.223 vs .22-250 ???

Question

I wanna buy a rifle in one of these calibers, what are the pros and cons of each? and effective ranges?

Answer 1

The .223 is a common round, one of the most widely available centerfire cartridges, and one of the more versatile calibers. Loads range from a burning 30gr at over 4000 fps, all the way to the special 90gr at a sluggish 2600 fps. There are special subsonic loads available, military surplus steel-core rounds, tracers, incendiary rounds, and others unusual rounds available on the internet.

The .22-250 is a less common round, made more expensive by that fact, as well as the fact that there's more powder and brass, there's just more cartridge. Loads range from 35gr varmint grenades moving at 4200 fps all the way to 80gr match bullets sliding in at just under 3200 fps. The drawback to this much velocity is an increased barrel wear. The higher pressure behind the bullets will cause your barrel to become 'shot out' sooner than it would with the .223, but not as badly as a .220 Swift.

The .223 will be available in most bolt action designs, as well as the .22-250, but the .223 is also available in many semi-auto rifles as well. So unless you're in a situation where ammunition avalability isn't important, you're not going to be firing more than 2000 rounds in your rifle's life, and you need those extra 200 fps or so, the .223 is a much better choice. If, however, you are shooting for the higher velocity, the .22-250 is the answer.

Answer 2

The .22-250 round is a cartridge soley devoted to varmint shooting and is superior to .223 in this regard. Being a specialized round (all non-military hunting centerfire is specialized-or non -ultilitarian) makes .22-250 also expensive and it is very hard on rifling lands. Commercial .223 (a cross between a .222 and .222 magnum) is a NATO caliber (5.56x45mm) that is used for military/police applications, target applications and hunting applications. It's range and energy are less than the .22-250, BUT it is more economical and you get more downrange with less wear on the rifling. Effective range is pretty much what WWD has stated.

Answer 3

define varmint. in case you advise coyote and smaller, get the 223. not something you will shoot could have the skill to tell that is moving somewhat slower than a 22-250 and our community ironmongery keep nevertheless has Remington UMC FMJ's for $8.ninety 9 a field. in case you're speaking deer, whilst a 223 put in the appropriate spot will drop a deer (and that i visit argue that at here as long as i'm here) you desire to to flow with the 243 or 308 regardless of if a 223 is criminal the place you hunt. (It ain't in some places) A 243 has much less kick than a 308, yet once you're nervous touching directly to the balk of a 308 you desire to to shoot some one else's 243 till now purchase'n one. good success. Dave

Answer 4

Depending on what U get for ammo, the prices should be approx. the same @ least where I buy ammo.
Some places sell .22-250 ammo for more, however.

More velocity w/ .22-250 and it seems to shoot flatter for me!

Each would make a devastating varmint hunter. That's what I use mine for.

I wouldn't go over 300 yards w/the rounds if you want a quick, humane kill on a coyote, just to be safe. You'll probably get more out of the rounds, however!

Ruger Mini-14 Heavy Barrel .223 ATN 5x33
Ruger M77 Mk2 .22-250 Taco 6-24x44

Answer 5

Both the .223 & the .22-250 are varmint calibers not suitable for hunting anything larger than say peccary. The .22-250 will have more 'reach,' that's all. Both are great coyote guns.

Best.

H

Answer 6

With low weight bullets, 40 or so, the velocity is similar. Once you move up to 55-60gr+ bullets, the 22-250 is a few 100 fps faster.

If I recall right, most 22-250's are bolt guns. Bolt guns come in .223 also, but usually, people like it in the semi autos (AR-15's, Mini-14's)

I suppose it depends on the main use. A 22 cal weopon usually is not allowed for hunting, at least not in my state (varries from state to state).

Range...well, I a 600yd shot w/ a 223 is not unheard of. Depends on the ammo, the gun and the shooter.

Answer 7

both calibers, are about equal, with the .22-250, being the more expensive. with the .223, you can buy ammunition in bulk 250 rounds per package, for a cheaper price ( good for target practice ), but buy quality ammunition for hunting

Answer 8

I think some of these folks must have been sniffing a bit too much Hoppes #9. 22-250 in normal-weight bullets will go about 300 fps faster and give you practical ranges of 300 compared to 250 yards.

Answer 9

The best choice for your purpose is the 22-250.* The longest shot I made with mine so far was on a groundhog at 400 yds+.* I always hit them in the head.* I have a 20X Redfield Model 3200 Target scope on mine.*

Answer 10

for me, both are equal for what i use them for, 22-250 store bought ammo is much more in price,
as i said, for me both are equal in terms of my use. of course the 223 will be a few feet per sec slower, either way, you will enjoy each.