Varmint Coyote Caliber (22-250 or 223)

turley

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Oct 20, 2019
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264
Good Morning,
Looking at a Varmint / Coyote caliber and have narrowed it down to the 22-250 and 223. Ballistically the edge seems to lean towards the 22-250.
Outside of possible ammo availability and cost/per round that favors the 223 is there any other reasons not to go 22-250?
Thanks
 

mmac

WKR
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Mar 30, 2017
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AZ
I have both, but really like the 22 250 as being a little different and flatter.
 
Joined
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between those options id go 22-250 for sure, flatter shooting, less wind drift, if your still open to new calibers take a look at the .224 Valkryie. I've had no problem getting ammo (cheaper than 22-250) and it's great on coyotes.
 

vonb

Lil-Rokslider
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Jan 2, 2020
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I like .223 for economy and utility. Cheap enough with brass to pickup at the range.
 

scooter25

FNG
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May 7, 2019
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Wyoming
For me I would Look for a fast twist 22-250. Make sure you look at what the barrel twist on the 22-250 is. Some rifles come with a 1-14 twist which will limit what bullets you can shoot accurately past about 200 yards. A fast twist 22-250 is a sweet rifle
 
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Dedicated: 22-250.
Multi-use: 223 as you can run one load for predators and another less expensive load for practice.
 

B23

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For me I would Look for a fast twist 22-250. Make sure you look at what the barrel twist on the 22-250 is. Some rifles come with a 1-14 twist which will limit what bullets you can shoot accurately past about 200 yards. A fast twist 22-250 is a sweet rifle
I like the way you think but the problem is unless you're looking to buy someone's custom or semi custom 22-250 just about all factory made 22-250's come with an 14tw barrel. For a brief period I think Tikka made a model chambered in 22-250 with a 8 or 9 twist but I don't think they've made that model for a few years now. All the main brands still only make 22-250's with the slowwwwww 14tw.
 

Dcrafton

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Aug 10, 2016
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Morgan utah
I would start by asking if your plan on keeping the hides, possibly tanning them? Because pelt damage can be worse with the 22-250 and if you plan on keeping them you may look at a different caliber. But between the two, they will both work but the 22-250 is awesome


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12wander

FNG
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Dec 5, 2021
Messages
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Location
Wisconsin
I like the way you think but the problem is unless you're looking to buy someone's custom or semi custom 22-250 just about all factory made 22-250's come with an 14tw barrel. For a brief period I think Tikka made a model chambered in 22-250 with a 8 or 9 twist but I don't think they've made that model for a few years now. All the main brands still only make 22-250's with the slowwwwww 14tw.

I believe the Ruger American Predator in 22-250 is a 1-10 twist.

22-250 if you like the bang and flop. .223/5.56 if you like spinners from my experienc.
 

amassi

WKR
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May 26, 2018
Messages
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I like the way you think but the problem is unless you're looking to buy someone's custom or semi custom 22-250 just about all factory made 22-250's come with an 14tw barrel. For a brief period I think Tikka made a model chambered in 22-250 with a 8 or 9 twist but I don't think they've made that model for a few years now. All the main brands still only make 22-250's with the slowwwwww 14tw.
Tikka & bergara still produce 8 & 9 twist 22-250s
I had the tikka 1:8 in 22-250 that was crazy accurate with 73 eld-m and really authoritatively put down coyotes

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OP
T

turley

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Oct 20, 2019
Messages
264
I was actually looking at a Tikka T3x Lite in 22-250 yesterday but it alas does have a 1-14 twist rate (even on the Tikka website it only lists the current model 22-250 available with that rate).
I'm looking for a dedicated varmint rifle (not custom) but am in no rush as I'm using a Kimber Montana 6.5 currently which works.
Searching different manufacturers it seems like most are using a 1-14 twist rate in for 22-250....and unfortunately I do not hand load.
 

amassi

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May 26, 2018
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I was actually looking at a Tikka T3x Lite in 22-250 yesterday but it alas does have a 1-14 twist rate (even on the Tikka website it only lists the current model 22-250 available with that rate).
I'm looking for a dedicated varmint rifle (not custom) but am in no rush as I'm using a Kimber Montana 6.5 currently which works.
Searching different manufacturers it seems like most are using a 1-14 twist rate in for 22-250....and unfortunately I do not hand load.
Here you go JRTXB314R8
Tikka t3x superlite 22-250 1:8

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FLATHEAD

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I was actually looking at a Tikka T3x Lite in 22-250 yesterday but it alas does have a 1-14 twist rate (even on the Tikka website it only lists the current model 22-250 available with that rate).
I'm looking for a dedicated varmint rifle (not custom) but am in no rush as I'm using a Kimber Montana 6.5 currently which works.
Searching different manufacturers it seems like most are using a 1-14 twist rate in for 22-250....and unfortunately I do not hand load.
I'm looking hard at a 22 Hornet and seeing the same slow twist rates,,1-16 and 1-14.
I want to shoot 50grainers., I "think" the 1-14 would stabilize, but may end up with a .222.
We shall see.
 
OP
T

turley

Lil-Rokslider
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Oct 20, 2019
Messages
264
Thanks for all the replies. As I live in California where monolithic / copper is mandated it seems that the .223 has more manufacturer offerings which is important to me as I do not hand load. As much as I like the ballistics of the 22-250 it seems as though the .223 will be a better fit.
 

stevevan

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Mar 23, 2016
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Thanks for all the replies. As I live in California where monolithic / copper is mandated it seems that the .223 has more manufacturer offerings which is important to me as I do not hand load. As much as I like the ballistics of the 22-250 it seems as though the .223 will be a better fit.
22-250 = Dead Yote!!!
 

spur60

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Jul 14, 2020
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I didn't sell very many yotes that I shot with my old M77 in .22-250. Didn't think much about bullet selection though and the 55 grain remington UMC bulk hollow points do serious hide damage.
 

Jhammer

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Dec 6, 2021
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Black Hills
I use both, sometimes my dads .22-250 or my AR. He’s got a savage with 1 in 9 twist and I got a good 70gr load I use for antelope sometimes, and have shot a few deer with it too.
 

Samson7x

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Oct 29, 2019
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What are you all using for hide preservation? I am considering something in 204. Would that be a good choice?
 

B23

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What are you all using for hide preservation? I am considering something in 204. Would that be a good choice?
The 204 and 35gr Berger makes for a pretty good combo in a factory gun with a 12tw barrel but unless you already have some 204 Brass finding some isn't very easy and finding 204 loaded ammo is nearly impossible.
 
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