whats the better varmint calibre? .223 or .22-250?
- Thread starter rem74283
- Start date
nowarningshot
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
The better round is 22-250. Many more people buy 223, especially if they do not reload. Due to it being the US service round, there are many bulk ammo deals that make it a waste of time to reload it, if cost is the reason.
The other question people are going to ask is what you mean by varmit. If sitting in a huge dog town, a 22lr is best. If range shooting in volume, and relatively short predator shots a 223 would be fine. For longer range predator shots a 22-250 is better, ammo is more, but you will not shoot the volume in predator hunting that you would at the range.
Another consideration might be a 243, 257, or 25-06. Dual purpose with deer on the menu.
The other question people are going to ask is what you mean by varmit. If sitting in a huge dog town, a 22lr is best. If range shooting in volume, and relatively short predator shots a 223 would be fine. For longer range predator shots a 22-250 is better, ammo is more, but you will not shoot the volume in predator hunting that you would at the range.
Another consideration might be a 243, 257, or 25-06. Dual purpose with deer on the menu.
The primary problem is you don't understand the question you have asked. There is no "best" varmint round because the "best" round is highly dependent on what varmint you are shooting, the distance you want to shoot and the amount or rate the shooting will occur.
You live in ON and will likely shoot ground hogs which are medium sized varmints but are typically shot in very low numbers. The round you choose will be more dependent on the distance you want to shoot.
I live in AB where we shoot smallish ground squirrels by the thousands at medium to short distances. Thus something like the 17 Fireball, 221 Fireball or 223 are the better choices. For longer ranges I used a 243 because it was more resistant to wind drift and carried distance better than the 22-250.
You live in ON and will likely shoot ground hogs which are medium sized varmints but are typically shot in very low numbers. The round you choose will be more dependent on the distance you want to shoot.
I live in AB where we shoot smallish ground squirrels by the thousands at medium to short distances. Thus something like the 17 Fireball, 221 Fireball or 223 are the better choices. For longer ranges I used a 243 because it was more resistant to wind drift and carried distance better than the 22-250.
- Location
- Prince Albert, Sk
Ballistic potential the 22-250.
Economically the .223.
Economically the .223.
lol, that's one way to put it. First gun I ever bought after getting my PAL was a 22-250.
Since then I have also acquired a .204 and .223 and still ask myself why I bothered. I always go back to using the 22-250.
As others have already pointed out it depends on the mission.
For gophers/ground squirrels I love my 17hmr, used the 22lr in the past wouldn't go back.
For coyotes I have to give it to the 22-250. I don't own one yet but it has been on my most desired list for a long time.
Never tried a .243 but would be interesting to see how it compares.
For gophers/ground squirrels I love my 17hmr, used the 22lr in the past wouldn't go back.
For coyotes I have to give it to the 22-250. I don't own one yet but it has been on my most desired list for a long time.
Never tried a .243 but would be interesting to see how it compares.
hometownhero
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Toon Town, Sk
I got a 223 first then picked up a 22-250. Got some loads worked out and then sold it. To loud, to much recoil to see hits, barrel heats up quickly, and costs more then I'd like even when loading.
I would choose a 204 ruger instead.
A faster twist, 1-9 or more, 223 is a ton of fun and very versatile. Shoot light, frangible bullets for groundhogs or gophers, mediums or heavies for coyotes and leaves you with the option for the slipperier, heavies for long range targets, if you decide that interests you down the road.
I've shot lots of 22-250, but wouldn't bother anymore. Most of them are twisted poorly from the factory for what I want. 243 is where it's at if you need more than the 223, IMO.
I've shot lots of 22-250, but wouldn't bother anymore. Most of them are twisted poorly from the factory for what I want. 243 is where it's at if you need more than the 223, IMO.
Phhhttt! Hardly. I had a 22-250. It burned a lot of powder and didn't do much more than a 223 on a gopher. I moved up to a 243 which was a big improvement. I have now gone down to smaller rounds like the 221 FB and 17 FB, which are much more pleasant to shoot in volume and allow more shots before the bbl overheats. Personally I would not go back to a 22-250 again.
Your cartridge choice will then depend on the distances you want or need to shoot and the amount of pelt damage you are willing to accept. We have shot lots of coyotes with .30 cal and it works really well with the 110gr VMAX or 125gr Nosler Ballistic Tip. Those options would save you having to buy a whole new rifle.
257Roberts
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Peterborough ON
Listen to what Dad said....
Im moving up from a 223 to a 243 for next years coyotes. The 223 is great out to 300yds, but after that I wouldnt trust it too much to put that dog down without it running off.
After that Im thinking of changing my 223 into a 20 Practical for close ranged coyotes and smaller things like gophers. I already have a 17hmr for gophers, but once you have a gopher that you shot go flying in the air 5 or 6 feet theres no going back to the rimfire.
After that Im thinking of changing my 223 into a 20 Practical for close ranged coyotes and smaller things like gophers. I already have a 17hmr for gophers, but once you have a gopher that you shot go flying in the air 5 or 6 feet theres no going back to the rimfire.
