204 vs 22 250

Out here on the prairie, wind drift is a concern and for long range shooting the 22-250 will drift less and shoot flatter, it will also make more noise and cost more to reload. Both are a bit much for gophers when other cals. will work without the cost, noise, and barrel wear....See also .22 Hornet, .218 Bee, the Fireballs, .222...IMHO
For bigger varmints like Coyote, the edge goes to the .22-250 which uses heavier bullets for more energy on target.
 
ballistically, both are very similar. Contrary to common belief, the 22-250 is neither latter, nor more wind resistant - compare a 40 grain .204 at 3900 fps against a 60 grain .224 at 3600 fps - the 204 bullet has a higher BC, so - faster, flatter, less drift. A non-standard twist in the 22-250 will stabilize a heavier bullet, which will perform better at extended ranges, but inside 500 yards or so, the 204 is still ahead.

The 22-250 will deliver more energy on impact to larger targets (like coyotes), but this comes at a cost of recoil, which means you won't be spotting your own shots through the scope. And for targets like gophers, this is half the fun. That, and the 204 burns less powder, which means it heats up barrels slower, so you'll get more shots downrange between cooldowns.

so - for coyote-sized varmints, the 22-250 is probably ahead. For gophers, the 204 wins hands down. For target shooting at the range - I'd go with a custom barrel 22-250, shooting 75 grain VLD's
 
prosper said:
ballistically, both are very similar. Contrary to common belief, the 22-250 is neither latter, nor more wind resistant - compare a 40 grain .204 at 3900 fps against a 60 grain .224 at 3600 fps - the 204 bullet has a higher BC, so - faster, flatter, less drift. A non-standard twist in the 22-250 will stabilize a heavier bullet, which will perform better at extended ranges, but inside 500 yards or so, the 204 is still ahead.

The 22-250 will deliver more energy on impact to larger targets (like coyotes), but this comes at a cost of recoil, which means you won't be spotting your own shots through the scope. And for targets like gophers, this is half the fun. That, and the 204 burns less powder, which means it heats up barrels slower, so you'll get more shots downrange between cooldowns.

so - for coyote-sized varmints, the 22-250 is probably ahead. For gophers, the 204 wins hands down. For target shooting at the range - I'd go with a custom barrel 22-250, shooting 75 grain VLD's
Click to expand...

I couldnt have said it any better myself. The 22-250 is the greatest coyote cartridge ever (IMHO). The .204 is a great centerfire gopher cartridge but I would love to have a season using the new 17 Hornet round, it has potential to be a winner.
 
.22-250 all the way. More ft/lbs. Heavier bullet is better for the big dogs. I have used one with 60 and 64 grain soft points that absolutely tear coyotes off their feet way further than I should have shot at them.
 
A little OT: But I have a good offer for a used xbolt SS stalker in 22 250, the only thing I don't like about it is the 1:14 twist the xbolt comes in.

So I am thinking of shooting out this barrel and then get one with a different twist to shoot heavier bullets.

How do I go forward to getting a new barrel? Are there any issues with the x bolt and barrel changes, or is it a non issue/ standard procedure for a gun smith? Any points in the right direction would be appreciated!

I am also wondering if I could rechamber and rebarrel it to a 308 win or any other cartridge for that matter? What are my options...
 
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