.223 or 22-250???

[Dave from MN]

Gentlemen,

I'd like some advice re: the purchase of a rifle for varmint and predator hunting.  I intend to buy only one rifle and use it for prairie dogs, fox and coyote.  I have decided on the rifle, but have not yet decided on the caliber.  I've narrowed it down to two choices: the .223 or the 22-250 and it is here where I am looking for your input.  

1) Is the risk of "shooting out the barrel" any different between these two calibers?  How many shoots does it realistically take to ruin a barrel (provided that you don't shoot extreme loads or shoot until the barrel is excessively hot)?
2) Is one caliber more accurate than the other, or is that strictly a function of the rifle and the shooter?  I've read that some calibers are inherently more accurate than others (i.e. the .222 over the .223).
3) Here is the tough one: If you could only buy one bolt action rifle for all of your varmint and predator hunting, which caliber would you select and why?

BTW, the rifle I have decided upon is the Savage 12FVSS (Lawdog would have been proud). Thanks in advance for your advice.  

Dave from MN

[mjbgalt]

I bought a .223 but now that i reload i would rather have a .22-250 since the cost of ammo is not a factor.

-Matt

[Redhawk1]

I went from a 223 to the 22-250. I reload and get a lot better performance from the 22-250. As far as shooting out the barrel, the only round I worry about is the 220 Swift.  

[poncaguy]

22-250.........I have 2 of them and 4 223's. Like the 22-250 more.

[beemanbeme]

Since Pdogs are in the mix, I'd say the 22-250.  While the possibility of shooting out the barrel is more real in the 22-250 than the .223, a little discipline in your rate of fire will go a long way toward a long barrel life.

[Lone Star]

I prefer the .22-250, and I shoot both.  Accuracy wise it is a wash - what matters here is the quality of the rifle, not the cartridge.  The .22-250 was used for competitive benchrest shooting in the early years of the game, it is plenty accurate.  The throat on a .223 will last longer than a .22-250's will, but few varmint shooters will wear out either shooting varmints.  

If you handload, get the .22-250.  If you are placed in a situation where you are forced to fend off waves of attacking prarrie dogs, simply have some less-than-maximum loads ready.  Load them down to between .22-250 and .223 performance and the barrel should last as long as any .223 will while giving better performance at the same time.  A win-win for the .22-250.  

[bigshooz]

you could throw the h&r rifles in the mix ,the new fluted 223 ultras have the 1-9 twist barrel for a heavier bullet. and ill tell you with a little practice 2nd shots can be quick,also these are very accurate little guns.

[bigshooz]

you could throw the h&r rifles in the mix ,the new fluted 223 ultras have the 1-9 twist barrel for a heavier bullet. and ill tell you with a little practice 2nd shots can be quick,also these are very accurate little guns.

[Lone Star]

The Ultra does not come chambered to .22-250.  The 9" twist on the .223 would not be appropriate for a varmint rifle; the heavy bullets that require it are too tough for that use and pose a real ricochet danger.  The twist allows the use of cheap milspec ammo, that's what most buyers seem to want to use.  Nice entry-level rifles, but not what the OP was looking for.

(Before I get flamed, I own an H&R!)


.

[Coyote Hunter]

If you don’t reload you might want to check the cost of ammo – in this area the .223 is a clear winner.  In terms of accuracy there isn’t enough difference to matter – the rifle you choose will be more important.  

If you reload the .22-250 offers grater range, but range isn't that critical IMHO.  In terms of range I look at it this way – it’s a varmint rifle.  If one gets away, not big deal.  God made more!

[JD338]

I would go with the 22-250. Better LR performance for the bigger varmints. If you are going to do mostly PD's and do a lot of shooting, the 223 Rem will give you longer barrel life.

JD338