dakotas, it seems that the .223s do better, but, I run 60 grain V-max, or 68 grain match bullets out of them.
 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

Is this only a factory gun topic??

You can get the exact same twist in a .223 as a 22/250 with a aftermarket barrel..

If long range is what you want and all other variables are equal. You will have more velocty and energy with a 22/250. As well as it will be flatter shooting.

The barrel will heat up faster. But accuracy is equal between both.
 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

Not that I am an expert, but I do have both, and find that the difference in range, vs the cost per shot (and volume of powder) keeps me going back to the .223.
I just have to be "on" better when shooting further. Using the same powder, I can load a bunch more .223 cases per 1lb bottle.
I shoot prairie dogs, ground squirrels, and coyotes. .223 does the job just fine.
I have a 22/250 from Speedy Gonzales, that I am thinking of selling. Nice gun, just not shooting it like I thought I would.
 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

I have found that for varminting, the .22-250 has a significant edge when it comes to longer shots. With handloading I have gotten groups at 200yd that most people might drool over at 100yd.

But as a match rifle, it's not suitable; because it overheats too quickly to be able to sustain a full string of fire and still maintain accuracy.

There is a solution, if one is willing to handload it with downloaded charges, so its performance becomes similar to the .223. Now that's a very canny strategy, using the cartridge in different ways to accomplish different tasks. In this manner, the .22-250 reasserts its superiority over the .223, by complimenting it with imitation. It's a strategy that only one of the two can use to advantage.

Greg
 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

The 22 cal. market is saturated with options, lots of ways to skin this cat. Fast twist 22-250 is one of the easy ones to do. Anything that will push a 80gr SMK @ 3100 plus is going to be fun in a dog town.
I was shown a new to me round yesterday at a match, 22PDK, based off the 6.8 spc. Fits in small format AR and will push 80 gr. @ 3100 - 3200 with mag length ammo.
 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

Lets ay you go with an 8 twist barrel in a 22-250. will you be able to shoot 55gr v-max with good accuracy?
 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

Depends on the particular gun. You would have better luck probably with the 60gr V-Max, or 75gr A-Max.
 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

Id roll a fast twist 223 every day of the week and twice on Sunday before Id go any twist 22/250. With that said, a fast twist 223AI is the King of the Ring.
 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

bbl life on a 22-250 is ridiculously short if you varmint hunt and shoot many rounds of rapid fire. bbls are sometimes done at under 1000 rounds easy. A 223 even shooting rapid fire will always net you almost 3000 rounds or more. If you shoot more than 300-350 yards, I'd probably go 22-250. Under that...223 ackley.
 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

The .223 is more versatile.

A .22-250 with a 6.5 twist barrel and 90gr bullets could be an awesome 1000yd rifle. Go AI on the case and get all there is to get. I shoot 75/77 gr match bullets in my .223s and have a 6.5 twist WOP barrel on one.

For real performance try the 6XC. I have a 6mm/22-250 AI AR-10 upper with 8.5 twist barrel. Got rid of of my .22-250 gear.

The 6XC is basically a .01 shorter 6mm/22-250AI, as you can shoot any 6mm with less pressure and more bullet coefficiency, and get longer barrel life to boot, if you own a .223 what is the point of a .22-250?
 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

Shooting the same bullet there is a big difference especially body shot deer. With foxes I find the 22-250 gives you about 100yds more.

edi
 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Eagle_eye</div><div class="ubbcode-body">would it be fare to say the the 22-250 would be a more appropriate caliber for varmint hunting and target shooting?</div></div>

No, just more powerful. The major problem with .22-250's is you can't hardly find a fast twist in them. The fastest factory twist I know of is 1-12" Which is okay for zinging up to 60 gr. bullets downrange, but won't stabilize the heavy stuff.

Some people I know, have taken the .22-250 and re-barreled theirs with a 1-8" twist. That will stabilize even the heaviest of .224" cal bullets. And, do it faster than the .223/5.56. It is a little less efficient than the .223, but if you want heavy bullets to go fast you have to find a way to get more horsepower behind them.

