Can't decide between 223 or 22-250!!

koobs84

koobs84

New member
I’ve been a lurker for quite sometime learning what I can by reading many topics. I can say I've learned a lot from this site and my interest in predator/varmint hunting has grown. Im looking to build my first custom hunting rifle. The rifle will primarily be used for coyote hunting. I’ve come to a decision on all the parts I’m working to get, but I can’t make the decision between getting a .223 or 22-250.

Most shots will probably be taken under 300… but would like the ability to shoot farther. I’m interested in the .223 primarily for barrel life and less powder being used. The 22-250 interests me for its velocity and stopping power. I know a 223 is capable of long range distances, on paper targets, but don’t know if they will have enough power behind them for coyotes at further distances. Also, being from California, Im stuck with lead free bullets which means I will be using a faster twist barrel.

I guess my main question would be whether the 223 will be plenty for my needs or if I need to just step up to the 22-250. Any help in the decision will be appreciated..

So far my plans for the build are the following:

Stiller Predator Action
ADL configuration
Pac-nor #2 barrel at 22”
Mcmillan Mountain stock
Jewell Trigger
Talley LW rings
Leupold VX-3 2.5-8x36

Planning to make it lightweight and easy to carry.
 
look into a 223 Ackley improved it will give you a bit more zoom than the 223 but less powder than the 22-250.
 
Sounds like you've pretty much done your homework. As I have had no experience with lead free bullets, I can't provide any insight on that. I shoot both the 223 and the 22-250. Most of my coyote hunting is done with the 223, because bobcat season is usually going on at the same time and the 223 is much more fur friendly on them that anything else I use. When I'm not interested in a cat, I'll carry other rifles in addition to the 223, usually a 22-250 or a 243. While I've made shots longer than 300 yards with the 223, I don't think of the 223 as a long range caliber for coyote hunting. Actually, I prefer a 243 for coyotes, but I don't use one if I'm also after bobcats, as it's not good on their hides. As far as the 22-250 goes, I prefer the 52 and 55 grain bullets. I would think that either one would be fine for what you're looking for.
 
just my opinion....I would go with the 22-250....For the shooting your
talking about doing,you aint gonna shoot out the barrel.I used one for
target shooting and had 4000 rounds thru it..As long as you aint rapid fireing
to smoke the barrel..I don't beleive what some say about it..A 243 barrel
will go befor a 22-250 does...Depending on you yourself...
 
thats a tuff one. when coyote hunting i have learn you need more that one gun at some point in time. if you want lost cost go with the 223. shells are plentiful and brass is also. ammo is cheap as well. 22-250 is a great gun and has proved its self over and over. but it still has the 22 cal. bullet for reloading which is good. i have a AR 223 i use and a savage axis 22-250 and a howa 243 and a mossberg 935 12ga. so it will be your choice to make and which ever gun you prefer. thanks and good luck
 
just my opinion....I would go with the 22-250....For the shooting your
talking about doing,you aint gonna shoot out the barrel.I used one for
target shooting and had 4000 rounds thru it..As long as you aint rapid fireing
to smoke the barrel..I don't beleive what some say about it..A 243 barrel
will go befor a 22-250 does...Depending on you yourself...
 
for the distances you are talking about I would go 223. There is nothing wrong with the 22 250 but 300 and less the 223 is all you will need. Both are 22 size pill the only difference will be how much powder you want to burn. If you use a 8 twist in 223 you can load a good varity of bullets. Go 223
 
I would go 223AI if I went custom right now. My thinking is that I would enjoy shooting it more and therefore get more use out of the investment.
I hunt with a short barrel AR, so I'm not one chasing velocity. Then again you can always just get both and not worry about it lol
 
I like the 22-250 for coyotes but have not shot it much since I got my 223 due to the weight difference and the 223 is just more fun to shoot right now for me. Like Kracker said, I think the 223AI would be ideal for you if you are going custom because it seems to close the gap between the 223 and 22-250 as far as speed is concerned. Good luck!

Shelton
 
Originally Posted By: yoteslayer77Originally Posted By: batman1262Primarily for yotes?? 22-250 all the way!
I concur.

I second that motion.
thumbup.gif
 
Here is the easy way to decide....

If you built one caliber... would you later be happy... or wish you had done the other one.

Think of it like.... Hmmm.... if I could ONLY have ONE caliber....
 
From your choices I would go with a 22-250 for a bolt, but if i were you I would consider stepping up to a 243 if there are pigs in the area.
 
Originally Posted By: Krackerlook into a 223 Ackley improved it will give you a bit more zoom than the 223 but less powder than the 22-250.

Since you are a handloader then I too am going to go with the .223 AI. I think that I can speak objectively here as I own a couple .223 rifles (love them) as well as a 22-250 (love it) but could certainly live with just my .223 AI. I can get over 3700 FPS easy peasy with 50 grain bullets and 4000 FPS with the 40 grain. Killed prairie dogs at 700 yards with the 50 grain slugs. Good enough for me.
 
If someone made a reliable and cost efficient 22-250 in an AR platform I would never buy a .223 for coyotes. But I'm a crappy shot and need lots of bullets.
 


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