223 or 22/250

[bryn]

I have a 17hmr (quad synthetic) which I will probably sell on and replace it with either with a 223 or 22 250. However I need some advice on which one. I am leaning towards the 22 250 as its faster and flatter and so eliminates any aiming over etc in most situations.
I will be using it for foxing long range rabbits and may even put some night vision on it.

Appreciated
Bryn

 

[nick.308]

i have both. i use the the .223 most because ammo is cheaper to buy/load. there is the option of cheap nato ammo. it doesn't use as much powder to load.
the .223 barrel will probably last longer.

performance wise my .223 drops 6" at 300yds so its still quite flat shooting. it will group as well as the .22-250.
I'm probably biased because my 22250 isn't screw cut so i don't use it much.

whichever you choose you will be happy with as they are both awesome calibre's!

one last thing,
if your a home loader you will be tempted to experiment with bullets.
i got the bug to load as heavy bullets as poss in my .223. It is 1:8 twist so will take heavy bullets.
the hornady amax 75gr are awesome.
i would recommend a fast twist so you can use heavy bullets.

 

[hangfire]

For foxing and varmints the 22-250 is far superior to the 223 just take a look at the ballistics, the downside is reduced barrel life

 

[old keeper]

If you know your rifle and the ballistics for your ammo and you can shoot straight it's pretty irrelevant which calibre you go for as anything from a 22Hornet to a 22.250 will kill any fox you shoot at, (Hornet limit around 200 yards) It's all a matter of personal choice

 

[cjs66]

Much of a muchness really…

As you say, 22-250 is flatter and faster but, if you'r shooting bunnies there's not going to be much left of them, and the 223 will be a cheaper round.. Especially if you'r going to shoot some paper with it.…

BTW, I've a 22-250 and love it!!!!

cjs

 

[Foxshot]

For foxing and varmints the 22-250 is far superior to the 223 just take a look at the ballistics, the downside is reduced barrel life

Apsolute ********, .22-250 isn't far superior. I bet no one can shoot a fox any further at night with a .22-250 than they can a .223.

 

[rabbitter]

For foxing and varmints the 22-250 is far superior to the 223 just take a look at the ballistics, the downside is reduced barrel life

I took a look at the ballistics as you suggested.......

With a 150 yard zero using identical 50gr Vmax, the 22-250 is about 200ft/s faster leaving the rounds within .25 of an inch of each other at 200 yards and about 1.25 inches at 300 yards. As the drop at that distance is of the order of 6 inches, I would be dialling in by then anyway.

 

[glyn]

take what you have found out plus what nick308 and old keeper said and i recon you have your answer "i was in the same situation last year and decided on a 223 fast ish twist and love it !"

 

[A J]

Apsolute ********, .22-250 isn't far superior. I bet no one can shoot a fox any further at night with a .22-250 than they can a .223.

In terms of ballistic performance the .22-250 is indeed far superior to the .223. It can throw a 55r projectile at 3700fps. Approx 12% faster and with 20% more energy than the .223.

However, the .223 is cheaper to shoot, will last longer, you can buy factory ammunition anywhere and in real terms perfectly suitable for the task at hand. In spite of the .22-250's superior performance, I'd choose the .223.

 

[Sivell]

Apsolute ********, .22-250 isn't far superior. I bet no one can shoot a fox any further at night with a .22-250 than they can a .223.

Foxshot

That is a spot on comment. With the same bullet weight in each caliber out to 300m there is a difference of just over a inch in bullet drop on my specific load. So why waste the extra barrel wear and added cost to buy/reload the 22-250. I'm sure it comes down to a personal preference.

Regards

JS

 

[Paul at Fechan]

223 at sensible ranges, 22-250 if you want to reach out and it's that simple really. The 22-250 will send a 75gr bullet out will velocity and stability against the 223 that would not match that performance.

 

[bewsher500]

or......
get a .222

Gentleman's calibre when all around are going plastic and milsurp.......

no fox has ever complained that it wasn't hit hard enough

 

[Redneck]

. The 22-250 will send a 75gr bullet out will velocity and stability against the 223 that would not match that performance.[/QUOTE]

Would the normal twist rate 1.14 of a 22.250 stabilise 75gr bullets.

 

[norcan]

No.. Well not an aerodynamical bullet anyways. It needs a 1-8 twist. 1-9 in a few cases.

A 75 or 80grain A-max at 22-250 speeds will impress even the thougest bunny.

 

[bigoak]

I have a soft spot for the 222 223 family.
I would go 223.
I had a 22-250 for a while but prefered the 223.

 

[vulpes vulpes]

I've had a .204 and a .223 but for the last 5 years I've used a 22/250 for foxing. I tested 2 identical Rem vssf rifles one in .223 and one in 22/250 both were firing 50gr Vmax at 3550fps and 3850fps. The difference came at 250yds the extra 300fps made a hell of a difference when it came to bucking the wind that was gusting between 7-15mph.

 

[User00035]

What about a .243 firing 55 grain rounds? I only ask because I was about to replace my ageing .222 with a .22-250. Everyone was telling me the .243 with light bullets would out perform it in all departments so I've put the variation in now. Hope I'll be pleased with it..

 

[bigoak]

What about a .243 firing 55 grain rounds? I only ask because I was about to replace my ageing .222 with a .22-250. Everyone was telling me the .243 with light bullets would out perform it in all departments so I've put the variation in now. Hope I'll be pleased with it..

a 243 with an 87 vmax is even better in all situations. A bit more versatile for sure.

 

[mchughcb]

I'm with bigoak. The 87 gr vmax is good for foxes. They don't crawl away.

 

[A Guy Out West]

Of course you need a 22-250. If your not a hand loader now, you will be before too long. You can duplicate the performance of a .223 and then when you need the speed of the 22-250, you can load for that. This reminds me of people that ask should I buy a .308 or a 30/06? Buy the one that can do it all. Good shooting to you!