.222 vs. .223

G

geode

New member
I know ammo is cheaper in the .223 but i'm wondering how much difference there is in longer range accuracy, flatter shooting, and fur friendliness between the two. Are the differences noticeable? My brain tells me to go with a .223 but my heart tells me .222 (mostly because my dad owned one at one time).

Thanks,
Geode
 
I have both.. A 222 in a CZ, and a 223 in an AR.. I love the 222 but for serious yote huntin I pack the AR..

My 222 shoots lil groups, but so does my AR.. Both will kill a coyote..
 
In a bolt gun I don't see much difference, if you reload it would be better. Around here 222 isn't on every shelf like the 223 is. Both are great rounds for coyote and fox.
 
The .222 is substantially slower than the .223 and won't have the range nor shoot as flat. The .222 mag is more in line with the .223.

That being said the .222 is a very accurate round and held a lot of BR records. Is the slight gain in inherent accuracy gonna make a dang bit of difference in the filed? No, but the .222 is just a classy little round.

If fox are a concern the .222 is dang good, coyotes and varmints only? As much as I hate to say it, go with the .223.

CB
 
I was shooting .223 before I got my first .222

Pelt damage is going to be regulated by what bullet is fired from each cartridge not which of these good cartridges.

As far as power, the .223 probably adds 25 to 50 yards at equal pressures.

For accuracy, the .222 will have an edge everything else equal.

But to me the availability of ammo and brass plus the bit of extra horsepower minus a bit of accuracy lost .............

............ my nod for a first rifle in either of these calibers .......... for coyotes ...........

............ goes to the .223!!!

IF you are shooting pasture poodles ....... and handload .... then the .222 makes sense.

Minute of praire dog is less than minute of coyote.


Three 44s
 
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Originally Posted By: geodeany difference in fur damage on fox between the two rounds? my 223 has a 19 inch barrel. my 222 has a 20 inch barrel. i shoot a 50 balistic tip at 3256 from the .222. 3269 from the 223. no difference. my exeperience is anything that will kill a coyote reliably, gunna damage the fox.
 
Originally Posted By: RONINFLAGOriginally Posted By: geodeany difference in fur damage on fox between the two rounds? my 223 has a 19 inch barrel. my 222 has a 20 inch barrel. i shoot a 50 balistic tip at 3256 from the .222. 3269 from the 223. no difference. my exeperience is anything that will kill a coyote reliably, gunna damage the fox.


Using the wrong bullet. And the 222 can be slowed down, so can the .223
 
Originally Posted By: Chris_BriceThe .222 is substantially slower than the .223 and won't have the range nor shoot as flat.

Define "substantially".

You're talking about a 100 - 200 FPS difference MAYBE. Not sure how that equates to a huge difference out to 200-250 yards.
 
I shoot a 40 grain ballistic tip in the 222, still looking for a 45 or 50 grain load for the 223 that will run the same speed. The better ballistic coeficient would give the edge to the 223 but I still prefer the 222, I have no idea why.
 
Get a 204 Ruger you can't tell where the bullet enters and there is no exit. Drops coyotes dead on the spot. Reloads for the same price as .223. If you shop for your components.
 
Originally Posted By: claimbusterEither one pointed correctly will get the job done. I own and shoot both.

I have and shoot both also but I'm a sentimental nut for the old cartriges so I go with the 222 Rem.
wub.gif
 
Ahhh,,,, another quest for a long range Coyote killer that's easy on Fox.
Be sure and let us know when ya find it.

Since I'm not convinced that there is such a thing,,, I'd go for the 222 for the cool factor.
cool.gif

I love that round.
 


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