Author Topic: 22-250 as a deer gun (Read 8279 times)

Qaz · « **Reply #30 on:** August 24, 2011, 08:18:27 AM »

If you have to ask if the 22-250 is enough for deer, then you should not be using one for deer.

I have read that the Inuit shoot seal, walrus and polar bear with 222 & 223's and then wait around for it too die. I can kill polar bear with a springer pellet gun by walking up to the cage and when he looks at me , shoot him in the brain through his eye. But that is not ethical and neither is chasing one with a Ski doo and spraying him with a AR-15 til he dies.
"I know guys that kill brown & polar bears with mini-14s. Not me but shot placement is where it's at. One of the guys in Fort Yukon killed a polar bear last year with a AR15. Worked for him."
Here is my take on this; neither you or these guys you know should be allowed to hunt!

"I have a 260, which duplicates the balistics of the 6.5x55, but it is hardly in the same class as the 22-250"
And yes junior, the 22-250 is in a different class from the 260. The 22-250 is a varmint round, the 260 is not!

pastorp · « **Reply #31 on:** August 25, 2011, 04:57:57 AM »

QAZ,

Junior, How old do you think I am there fella..

Regards,

rickt300 · « **Reply #32 on:** August 25, 2011, 08:27:13 PM »

I will unequivically state that the 22-250 with the right bullets is a fine deer rifle. You just have to shoot well. This is true of all cartridges used within their limitations.

Dixiejack · « **Reply #33 on:** August 26, 2011, 06:05:38 AM »

Bullet placement is the major factor in killing small game to large game. About 30 years ago a friend had bought a Remington 700 in .300 Win. Mag the day before deer seasoned open. We took it out and sighted in the scope and as far as he was concerned was ready to go. The season before (his first deer season) he wounded two deer shooting a Marlin .30-30 and we lost both of them. Even brought in some dogs to track. Found blood both times but never found the deer.
Now back to my .300 Win Mag. story and my friend. I was hunting about a 1/2 mile from him and just after daybreak I heard a shot, followed by 2 more in quick succession. Then about 5 minutes later I heard one more shot. Walking over to his stand, I was thinking my friend must have filled out his license. I got to his stand and called him. He came running up all excited and I ask where all the deer were. To make a short story long, I followed him to this spike buck who was still alive and my friend shaking like a leaf. I put a shot with my .22 Smith, that I carried to dispatch snakes, behind the deer's ear into the brain and killed it. The buck looked like he had run in front of a machine gun. One shot took off an antler at the base, one shot was a way high on the front shoulder, another was a low gut shot, an one had just about torn a hind leg off.

I helped him load his first buck in his truck and left him pondering about what happened. He showed up at my house that night with the elephant gun, gave it to me and said he was over deer hunting for good. I kept the gun until Remington came out with a Model 700 left hand in .22-250. I traded and never looked back.

nomosendero · « **Reply #34 on:** August 26, 2011, 03:55:28 PM »

Quote from: Dixiejack on August 26, 2011, 06:05:38 AM

Bullet placement is the major factor in killing small game to large game. About 30 years ago a friend had bought a Remington 700 in .300 Win. Mag the day before deer seasoned open. We took it out and sighted in the scope and as far as he was concerned was ready to go. The season before (his first deer season) he wounded two deer shooting a Marlin .30-30 and we lost both of them. Even brought in some dogs to track. Found blood both times but never found the deer.
Now back to my .300 Win Mag. story and my friend. I was hunting about a 1/2 mile from him and just after daybreak I heard a shot, followed by 2 more in quick succession. Then about 5 minutes later I heard one more shot. Walking over to his stand, I was thinking my friend must have filled out his license. I got to his stand and called him. He came running up all excited and I ask where all the deer were. To make a short story long, I followed him to this spike buck who was still alive and my friend shaking like a leaf. I put a shot with my .22 Smith, that I carried to dispatch snakes, behind the deer's ear into the brain and killed it. The buck looked like he had run in front of a machine gun. One shot took off an antler at the base, one shot was a way high on the front shoulder, another was a low gut shot, an one had just about torn a hind leg off.

