older ruger model 77 22-250

timberwolf204

timberwolf204

New member
friend of mine possibly going to sell me a ruger model 77 older model bull barrel 22-250 bull barrel. I would like to hear others how they perform. I will mainly use it for predator hunting. does the 22-250 rip the hides up bad on coyote and fox or not too bad? currently I use a cz527 euro varmint in 223 and also have a remington 722 in 222.

thanks for any help.

Jason
 
I have a Ruger 77VT in .22-250 that shoots 50gr Nosler BT's very well. I bought it new back in 1992 I believe.

I've never shot anything with it so I can't say how fur-friendly it would be... but it's a shooter for sure. I also have on in .223 Rem just need to get glass on it.
 
With the .22-250 it has authority to anchor them.
I easily give it a 100 yd advantage over .223.
Bullet choice correlates with predictable hide damage.
Shot placement also helps put them down while reducing damage.
Example- 50 gr Vmax can splash on bone or blow 4 inch hole out the other side even at 100 yds.
55 gr soft point can pencil through as close as 25 ft.
 
I have one I bought new in about ‘85. I shot hundreds of fox with hand loaded 55 gr FMJ. It killed em a little too dead plenty often. I’d make different loads today. It was super accurate for about 2500 rounds then the barrel was shot out.

Be nice to know the round count for sure.
 
For Fox hunting stick with your 222.

Buy the bull barrel 250 anyway way though.....that's a true classic IMO....
 
As you ratchet up the power you tear up hides. There is just no way out of it.

I run the gamut of cartridges. 22 Hornet, 204 Ruger, 222, 223, 22-250, 243, and 25-06.

In order them in kill efficiency I would rank them thusly:

22 Hornet, 222, 223, 204, 22-250, 243 and 25-06.

The break on tearing them up in my estimation is somewhat fluid depending on the bullet and the range but speaking of coyotes, the line drifts between the 223 and the 22-250. A few blow ups with the 223 and much more with the 22-250 with the 204 being about average.

I do not save hides, I kill coyotes for defense of livestock and pets. So the smack down from the 22-250 and more powerfull cartridges is more to my liking.

There are those that shun the 204 because they feel it is not enough for coyotes but my opinion of that cartridge is that it really all in all is likely the very best one on balance. Best trajectory at reasonable ranges, least average tear up without so many run offs, least recoil for it’s kill effectiveness.

The 223 is great for cheap brass and powder flexibility but I do chafe at the number of run offs. I really like the 22-250 because it puts dogs down with pan ash with a good bullet but gives you a bit more recoil.

The 204 gives me visual results before I lose my visual through the scope, much like a 220 Swift but no recoil to speak of.

Three44s
 
Last edited:
Coyote hides are worth nothing down here! You can't even give them away. I like to see how big a hole a can blow in them!!!!
 
I had a Ruger 77 in 220 Swift that was the 200th Year American Liberty edition, meaning it was manufactured in 1976. I shot it for years and it was a very, very accurate rifle. I would guess the rifle you are talking about if it was made during that time frame and has not been shot out would be very accurate as well.
 
Some guys I know went to west Texas on a Hog hunt years ago. One guy took a 300 Ultra Mag and was asking how the guy that opted for a 22-250 "Intended to kill feral hogs with a mouse gun?" The guy with the 250 was a deadeye shot and knew his rifle. He literally killed more hogs than any of the others and shot every one of them in the head, the burr of the ear or brain shots.

I like the 22-250, easy to load and get brass and is a great cartridge which extends the range some but like any 22, has some issues in the wind.

Having said that, I am on the hunt for one myself. I am choosing it over the 243 simply because of my needs and plan on not worrying about the Fur. Mange has been an epidemic in my area lately. I will though skin a nice Coyote no matter the hole.
 
thank you for all the responses, I am hoping to see this gun soon. I do know its an older one i believe with the older safety he has it dialed in with H380 i believe and Vmax bullets. I dont do much with skinning them but my friends a trapper and I would give them to him if its not too tore up. one post mentioned the 22 hornet. We do use that once in awhile but like to be able to have a bit more distance if needed.
 
Back
Top