223 versus 22.250

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rivertrash

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I am looking to purchase a longer range ground squirrel gun than my .22 and am interested in something in the 223 or 22.250 range. Seems the 223 would be cheaper to reload but does anyone have opinions on which would be the best for 100+ yard shooting at varmits? Thanks
 
The 22-250Rem will be more forgiving in range estimation errors because it shoots flatter because of the increased velocity.
 
Not much difference until you go past 250 yards. The 223 will be cheaper and easier to shoot while the 22/250 will have flatter trajectory and less wind drift.
 
Of the two calibers you mentioned I would go with the 223 for shooting ground squirrels.
Winchester has a 45gr JHP factory load that should suit your purpose perfectly, however I would not plan on finding much of them after shooting them with that load.

If I may ask, is there a reason for not choosing a rifle in 17HMR?
I would think a good rifle in that caliber would be just what's needed for what you are doing and the ammo would be a lot cheaper.

Best Regards
Bob Hunter
 
Squirrel?

Let me assume you mean ground squirrel. The .223 is cheaper, and great to 300 yards, while the .22-250 adds more reach. With hollowpoints, either one will blow up a sod rat with giggle inducing results.

If you mean actual tree squirrels, then you should probably discharge neither of these rounds into the treetops. They would ruin the meat anyway.

Ooops, upon re-reading the OP, you did say GROUND squirrel. I'd go with a
.223 for those, and a .22-250 for 'chucks, prarie dogs & up.
 
I would go with the 223 also.Cheaper to shoot. Also 223 is very good out way past 300 yards as stated here. I shoot mine at 600 yards plus. 22-250 is going to do it better and faster for sure,but at a greater cost and a much shorter barrel life.
 
you did say GROUND squirrel. I'd go with a
.223 for those, and a .22-250 for 'chucks, prarie dogs & up.
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Now I'm confused. I always thought a Prairie Dog was just another name for a Ground squirrel.
 
alot

I'm thinking that if ones going to shoot a lot, in longer strings to boot, that a .223 will give longer barrel life and better accuracy over time.

Isn't the 22-250 pretty overbore?
 
Thanks for all the great replies. Looks like most agree that the 223 would suit my needs when considering versatility and economics. Anyone care to recommend their favorite make of rifle and reason?
 
The ballistic difference does it for me... 22-250 = 29 inches of drop at 500 yards if zeroed at 200 yards vs the .223 with 45 inches of drop... Both my 22-250s effectively give me longer legs when shooting varmints without as much work trying to figure out the drop... I live out west and distances beyond 300 are common... From a purely economic standpoint the .223 wins every time... But the most economic option does not always provide the most fun...
 
I'd look into 204 Ruger, if its only small Varmint that's what I'd get.
Flatter trajectory than both and better in the wind with both.

It'l also be quieter and won't get as hot.
Not sure about ammo prices, where live 204 is a bit cheaper than 22-250 but not as cheap as 223, but if you reload, i think you'll find its cheaper than 22-250 but not quite as cheap as 223.

But out of the two you mentioned, probably 223, and I'd get it in a RRA Varminter platform with 24" barrel. I don't have one, but its about the top of my wish list.
 
4runnerman I have a 22-250 made in 1978 that has at a minimum of 5k rounds through it and it shoots 1" MOA with quality ammo. How many rounds and how do you tell if a barrel is shot out.

I prefer the 22-250 over a .223 just for the simple fact that I also use it for deer hunting also.
 
Anyone care to recommend their favorite make of rifle and reason?
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I have experience with two .223 bolt action rifles that are very good shooters.

Savage 10FPC-K - the Law Enforcement model with Accustock, Accutrigger, heavy barrel and a muzzle brake with a 1"9 twist. Even though it isn't needed for recoil on a .223, the muzzle brake is pretty effective at keeping the rifle on the aimpoint after each shot. Lets you see the bullet hit.
Its 10 best loads average over 65 measured groups is 0.481 with a best group average of 0.441. Haven't really gotten a chance to measure a lot of different loads with this yet, but it was a great shooter right out of the box.

CZ 527 Varmint with Kevlar stock and a set trigger with a 1:9 twist. It too was a great shooter right out of the box and need no modifications to shoot great groups. It has 17 different loads with bullet weights ranging from 45 to 65 grain bullets that average under 0.464 inches overall based on 128 measured groups. The best load average is 0.335 with 52 grain Berger bullets @ 3300 fps.

I would recommend either one as a varmint shooter.
You can get about 8 rounds through the heavy barrels without significant barrel heating - something to consider if you are intend to try to eradicate lots of varmints from one shooting position.
 
According to a coyote hunter on a tv show that pushes Hornaday ammo, you get 22-250 performance out of .223 with Hornaday Superformance ammo .......LOL, LOL
 
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