Thread: 222 vs 22-250

Its probably been covered, but most 22-250 are 1/14 twist which limits them in bullet weight. I had one and it wouldn't stabilise 60 grn. I shot the barrel out using 55 grn at 3,500fps on hares, goats and deer.

A 22-250 and 55 grn projectiles is no better on deer than a .223 and 55 grn.

A fast twist .223 shooting 75/80 grn bullets at 2,800/2,900 fps eats a 22.250 with 55 grn bullets at 3,500 fps on deer.

A fast twist 22.250 shooting 75/80 grn bullets at 3,300 fps eats a 223 with anything. But a fast twist 22.250 is rare. You are using twice as much powder, increasing the bang, and might just as well step up to a 243 or something bigger.

Originally Posted by Tahr

Its probably been covered, but most 22-250 are 1/14 twist which limits them in bullet weight. I had one and it wouldn't stabilise 60 grn. I shot the barrel out using 55 grn at 3,500fps on hares, goats and deer.

A 22-250 and 55 grn projectiles is no better on deer than a .223 and 55 grn.

A fast twist .223 shooting 75/80 grn bullets at 2,800/2,900 fps eats a 22.250 with 55 grn bullets at 3,500 fps on deer.

A fast twist 22.250 shooting 75/80 grn bullets at 3,300 fps eats a 223 with anything. But a fast twist 22.250 is rare. You are using twice as much powder, increasing the bang, and might just as well step up to a 243 or something bigger.

@Tahr what distances can you you deer out to with a 223

Originally Posted by 7mm Rem Mag

@Tahr what distances can you you deer out to with a 223

Comfortable on settled deer out to 300 yards with 55 grain and up. Have shot them further. Feel most confident when they are settled, broadside, and Im using 69grn and up. You have to be very comfortable that the bullet will go where you want so wind is a limiter. Lots of range time and trajectory validating too. If you are "aim and hope" don't use a .223. Its a precision caliber that rewards a rational careful approach.
And make no mistake, Ive had some distasters in the past that Im not very proud of. Er on the side of caution.

Originally Posted by Tahr

Comfortable on settled deer out to 300 yards with 55 grain and up. Have shot them further. Feel most confident when they are settled, broadside, and Im using 69grn and up. You have to be very comfortable that the bullet will go where you want so wind is a limiter. Lots of range time and trajectory validating too. If you are "aim and hope" don't use a .223. Its a precision caliber that rewards a rational careful approach.
And make no mistake, Ive had some distasters in the past that Im not very proud of. Er on the side of caution.

More...after a couple of very nice wines.

This was at 311 yards. Very accurate Model 7. 69 grn Targex that I have shot hundreds of game with. Know the trajectory well and validated, and this was at the end of the day after shooting 40 odd wallaby so I was sort of in the groove. Reliable 6-24 scope on 24 power. Good solid bipod rest. No wind. Great light.

Originally Posted by Tahr

More...after a couple of very nice wines.

This was at 311 yards. Very accurate Model 7. 69 grn Targex that I have shot hundreds of game with. Know the trajectory well and validated, and this was at the end of the day after shooting 40 odd wallaby so I was sort of in the groove. Reliable 6-24 scope on 24 power. Good solid bipod rest. No wind. Great light.

Attachment 191757

Attachment 191758

Hey Tahr - does your M7 have a 1:12 or 1:9 twist to stabilise the 69's Thanks

Originally Posted by Tentman

Hey Tahr - does your M7 have a 1:12 or 1:9 twist to stabilise the 69's Thanks

1:9

Originally Posted by Tahr

Its probably been covered, but most 22-250 are 1/14 twist which limits them in bullet weight. I had one and it wouldn't stabilise 60 grn. I shot the barrel out using 55 grn at 3,500fps on hares, goats and deer.

A 22-250 and 55 grn projectiles is no better on deer than a .223 and 55 grn.

A fast twist .223 shooting 75/80 grn bullets at 2,800/2,900 fps eats a 22.250 with 55 grn bullets at 3,500 fps on deer.

A fast twist 22.250 shooting 75/80 grn bullets at 3,300 fps eats a 223 with anything. But a fast twist 22.250 is rare. You are using twice as much powder, increasing the bang, and might just as well step up to a 243 or something bigger.

@Tahr and that is sort of where i was going. Mind you if you had a fast twist 22-250 you can always go back down to the 55s if you want. That gets a bit tough with the 243

you will need to be careful with fast twist 22-250 if dropping down to 55grns,you could end up with them not reaching target as the G forses will be extreme. a 40grn in slow twist is explosive to say the least.... a 55grn at 3500 fps and twist of 1-9 would be really hard on projectile to keep together.

Originally Posted by csmiffy

@Tahr and that is sort of where i was going. Mind you if you had a fast twist 22-250 you can always go back down to the 55s if you want. That gets a bit tough with the 243

You can (could) get 6mm 58 gn vmaxes