One of the things I did like about the newer .223 WSSM was that it came with a tight enough twist to stabilize heavy for caliber bullets. The 1-9" twist will stabilize 80 gr. bullets at very fast velocities. I know the .223 WSSM wasn't in this comparison but it is about equal if not slightly more powerful than the .22-250. So, that's a comparison of the three calibers with the most potential for the widest range of bullets in .224" cal.
 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

Savage makes fast twist 22-250s that will handle the 70-80 gr bullets just fine.
If you want to get real serious get a 22/244 IMP... a 1000 yard .224.
 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

Four 22-250s in the safe. Three are varmint contour and one is a Remmy LVSF. I get 3980-4020 fps in the longer VC barrels with the 50 gr Nosler. You can't do that with a 223. The 22-250 will buck the wind on a PD town. I have made many kills at over 600 yds with it. Lots of rounds down my two Weatherby SVM rifles (my shooting buds call them Death Ray I & Death Ray II) and they still shoot under MOA. I always wanted to try fast twist in 22-250 but just haven't gotten to it.
 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mr. Humble</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Savage makes fast twist 22-250s that will handle the 70-80 gr bullets just fine.
If you want to get real serious get a 22/244 IMP... a 1000 yard .224. </div></div>

A 22/244 IMP is utterly one of the most unusefull chamberings ever devised.
 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: chrisj</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you shoot more than 300-350 yards, I'd probably go 22-250. Under that...223 ackley. </div></div>

You have to be kidding...
 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

As with anything, it depends.

Factory guns stick you will slow twist rates for 22-250's, so there's some limitations there.

Assuming a custom rifle, any drawback inherent in either design can be overcome except for one thing - velocity. You can modify your twist and your bullets, but you can not get any more velocity out of a 223 that even approaches a 22-250. I have seen great accuracy from both cartridges. But, I would not call either one a target cartridge.

If it is about fun on medium to short range varminting, and you want to see your targets jump, then the 22-250 is worlds apart. The 22-250 is a lot of fun to shoot Prarie Dogs with, and the velocity helps buck the wind quite well even out to the longer ranges.

For target you may want to consider a 22BR if you are very serious about it. But, if you were serious about it, you wouldn't need to ask us.
wink.gif
You'd know. Anyways, I had a 22BR/6BR switch barrel BR gun that had a 20" BR legal profile and a 26" varmint barrel. The rounds I used for the 22BR varmint were 40 grain Nosler BT's with Norma or Lapua brass, BR primers, stuff full of VVN 133, and a velocity of 4100 FPS. It was 1/4 MOA accurate and simply exploded anything inside 250 yards. At 300 yards, the varmints looked like they were hit by a 55 grain VMAX 223 at 100 yards.

There used to be an argument about costs, but nowadays I have seen 22-250 ammunition go for the same as loaded 223 ammo. In any case, I think the costs of cartridges is nearly moot if you reload and don't use something silly like a Lazzeroni.

WYK
 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">With that said, a fast twist 223AI is the King of the Ring.</div></div>

+1

My next build is gonna be a .223AI for the 75gr Hornady Amaxes. And for all you fast junkies out there try a .220 Howell its a 30-06 necked down to .224 and will push a 75-80 gr bullet at 3700-3800 FPS. But the barrel must shoot out very fast on it.

Kings of speed are .224TTH, .220 Howell, .22-.243AI
 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Originally Posted By: chrisj
If you shoot more than 300-350 yards, I'd probably go 22-250. Under that...223 ackley.


You have to be kidding...</div></div>


How about all those people shooting high power matches with the .223? On a calm day the .223AI with the 75gr AMax can shoot SEVERAL hundred yards past 350. Matter of fact on guy on here had Jered built one and it grouped very well (I think it was 600 or 800 yards) it was a while ago.
 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

I put close to 4000 75amax's through my first 223AI, and just put the first 50 through the new one yesterday....I had a fast twist 22-250 for the 75Amax's as well. The '250 will best the 223AI with any bullet you feed it, you just can't beat the case capacity and there is no way around that fact. If speed is your ultimate goal and the choices are 223 or 22-250....pick the 22-250. What the 223AI gives you is a cartridge that will get you close to '250 speeds (thats a relative term) while burning 8-10gr less powder, longer strings of fire before heating the barrel up, longer barrel life, and it doesn't need a yard of barrel up front to do it.

That being said, once I got my first 223AI a few years ago the fast twist '250 just gathered dust. I eventually pulled that fast twist 22-250 barrel and put it in the safe and I'll pick up yet another .378" action and have that barrel cut and rechambered to 223AI....which I prefer....but that's only after owning and running them both side by side. Just my .02.

 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

hmmmm .223 looks to be a greatr option, i have a pump action .223 so its more suitable as i dont need to reload/buy ammo for even more calibers.

what is considered to be a fast twist rate 1/9 or 1/10?
 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

oo, im going to throw a curve ball in this.....
the facotry ammo is not much more expensive then .308.

