22-250 vs. 223
- Thread starter RedMoose
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I.O.N.Doyle
New member
Depends on what a really long shot is, if you are taking long shots often and terrain you are hunting. Personally I have found the .223 to be more than enough gun for the Idaho deserts as the coyotes seems to get into view often within 100yds.
Michael J. McCasland
New member
About the only real difference between the two, besides a few hundred feet per second, is the 22-250 will turn your barrel into a tent stake one heck of a lot quicker than a 223 will. I like'em both and have worn barrels out in both. It's a matter of preferance really. At first I loved the 22-250, now I'm hooked on the 223. The 22-250 still sits there though, waiting for its day to come again.
NM Leon
New member
A 250 is a great gun. In normal twist rates for both the .223 and 22-250 the 250 has a 100YD-200YD advantage simply due to velocity. It'll put a thump on em for sure.
Nowadays many .223s have a 1:8, or even 1:7 twist, especially in AR platforms. That actually puts it ahead of the 250 for long range shooting as it will then stabilize longer high BC bullets that the 250 can't touch. Even with the fast twist barrel the .223 barrel will outlast the 22-250 barrel by several times (at least) all else being equal.
Still...I do like my 250 too.
Nowadays many .223s have a 1:8, or even 1:7 twist, especially in AR platforms. That actually puts it ahead of the 250 for long range shooting as it will then stabilize longer high BC bullets that the 250 can't touch. Even with the fast twist barrel the .223 barrel will outlast the 22-250 barrel by several times (at least) all else being equal.
Still...I do like my 250 too.
IDBob
New member
As lots of folks have said both are good guns. Want the range of a 22-250 with the recoil and loading costs of the 223 go with the 204 Ruger.
I started hunting yotes around 1963 and spent over 25 years stuffing 22-250 rounds downrange. Good gun with lots of reach and really wacks ground squirrels and coyotes both out to 400-500 yards if you can effectivly shoot that far.
A few years ago I went to the 243 and loaded with 55 grain Noslers it both outreachs the 22-250 and with 85 grainers does much better when the wind is blowing. If your going to step up in power Thats what I would recommend. I'd go with the 204 if you just want a flatter trejectory than your 223.
Anyway thats my thoughts.
I started hunting yotes around 1963 and spent over 25 years stuffing 22-250 rounds downrange. Good gun with lots of reach and really wacks ground squirrels and coyotes both out to 400-500 yards if you can effectivly shoot that far.
A few years ago I went to the 243 and loaded with 55 grain Noslers it both outreachs the 22-250 and with 85 grainers does much better when the wind is blowing. If your going to step up in power Thats what I would recommend. I'd go with the 204 if you just want a flatter trejectory than your 223.
Anyway thats my thoughts.
...what a question. To 300 yards the .223 is the champ, but beyond that the .22-250 is the one to have. The .22-250 heats up alot, hence the barrel won't be around very long. If you get the same "thump" up to 300 yards, why not shoot the .223? I shoot both, but I would rather shoot the .223...most of the time.
steve garrett
Well-known member
if you are set on CZ then no the 223 is the better choice, IMO the 22-250 is way too small a cartridge for that big clunky CZ 550 action, it just makes for too big a gun, if you get a 223, than it will come in the nifty 527 action, which is much much smaller, lightwieght and sized for the 223. I have a 550 in 308 and even the 308 seems to be swimming in that big 550. If you are getting your first 22 cal rifle, get a 223 first, they are cheap accurate and fun to shoot. later on when you want more the 22-250 is a great choice, 500 fps more speed with a 50 grain bullet is nothing to sneeze at
CWeeks
New member
Yes the 22-250 would be better for the real long shots depending on wind and weather conditions. But you can't go wrong with the .223 I am very pleased with mine out to 400 yards, I haven't shot much past that with the .223. But the 22-250 is known for their range. But for price I believe that the all around best gun is hte .223 for yotes and varmints if you take price and range and versatillity. This is my 2 cents take it or leave it. If you reload it will cost you a little less than double to shoot the 22-250.
Happy_Hunter
New member
Hi,
The 22-250 is best suited to hard hitting out to 400yds. The 223 is best suited to the same to 300yds. The 204 is best suited to hitting not as hard as the 22-250 to 400yds.
Choose your quarry and range and then choose the cartridge that suites.
The 22-250 will burn out a barel quicker than a 223. But if you just load to resonable levels (3680fps x 55gr pill) then it will last for maybe 3000 rounds. just depends on what accuracy you want.
Also, keep in mind that all you have to do is change barrels. That doesn't cost that much.
If I was only hunting vermin I'd choose a 204. If I thought I had a chance at a pig or goat at no greater than 150yds I'd choose a 223. If I thought I had a chance at a vermin to 400yds and pigs 'n' goats to 250yds I'd go for the 22-250.
