223 or 22-250

casterpollox

casterpollox

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I'm getting a headache...

I'm having a difficult time picking between the two cals. I'm looking for a precision paper puncher that will also transfer into the world of gophers and coyotes.

I'm down to these two rounds but which is the better performer?

I like the 223 because you can shoot it all day without having to worry to much about waiting for the barrel to cool.

The 22-250, I hear, can heat up a barrel quickly but has a further reach.

HELP:bangHead:
 
well the question is.. do you want to shoot all day without the barrel heating or do you want to shoot to 350yrds at coyotes. i own a 22-250 because you have a little longer reach and have found that yes, the barrel heat up but its possible to allow barrel to cool between shooting at the coyotes.
 
Actually, for "all day long" shooting, there would really be no difference in barrel heat issues.

Find a rifle you like in either cal and I'm sure it will suit your described needs.
 
The 22-250 has a higher case capacity. Depending on the load, it will be as much as 25% more powder than 223. That will have a small impact on reloading costs. The 22-250 uses large primers, the 223 uses small.

The beauty of the 22-250 is how flat it shoots. It is a FAST round and its point blank range is excellent. This Lessens the need to be making big scope adjustments, makes a great slayer. With heavier bullets, it is a great precision cartridge as well.

Give some thought to the 204 ruger as well. I love it for coyotes. It is as fast or faster than the 22-250 and it is also an incredibly flat shooter
 
I prefer the 223. Given a fast-twist you'll get less drift and MUCH flatter long-range trajectories with less noise, about half the heat and less recoil
 
223 with a 9 twist. 40 to 50gr for up close red mist. 75gr Amax for coyotes at least 400yds out. For paper punching, 1000yds is a no brainer.

For a walkabout, the Stevens 200 or equivalent Savage if you want a lighter trigger. For a HB, the Savage 12FV.

Jerry
 
casterpollox said:
Is there that much of a difference in the cost for reloading?
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Could be if you can pick up free 223 brass at the range or maybe the local police and load bulk mixed brass some people may cringe at using mixed brass for precision work but I have several loads that are sub moa using mixed brass. As a rule people will not leave 22-250 brass laying around. If you are leaning towards the 223 but are not sure you want to give up the power of the 22-250 then maybe a 26" barrel help get a little more out of the 223, also to consider is what bullet you want to use, 55-60+grns you should look at a barrel with a faster rate of twist than what is usually found in factory 22-250 guns. Barrel heat is an issue for both chamberings but you will get a few more shots out of the 223 before it gets too hot to hold your hand to it.
 
A few years ago I would have recommended the .223 because of the cheaper ammo price. You could buy 20 rounds for $6 compared to $18 or more for the .22-250. Now with the war, the cheap .223 is almost impossible to find, so it's really not much of a benifit. Ammo prices are within a few bucks a box.

The .22-250 shoots faster, so it's obviously flatter but it's not going to burn up a barrell that much faster. If you're worried about the heat effect, just be sure to get a rifle with a heavier target / varmint barrel.

The .22-250 will do everything the .223 will do and more. Wether you need the extra reach or not of the 22-250 or not, it's a good value. Buy the rifle you want and worry about the caliber after.
 
jjackman said:
A few years ago I would have recommended the .223 because of the cheaper ammo price. You could buy 20 rounds for $6 compared to $18 or more for the .22-250. Now with the war, the cheap .223 is almost impossible to find, so it's really not much of a benifit. Ammo prices are within a few bucks a box.
Click to expand...

With his question about reloading, the .223 is quite a bit cheaper to reload.

casterpollox said:
Is there that much of a difference in the cost for reloading?
Click to expand...

.223 with 26grns of Varget = 280 rounds / pound (26grns being the top end in .223)
.22-250 with 35grns of Varget = 200 rounds / pound (35grns being the med-low range in the .22-250)

80 rounds/pound is quite a significant difference. Almost 1/3 more loads in .223
 
get em both

buy both, reload for both, shoot both period. they both heat up just the same so when one cools shoot the other. When it comes to the price of reloading, you really can't put a price on accuracy or the satisfaction of shooting your own handloads. If your in this deep already heck jump in a little more. i shoot both the 22-250 and the 222 why the 222 well i just wanted to be different.:D
 
The 22-250 might have a farther reach hunting wise but is more prone to wind drift due to the lighter bullet. With it's slower twist rate (1 in 12"), it will not stabilise much beyound 55-60 grains. In .223, you get a higher twist rate (1 in 9") with the ability to stabilise up to 75-80 grain pill and be less affected by wind drift but you will have more bullet drop (Burris signature zee rings and 20 MOA inserts will give you adequate elevation). Your barrel life will be reduced with the 22-250 due to the larger powder load. If you're a speed demon, go 22-250, if you want maximum accuracy at 1000 yards between the 2 calibers, go with the .223. Bullet drop is easier to compensate for and is more repeatable than compensating for wind drift @ 1000 yards. Both are excellent hunting choices if loaded with the proper ammo. If you're still not sure as which one to buy, get a Stevens 200 in both calibres and live happily ever after.:D


-Jason
 
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I wish I could get both... but I' afraid the bank account is a little thin for that.

This will probably be my last purchase for some time once I get the glass and accesories I want.

Thanks for the help. Lots to consider but I think the 223 is the way I'm going for a couple reason mentioned here.
 
If you are serious about accuracy past 500, especially out around 800-900 meters, there's no contest, unless you are going to have a fast twist .22-250 built. Mystic Palyer is absolutly right- a 1-9" savage in .223 will get you where you want to be right out of the box. 50 gr. Vmax out to 500, and then 75 bergers or amax past that.
 
You'll also find that with popular calibers you'll get free brass from people who shoot them but don't reload, they keep their spent brass like pot smokers who keep seeds but don't grow.
 
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