I helped him load his first buck in his truck and left him pondering about what happened. He showed up at my house that night with the elephant gun, gave it to me and said he was over deer hunting for good. I kept the gun until Remington came out with a Model 700 left hand in .22-250. I traded and never looked back.

I am glad your friend or aquantance quit hunting. Judging from what he did with the 30-30 which kicks very little, he would have had the same results with a 22-250, 243 or anything else. The grocery store has some burger for these clowns.

Dixiejack · « **Reply #35 on:** August 26, 2011, 07:20:15 PM »

You are right. I was glad he decided to stick to fishing.

Bingo · « **Reply #36 on:** August 27, 2011, 03:26:29 AM »

Although I have not used one, I've seen a lot of deer taken with a 22-250. But, as was previously stated, these were guys who had time to shoot and could place their shots well. The men I saw using these guns would easily qualify as snipers and to the best of my knowledge only took head shots.
IMO the 6.5 would be a far more logical choice. Ammo is easy to get, 6.5 will shoot long range, will drop anything in North America and it does not kick! What more could you ask from a round?

john keyes · « **Reply #37 on:** August 27, 2011, 06:53:43 AM »

a lot of people here in Texas use them with no complaints. In fact they love em. And that is in West Texas and East Texas. I talk to em at the range and out in the field, they claim its "much flatter" and they put it in the boiler room and it ends there. who am I to say? If they can shoot it more accurately than something making meat on both ends then more power to em.

Dixiejack · « **Reply #38 on:** August 27, 2011, 07:09:12 AM »

Before there was a primitive weapon season in Georgia, you never saw bow hunters and BP shooters in the deer woods. When primitive weapon season was opened you saw bows in gun racks and gun hunters used bow season as an excuse to scout for deer. Few bow hunters took the time to practice and learn what their and their gear's limits were. (Fault of the DNR). Minimum draw weight was 35 lbs

Minimum BP cal. was .36 and original or replicas rifles with primitive sights were the laws. Regular gun season was .24 cal. min. and no .22 RF, 25 auto, 25-20, 32-20, 30 cal. carbine, etc. low power rounds. Getting back to bow hunting. The arrow is designed to bleed out a deer quickly along while introducing shock. Slow death is the norm most of the time. During gun season, I shot one dear that hobbled up to within 35 ids. from me. A 4 pointer. Bam slam with my .250 Savage. I found out why the deer was hobbling. The hip opposite me had a piece of an arrow shaft sticking out. Gangrene had set in along with maggots. I made sure the deer was dead and left him to be nature food and finally out of misery.

A nice deer wounded and suffered by a so called expert who didn't know beans about what they were doing. I have seen other carcasses with arrows stuck in the guts, probably suffered a long death, because the "hunter" didn't take the time to learn shot placement.

One other thought and this is going to make me unpopular with a lot of people on here. When you go to get your license renewed you should be required to take a target recognition test (save a bunch of fellow hunters' lives) and have to be able to shoot a 6" 5 shot group at a 100 yards. Also, a similar test for bow hunters and BP hunters. This is not taking away anyone's right to own firearms or the right to hunt. Just making the woods a safer place to hunt and to harvest our game humanely. Another plus side is that 100 yard, 1/2", 5 shot group that you shot gives you plenty of bragging rights.

petemi · « **Reply #39 on:** August 27, 2011, 04:48:16 PM »

"When you go to get your license renewed you should be required to take a target recognition test (save a bunch of fellow hunters' lives) and have to be able to shoot a 6" 5 shot group at a 100 yards. Also, a similar test for bow hunters and BP hunters. This is not taking away anyone's right to own firearms or the right to hunt."

When I took my Hunter Safety Course well over 50 years ago, we were required to do exactly that. I have no problem with it.

A couple of friends showed up at the house a while back. One wanted to sight in his new .300 Win Mag. He couldn't hit the barn with it. The other friend and I had to sight it in. He was simply afraid of it. I didn't want to be around to see him in action in the woods.