All this talk of a faster twist in a 223 giving the same as a 22-250 is great, but there is no mention of what a 22-250 will do with the same twist. Compare apples to apples and to choose the right cartridge compare teh right cartridge tot eh needs/specifications you intend using it for.
For my own part I have a 22-250. A bit loader and a bit harder hitting, but it suites what and where I hunt with it. If I was hunting smaller game only I'd go for the 204.
Do the research and make up your own mind. There is a heap of internat advice available, but it is all cheap talk.
The 22-250 is best suited to hard hitting out to 400yds. The 223 is best suited to the same to 300yds. The 204 is best suited to hitting not as hard as the 22-250 to 400yds.
Choose your quarry and range and then choose the cartridge that suites.
The 22-250 will burn out a barel quicker than a 223. But if you just load to resonable levels (3680fps x 55gr pill) then it will last for maybe 3000 rounds. just depends on what accuracy you want.
Also, keep in mind that all you have to do is change barrels. That doesn't cost that much.
If I was only hunting vermin I'd choose a 204. If I thought I had a chance at a pig or goat at no greater than 150yds I'd choose a 223. If I thought I had a chance at a vermin to 400yds and pigs 'n' goats to 250yds I'd go for the 22-250.
All this talk of a faster twist in a 223 giving the same as a 22-250 is great, but there is no mention of what a 22-250 will do with the same twist. Compare apples to apples and to choose the right cartridge compare teh right cartridge tot eh needs/specifications you intend using it for.
For my own part I have a 22-250. A bit loader and a bit harder hitting, but it suites what and where I hunt with it. If I was hunting smaller game only I'd go for the 204.
Do the research and make up your own mind. There is a heap of internat advice available, but it is all cheap talk.
Don't worry about the barrel burn out of the 22 250. NOthing more fun than shooting enough to wear out a barrel. Shooting that much would make you proficient enough that it would probably be some time before you noticed a loss of effectiveness in killing due to loss of accuracy. Few normal hunters ever wear any barrel out anyway.Also how disappointed will you be with the 223 when a shot presents itself that is more suitable to a 22 250.Have fun.
NM Leon
New member
Quote:
All this talk of a faster twist in a 223 giving the same as a 22-250 is great, but there is no mention of what a 22-250 will do with the same twist.
True. I had a 22-250 1:8 twist and it was an awesome shooter...for 800-1000 rounds. The guys shooting 1:7 twist .223s at Perry are getting 4000-6000 round barrel life.
All this talk of a faster twist in a 223 giving the same as a 22-250 is great, but there is no mention of what a 22-250 will do with the same twist.
True. I had a 22-250 1:8 twist and it was an awesome shooter...for 800-1000 rounds. The guys shooting 1:7 twist .223s at Perry are getting 4000-6000 round barrel life.
Wyocoyoter
New member
If your going to be parked on a pdog town burning up 200-300 rounds on a hot afternoon, I would suggest the 223, as this is the only scenario where you would have to be concerned about burning a 250 barrel.
For all other situations requiring an all around varmint getter you can't beat a 22-250. When you call in multiples and bang that first one up close it's nice to have the range and thump that a 250 brings to the table for the follow ups.
I use both the 223 and 22-250 and in some situations have felt I was reaching the limit of the 223. With the 22-250 I never have that problem.
For all other situations requiring an all around varmint getter you can't beat a 22-250. When you call in multiples and bang that first one up close it's nice to have the range and thump that a 250 brings to the table for the follow ups.
I use both the 223 and 22-250 and in some situations have felt I was reaching the limit of the 223. With the 22-250 I never have that problem.
Jack Roberts
Moderator - Deceased
I have never got over 1300 rounds from even a slow twist 22-250 and have always got at least 7000 rounds from even a fast twist 223.
Just my experience and YMMV all depending on what you are willing to put up with on over the hill barrels.
Jack
Just my experience and YMMV all depending on what you are willing to put up with on over the hill barrels.
Jack
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Happy_Hunter
New member
Guys,
If you need a cartridge that can deliver a real thump at beyond 300yds then you are going to have a choice of something like a 22-250, 220 Swift or a even a 243 in 55gr pill. These use barrels a bit quicker than a sub 300yd gun like a 223 and a 223 uses barrels a lot quicker than a 22LR. You don't choose a caliber that can't realy do the job 'cause it won't wear out. If you don't want to choose the caliber that suites the situation you intend hunting in then don't take the shot. Shoot something else closer and or smaller.