I want 2 build a short action rifle for varmints and a little bit of range work,

is it worth going the 223?
can i get magazines conversion kit for the .223 that fits model 700????
 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Eagle_eye</div><div class="ubbcode-body">would it be fare to say the the 22-250 would be a more appropriate caliber for varmint hunting and target shooting? </div></div>

Depends on what you concider varmints???? Coyote or Prairie Dogs

If you want to do High Volume of shooting the 223 hands down. Shooting PDogs here in MT its nothing to shoot 250rnds a day on a good dog town, the 22-250 gets Way to hot were as the 223 keeps shooting!

My vote would be the 223 hands down for High number of rounds down range! Better yet get a 6mmbr and shoot the 87gr VMaxes! JMO
 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: chrisj</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> If you shoot more than 300-350 yards, I'd probably go 22-250. Under that...223 ackley. </div></div>

FWIW I was smoking clay pigeons at 656 yards yesterday with 52gr AMAXs. Don't doubt what a simple .223 can do.
 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Smokin99</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Eagle_eye</div><div class="ubbcode-body">would it be fare to say the the 22-250 would be a more appropriate caliber for varmint hunting and target shooting? </div></div>

Depends on what you concider varmints???? Coyote or Prairie Dogs

If you want to do High Volume of shooting the 223 hands down. Shooting PDogs here in MT its nothing to shoot 250rnds a day on a good dog town, the 22-250 gets Way to hot were as the 223 keeps shooting!

My vote would be the 223 hands down for High number of rounds down range! Better yet get a 6mmbr and shoot the 87gr VMaxes! JMO </div></div>


THis is what worries me, our varmints here in aus are usually a bit bigger then your PD's ins the u.s

Ranges from rabbits and red foxes, all the way up to goats, pigs and roo's (with permit)

well placed shots from my pump action 223 will normally pull down most varmints at 100m or below.

Is it worth looking at a larger caliber im thinking?

A box of .308 usually goes for the same $$$ as a box of 22-250. I already have a 30/06 sporting rifle and a tactical in .300 win the pump action remmi in 7615 police. Is there another caliber to put on my short list for mid size varmints??

still trying to decide
 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

Eagle eye, looks like you have a hole in the 6mm area that needs filling. Simple would be a .243, more fun would be a 6XC, 6 Dasher, 6 BR, 6 PDK, or any number of others. Suggest an 8 twist using 105 A-Max, 107 SMK, 108 Berger. Will work on Deer sized animals. Very flat shooting with good BC bullets available.
 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Eagle_eye</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Smokin99</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Eagle_eye</div><div class="ubbcode-body">would it be fare to say the the 22-250 would be a more appropriate caliber for varmint hunting and target shooting? </div></div>

Depends on what you concider varmints???? Coyote or Prairie Dogs

If you want to do High Volume of shooting the 223 hands down. Shooting PDogs here in MT its nothing to shoot 250rnds a day on a good dog town, the 22-250 gets Way to hot were as the 223 keeps shooting!

My vote would be the 223 hands down for High number of rounds down range! Better yet get a 6mmbr and shoot the 87gr VMaxes! JMO </div></div>


THis is what worries me, our varmints here in aus are usually a bit bigger then your PD's ins the u.s

Ranges from rabbits and red foxes, all the way up to goats, pigs and roo's (with permit)

well placed shots from my pump action 223 will normally pull down most varmints at 100m or below.

Is it worth looking at a larger caliber im thinking?

A box of .308 usually goes for the same $$$ as a box of 22-250. I already have a 30/06 sporting rifle and a tactical in .300 win the pump action remmi in 7615 police. Is there another caliber to put on my short list for mid size varmints??

still trying to decide</div></div>

Now you say you want some knockdown.... 6mmBR or .243 or 6mm REM. In order, each of them takes a little longer to cool the barrel. The 6mmBR is getting really big in not only 300m competition but also for 1000 yd. (F-Class) Price those shells out. And, you might try reloading, it'll save you a ton of money and get you better accuracy.
 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

Like others have said, the 22-250 has more horsepower no matter how you look at it...thank being said i will take my fast twist 223ai over it anyday.

I have shot side by side a 22-250ai and my 223ai, after 20 shots the 22-250 was HOT, my 223ai was just getting warm

a 75g a-max at or above 3kfps, does it all while buring way less than 30g of powder, looong barrel life. my numbers are flatter to 600yd than most 308s w/ 168s and 175s

and did i mention how fun it is.

i took mine to wyoming, even in the winds hits to 600yds were not an issue
 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: chrisj</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> If you shoot more than 300-350 yards, I'd probably go 22-250. Under that...223 ackley. </div></div>

Shhhhh! Damn man, if my .223's and 50gr V-Max's get wind of this.... hell, they might quit shooting at 600+ yards.