I own both .223 and .22-250s, I love both of them, but I don't use them for deer hunting. I've killed a lot of deer with my old .30-30 and my newer .308, but seldom use them anymore. My .30-06 and 7mm-08 also get very lonely. I traded in a 6mm Rem years ago on the .308 and never looked back. The rifles I enjoy deer hunting with today are the big, the fat and the slow.......357 Maximum, .38-55, .445 Super Magnum, .45 Colt and .45-70. I don't think I'll use the .500 S&W on deer.

A comment was made earlier that TN made it illegal to hunt deer with a .32-20, which I completely understand. They have no way to limit the age of the rifle being used. I have a custom .32-20 Handi Rifle that I really enjoy. I can push a 100 gr. XTP with a Ruger level load to very close to 2300 fps...staying by the book. It also turns out to be the most accurate load I've tried. My 18 inch .38-55 Handi is running a 213 gr. bonded bullet at 2400 fps. That's my first choice rifle to use this coming season.

And yes, shot placement along with ethics are what count....not caliber.

Pete

hillbill · « **Reply #40 on:** August 27, 2011, 04:53:26 PM »

Quote from: Dixiejack on August 27, 2011, 07:09:12 AM

Before there was a primitive weapon season in Georgia, you never saw bow hunters and BP shooters in the deer woods. When primitive weapon season was opened you saw bows in gun racks and gun hunters used bow season as an excuse to scout for deer. Few bow hunters took the time to practice and learn what their and their gear's limits were. (Fault of the DNR). Minimum draw weight was 35 lbs Minimum BP cal. was .36 and original or replicas rifles with primitive sights were the laws. Regular gun season was .24 cal. min. and no .22 RF, 25 auto, 25-20, 32-20, 30 cal. carbine, etc. low power rounds. Getting back to bow hunting. The arrow is designed to bleed out a deer quickly along while introducing shock. Slow death is the norm most of the time. During gun season, I shot one dear that hobbled up to within 35 ids. from me. A 4 pointer. Bam slam with my .250 Savage. I found out why the deer was hobbling. The hip opposite me had a piece of an arrow shaft sticking out. Gangrene had set in along with maggots. I made sure the deer was dead and left him to be nature food and finally out of misery.

A nice deer wounded and suffered by a so called expert who didn't know beans about what they were doing. I have seen other carcasses with arrows stuck in the guts, probably suffered a long death, because the "hunter" didn't take the time to learn shot placement.

One other thought and this is going to make me unpopular with a lot of people on here. When you go to get your license renewed you should be required to take a target recognition test (save a bunch of fellow hunters' lives) and have to be able to shoot a 6" 5 shot group at a 100 yards. Also, a similar test for bow hunters and BP hunters. This is not taking away anyone's right to own firearms or the right to hunt. Just making the woods a safer place to hunt and to harvest our game humanely. Another plus side is that 100 yard, 1/2", 5 shot group that you shot gives you plenty of bragging rights.

bow hunting can be messy, deer ducks when he hears the string,arrow hits a tiny limb yu didnt see, it can be messy.even the best shot can make a bad shot 2 out of ten times.thats why they call it PRIMITIVE HUNTING.but i do know what you mean.i cant see a ccuracy test helping anything. it would up the price of licenses dramatically.and just increase the amount of employees in the conservation dept.

Dixiejack · « **Reply #41 on:** August 28, 2011, 05:02:52 AM »

Petemi, I copied and pasted a portion on firearms from the Georgia Hunting Regulations. Your .32-20 would certainly be legal. I would be legal with my .22 K-Hornet, but I wouldn't use it. Just thought I would pass on this information to you. Your probably right on the extra cost and more man power. Basically, I was try to get the point across that we have a lot of unqualified hunters in the woods who are dangerous to man and beast alike. I guess the DNR is doing the best they can. Maybe a mandatory firearms safety course should be taught in public schools. Maybe kids would realize the consequences before they pull a trigger. Guess I will be called a troll and anti-gunner for making that statement. LOL

Deer & Bear FirearmsModern Rifles and Handguns:Centerfire Only, .22-cal. or larger with expanding bullets.

