.223 verses 22-250

[Barely Tame]

Need a little input here: I'm torn between a .223 and a 22-250 barrel for my Encore.  In either case, I will be purchasing a 15" SS.  I am not yet, but intend to reload and intend to use the barrel primarily for coyotes, fox and such -- sometimes 200 plus yards.  What are the pros and cons of each please.  Thanks for your help!

[armory414]

Both cartridges are well capable to 200+ yards.  It's probably not until you reach the 400 yard range that you will start to see some differences, and even then that will be slight.  If you handload then again, no real difference as you're paying for the components, and both use the .224 bullets.  BUT--if you plan to use surplus or bulk ammo then .223 would be the way to go.

[Kates]

I had a 22-250 and sold it.  It was used for predator hunting.  After seeing some of the devastating holes a 22-250 left I went to the .223.  Unlimited amount of cheap ammo choices, and it wont be as brutal on foxes and bobcats.

[flyfisher]

I find it hard to believe that the difference in velocity between a .223 and a 22-250 out of a 15" barrel will be so great as to make much of a difference in creating "devastating holes".  

With proper bullet choice, you can create as much or as little carnage as needed (to a certain point...).  If you handload, you can also regulate the velocity of your loads to find one that will help minimize pelt damage (with proper bullet choice as well).  So I have to disagree with Kates.  You can make the holes as devastating (or non-devastating) as you want.  

As far as the .223 and 22-250 choices are concerned, I think that both are excellent choices for what you want the barrel to do.  Handloading is easy for both, and the bullet choices are virtually identical.  If you do not reload, the choices for .223 ammo are usually greater and almost always cheaper.  Me,  I'd go with the 22-250.  I have always had a soft spot for the 22-250.  It moves slightly faster, and I just like the look of the case.  But that's not to say that the .223 isn't just as good.  It's like choosing between boxers and briefs......

[Lone Star]

It's probably not until you reach the 400 yard range that you will start to see some differences, and even then that will be slight.

From Federal's website for rifles:

Cart.......400 drop....400 drift
.223..........-20.8".......19.8"
.22-250....-15.4"........16.5"

The relative differences should be about the same out of a 15" barrel.  At 400 yards, the difference in drift and drop between the two is enough to miss a varmint like a chuck, 'dog or fox, and drift out of the kill zone on a 'yote.  But at closer ranges there is even less difference, and I'd consider the two roughly equivalent to 300.  I own both - in different rifles - and enjoy them a lot.

[SD Handgunner]

Over the years I have chronographed and accuracy tested a few different examples of  .223's & .22-250's both in Rifles and Handguns. Generally speaking both cartridges shoot the same bullets, but you knew that. I have found that most of the time a .22-250 Rifle will produce 400 FPS more velocity than a .223 Rifle of similar barrel length when both cartridges are shooting the same weight bullets. Now in handguns that difference drops to 250 to 300 FPS difference between the two cartridges, again when both cartridges are shooting the same weight bullets.

The main difference is matching the bullets sectional density to the velocity to the intended game. To put it another way, a .22-250 Handgun (15" BBL) will normally shoot a 50gr. Bullet to about the same muzzle velocity as a .223 Rifle will shoot a 55gr. bullet. However I have tested loads in a Super 14 Contender that pushed a 40gr. Nosler Ballsitic Tip as fast as most .223 Rifles will shoot a 50gr. Bullet.

In my experience the .223 Handguns I have tested have been much more accurate than the .22-250 Handguns I have tested. Granted I have played with several more .223's than I have .22-250's. In fact the last .22-250 Handgun I worked with was a Savage Striker that belonged to a friend of mine. After shooting well over 200 rounds through this handgun we gave up. The absolute group we were able to obtain was 1 1/2" for 5 shots at 100 yards. Now that may be OK for a Deer Rig, but not for a Varminter in my opinion. I am not sure what the problem was, but I never was able to find the right combination for that particular Handgun.

Not really sure what to tell you, except maybe that with proper bullets and shot placement either will cleanly harvest Coyotes at reasonable range. The .223 will be a lot less expensive to shoot, so in the long run before you start handloading you'll be able to shoot more per $$$. The .223 is also not very intimidating to shoot and is quite mild mannered, not that the .22-250 was intimidating either.

Good luck with your decision.

Larry

[Barely Tame]

You guys are awesome!  Far more and better information than I had hoped for and so helpful in my decision.  Thanks!

Ron