If you need a cartridge that can deliver a real thump at beyond 300yds then you are going to have a choice of something like a 22-250, 220 Swift or a even a 243 in 55gr pill. These use barrels a bit quicker than a sub 300yd gun like a 223 and a 223 uses barrels a lot quicker than a 22LR. You don't choose a caliber that can't realy do the job 'cause it won't wear out. If you don't want to choose the caliber that suites the situation you intend hunting in then don't take the shot. Shoot something else closer and or smaller.
brdeano
New member
Quote:
All this talk of a faster twist in a 223 giving the same as a 22-250 is great, but there is no mention of what a 22-250 will do with the same twist.
I have both, an 8 twist 223AI, and an 8 twist 22-250. The 223AI has a #6 Broughton, 22." The '250 has a #7 Rock, also 22."
Slinging the same bullets (75 Amax) the 223AI will push them 3100 and the 22-250 will push them to over 3300. For that extra 200 FPS, I burn 8.6 grains more powder, both loads are using R-15. It doesn't sound like much, but I can load 500 223AI's with the same amount of powder it takes to load 380 22-250's. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif The 223AI will push 50's a little over 3700, I have never shot anything lighter than the 75's in the 8 twist 22-250, so I cant compare them there.
There is more recoil with the '250, I know that is relative with a 22-250, but not when you are spotting hits. If I crank the power down and hold the rifle I can still spot hits with the '250, but no where near as easily as the ack.
The '250 is louder, like some have mentioned. But that is pretty much negated when you are wearing hearing protection. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif
The '250 heats up ALOT quicker than does the ack. Not many PD towns here in michigan, so I can deal with that issue. I have a savage or 2 if I was going on a PD trip, cheap barrels and easy to change. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
As far as shooting at distance, I cant think of a shot that I missed with the 223AI where I would have made it if I had been using the '250 and that extra 200FPS. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused1.gif
I still like my 22-250, but I have to give the edge to the 223AI. It doesn't give up much, even when you stretch its legs a little. I have 300 rounds throught the 250 and I am trying to decide now what to have it rebarreled as when it goes south. Thinkin' maybe a 25-284 next, or maybe a fast twist 243 for the 115 DTAC's, probably not much barrel life there either /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smiliesmack.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
All this talk of a faster twist in a 223 giving the same as a 22-250 is great, but there is no mention of what a 22-250 will do with the same twist.
I have both, an 8 twist 223AI, and an 8 twist 22-250. The 223AI has a #6 Broughton, 22." The '250 has a #7 Rock, also 22."
Slinging the same bullets (75 Amax) the 223AI will push them 3100 and the 22-250 will push them to over 3300. For that extra 200 FPS, I burn 8.6 grains more powder, both loads are using R-15. It doesn't sound like much, but I can load 500 223AI's with the same amount of powder it takes to load 380 22-250's. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif The 223AI will push 50's a little over 3700, I have never shot anything lighter than the 75's in the 8 twist 22-250, so I cant compare them there.
There is more recoil with the '250, I know that is relative with a 22-250, but not when you are spotting hits. If I crank the power down and hold the rifle I can still spot hits with the '250, but no where near as easily as the ack.
The '250 is louder, like some have mentioned. But that is pretty much negated when you are wearing hearing protection. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif
The '250 heats up ALOT quicker than does the ack. Not many PD towns here in michigan, so I can deal with that issue. I have a savage or 2 if I was going on a PD trip, cheap barrels and easy to change. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
As far as shooting at distance, I cant think of a shot that I missed with the 223AI where I would have made it if I had been using the '250 and that extra 200FPS. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused1.gif
I still like my 22-250, but I have to give the edge to the 223AI. It doesn't give up much, even when you stretch its legs a little. I have 300 rounds throught the 250 and I am trying to decide now what to have it rebarreled as when it goes south. Thinkin' maybe a 25-284 next, or maybe a fast twist 243 for the 115 DTAC's, probably not much barrel life there either /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smiliesmack.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
Happy_Hunter
New member
Hi brdeano,
So let me get this straight. You're saying that for the extra legs n thump of a 22-250 you burn a bit more powder, it heats up quicker and you might burn a barrel quicker.
Well, if you don't need the extra legs, don't use it. If you do need the extra legs, use it.
It seems many people are comparing the 223 and 22-250 as if they are the same. They aren't. Its like compaing a V8 350" to a V6 250" engine. If you don't tow a car trailer or want to race every one then you can get away with using the quieter, more economical, smaller V6. But don't try to use a V6 like a V8 'cause it won't do it and you will be dissappointed.
So let me get this straight. You're saying that for the extra legs n thump of a 22-250 you burn a bit more powder, it heats up quicker and you might burn a barrel quicker.
Well, if you don't need the extra legs, don't use it. If you do need the extra legs, use it.
It seems many people are comparing the 223 and 22-250 as if they are the same. They aren't. Its like compaing a V8 350" to a V6 250" engine. If you don't tow a car trailer or want to race every one then you can get away with using the quieter, more economical, smaller V6. But don't try to use a V6 like a V8 'cause it won't do it and you will be dissappointed.