Shotguns: 20-gauge or larger loaded with slugs or buckshot. Buckshot is not allowed on WMAs, unless otherwise specified.

Muzzleloaders: .44-cal. or larger, or muzzleloading shotguns 20 gauge or larger. Scopes are legal.
Primitive Weapons: Legal weapons during primitive weapons season include crossbows, bow and arrow, and muzzleloading firearm. Scopes are legal.

pastorp · « **Reply #42 on:** August 28, 2011, 06:11:21 AM »

Folks, before this gets too heated. And name calling starts to get worse. Lets just consider if our choice is legal then it's really about using a proper bullet and marksmanship.

I have never used a 22-250 to hunt anything. Never even owned one. I do know people here in Alaska that use very light guns to hunt, friends-no Qaz read more into my comments than I wrote.

But I am getting older & have some health problems that make the recoil on my normal hunting guns painfull to shoot...........I'm just thinking out loud here. Gathering opinions. No need to get all upset here.

Regards,

pastorp · « **Reply #43 on:** August 28, 2011, 06:21:04 AM »

Dixie-jack, I've hunted over 50 years so I'm exzempt from the hunter trainning course everywhere I've ever bought a lisence.

But my kids all took the courses. In all my years of hunting I've never lost a animal or shot a person, and I really think your playing up that aspect of gun safety too much...come on now how many gun related hunting fatalites are there each year? Not many. Your safer hunting in the woods than driving your car to the store to buy a loaf of bread..

JMO

Regards,

Dixiejack · « **Reply #44 on:** August 28, 2011, 06:39:27 AM »

pastorp, I'm in the same boat. I have a shrapnel injury and have had rotator cuff surgery on my shooting shoulder and I an old fart, to boot. That's the reason I shoot a .22-250. I wouldn't shoot anything larger than a deer with it or my .250 Savage.

There are usually several hunting related deaths each year, and they are mostly on unmanaged public land. The sad part is most of them are family related deaths, father/son, brother/brother. Usually the excuse is "I saw something flash in the bushes." I don't hunt on public land because I want to know who and where my hunting buddies are. My only time hunting on public land, I was ordered down out of a tree at gun point by an idiot who had hunted out of it the year before. No stand, boards, or anything that gave any indication it had ever been hunted out of. I let him have the tree.

Dixiejack · « **Reply #45 on:** August 28, 2011, 07:14:52 AM »

pastorp, I guess I got off topic, but I hope I did answer your question why I use a .22-250 for deer hunting.

PowPow · « **Reply #46 on:** August 28, 2011, 08:04:41 AM »

regarding the original question; I will use my 22-250 some this year, and will use a Sierra 55 gr Gameking in it.

DANNY-L · « **Reply #47 on:** December 09, 2011, 09:44:58 AM »

I've gotten a few with the 223 with 55gr sp with no problem,tried my 700 22-250 once with the rem55 gr.sp my shot was about 40yds and I connected perfectly behind the shoulders and just a bit low. The deer kicked his feet in the air and bolted,went down about 75 yds. There was no exit and even though we had about 6" of snow there was no blood found. So unless I'm in an area that is open enough to see them go down,or good snow for tracking I won't take the chance with the 55gr.sp. It really shocked me that this happened. Now that I'm reloading the 60gr.nosler partitions would be my choice for deer,on any terrain within range because there's a good chance it'll be a pass threw.

Rock Home Isle · « **Reply #48 on:** December 26, 2011, 12:51:42 PM »

Quote from: pastorp on May 29, 2011, 05:47:32 AM

Anyone use a 22-250 as their deer rifle? As I age I find myself wanting lighter recoiling rifles. I'm thinking about trying the 22-250. What bullet you use? I've never used the barns but was thinking about trying them if I procede with this project.