 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

I love how this topic keeps popping up.

the ackley business always seemed like an ass whip'n to me, fire forming that is. I know once it done its done but what the hell...

here are my specs
remy 700 22-250
shilen barrel 1-7 twist 24"
80 gr amax
33gr of varget yields 3200fps

load combo shoots small bug holes at 100, knocks down larue targets at 700 with ease and drops deer like a champ.

will take a lot of convincing for me to ever drop this rig.

but to each his own.
 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

Push 75 JLK VLDs (very similar to Berger) at 2950 fps via factory Win 70 in 223.

Fast twist 223 or 223AI set up for 75 or 80 gr A-max would be hard beat.

22-250 AI set up for 80 A-max would be fun but bit harder on barrel.

 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

OK, done some research

I think im gona get a new sps tactical in .223 but am not sure on the barrel length (20 inch) vs 26in for the varmint. Fater twist rate in the tactical version. i can get a 22-250 in varmint and a .204, but leaning more to the tac in 223.


any advice or thoughts on this one?

p.s going to restock it with bell and carson tac medalist (dont like factory stock) and accurise action


cheers

 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

I have the SPS tac .223 in the B&C Tactical Medalist stock you mention. This is my 1st venture into precision shotting and i'm very happy with the setup. I've not done alot of experimenting past 100 yards but my 55 Vmax and 75gr Hornady BTHP reloads best groups are .513 and .525 moa using the On Target software to measure.
One thing i have noticed with mine is that it takes about 10 rounds before the groups tighten up. Seems to like a bit of fouling to shoot. YMMV................Ponchonorm
 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

be interesting to get data for this gun at long rang as its basically what im going to build

the factory tac stock is not the same as a SPS varmint is it?
 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

LOL

i wish.... have to many calibers as it is.

i only want one smaller caliber long range rifle.

i prefer .30 cals, but ill make ax exception for this rifle.

this is a different sotck on the tac then the sps varmint isnt it?
 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

The SPS Tactical uses the Hogue pillar bedded stock from the factory. Generally speaking though a .223AI custom tube is a much better long range .223 than a factory Remington.
 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

whT is the cost of the AI barrel?

barrel will probably be last mod, not fussed on that one yet

glass i have
stock to be ordered next week
action to be tuned
tack rails i have
mounts i have.

i think im leaning towards tac .233

 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

My 223 DPMS sweet 16 is a nice "little" rifle, but when there is serious .224 killing to be done, out comes the R.F. Sedgley 22-06 (older than me and that IS old) with a lot of H869 and 70 gr TSXs. The rock on the ridge (the rock is VW size) to the left of my right shoulder is where I put my pack to use as a rest to make this one shot kill which penetrated 75% of this guy. The 22-06 has about the same ballistics as the 22/244 IMP. Will hold 1 MOA to 600 (farthest I've shot it)

2006antelopecopy1.jpg

 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

If I had to choose I would go with the .223. Seems to me that the 22-250's just tend to be a little more picky with the reloads. You try a dozen and one shoots. Most of my experience with the .223's is that it doesnt matter what powder you put in them and if you are 8 twist or faster bullet doesnt matter either, they will all shoot. So if you are out in podunk and need ammo anything off the shelf will shoot.
 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

My custom 22-250 is on about 2,000 rounds and is still shooting one hole groups at 200 yards. If you build on a Rem 700 action get a fast twist barrel in the 7.5 to 8 twist range to handle the heavier 70-90 grain bullets. My Hart 1-14 twist is great for 52 grain Sierra Match or 55 grain V-Max hunting bullets.

I've tried many different powder and bullet combinations and all have shot well, some better than others,.........good enough to hit where you want at 200 or 250 yards. I think loading for my 2 7mm-08's are more finicky than my custom and factory 22-250's.
 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

firstly, thanyou 4 all the feedback. Went to get another opinion on this from my local g.shop as im ready 2 make a purchase. Suprisingly they recomended a .204. Does any one have any experience with this round????
 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

iv been reading some ballistic charts from remington, and it seems the the .204 has better 'Flat shooting' capabilities then the .223 and more kinetic energy (knock down power.

Im starting to get excited about this caliber.

 
Re: 223 vs 22-250

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Eagle_eye</div><div class="ubbcode-body">firstly, thanyou 4 all the feedback. Went to get another opinion on this from my local g.shop as im ready 2 make a purchase. Suprisingly they recomended a .204. Does any one have any experience with this round???? </div></div>

If somebody gave me a .204, I MIGHT keep it, but, with the ballistacs being similar to .223, and .223 being more readilly available/cheaper.....