Regards,

I'll admitt to taking a deer or two with both the .22-250 and the .223 Remington. They were small Does, and I had a very solid rest and head shot them all.

...this calibre is just not designed for this type hunting and its not what I would call ethical...I would advise that you go with a calibre more in tune with taking deer sized game, too much risk of failure in using any of the .22's for animals this size.

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #49 on:** December 30, 2011, 12:24:05 AM »

I dont know how many 150-250lb animals of a differnt sort werent sent to there maker by the .223 in the last 40 years but its been a bunch. thing is with all of these debates on what works and what doesnt. 3/4s of the opinions you get are opinions from guys that havent done it and are give just that "an uniformed opinion" It doesnt take alot of gun to put down a 100lb whitetail out to 200 yards. Hit them properly in the vitals and about anything works. Hit them wrong and about nothing works. some things just make me chuckle. Youll get guys that use 270s that will say a 7mag is way to much gun when if fact for most hunting around where i live a 270 is a giant overkill. Most deer around here at taken at less then a 100 yards during rifle deer season. The 22250 will kill deer cleanly. theres no doubt in my mind about it. Ive seen it done to many times. Thing is on the internet your going to get opinions for some idiot that shot one in the belly and had it run off. Rather then admit he made a poor shot or is a poor rifleman they will blame the cartridge. Its not a round for shooting out past 300 yards or for taking shots at poor angles but then most guys dont have the skills to shoot at 200 let alone 300 yards and nobody should take a shot at a poor angle to start with. Only thing ill add is that alot of these low recoiling guns from 243s on down are given to children as first rifles because there easy to shoot. thats usualy a recipe for disaster. But in the hands of someone that knows how to shoot, when to shoot and where to shoot they work. Im a bit of a hypocrit here as youll many times find me hunting with mag rounds. Why? Because i shoot alot of deer and like trying diffent things and when were doing crop damage shooting the range usually starts at about 200 and many shots are out to 400 yards and in those circumstances i dont feel any rifle is an overkill. But put a deer out at 300 yards standing broadside and give me a 22250 and ill bet my house on the fact that ill be eating backstraps tommarow. Would i take it on a once in a lifetime hunt for trophy whitetails. Heck no but in all reality loaded with a 60 grain partition it would probably get the job done.

Rock Home Isle · « **Reply #50 on:** December 30, 2011, 04:14:00 AM »

Quote from: DANNY-L on December 09, 2011, 09:44:58 AM

I've gotten a few with the 223 with 55gr sp with no problem,tried my 700 22-250 once with the rem55 gr.sp my shot was about 40yds and I connected perfectly behind the shoulders and just a bit low. The deer kicked his feet in the air and bolted,went down about 75 yds. There was no exit and even though we had about 6" of snow there was no blood found. So unless I'm in an area that is open enough to see them go down,or good snow for tracking I won't take the chance with the 55gr.sp. It really shocked me that this happened. Now that I'm reloading the 60gr.nosler partitions would be my choice for deer,on any terrain within range because there's a good chance it'll be a pass threw.

I took my deer shooting a 55 gr projectile as well.

PowPow · « **Reply #51 on:** December 30, 2011, 04:45:03 AM »

Shot a 103 lb doe yesterday with a 55 gr SIE GK at 170 yds. Lung and heart shot. She ran about 40 yds.

yellowtail3 · « **Reply #52 on:** December 30, 2011, 08:14:29 AM »

I supposed a 22-250 could kill a deer, if that was what was available and if I couldn't find my 30-30.

Rock Home Isle · « **Reply #53 on:** December 30, 2011, 09:43:17 AM »

Quote from: yellowtail3 on December 30, 2011, 08:14:29 AM

I supposed a 22-250 could kill a deer, if that was what was available and if I couldn't find my 30-30.

Completely correct...there are lots of guns that could be used to kill a deer, but the centerfire .22's are not designed to be deer rifles.

The recommendation so far is to use a gun that is of a calibre that is appropriate.

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #54 on:** December 31, 2011, 01:35:40 AM »

I dont really agree with that blanket statement. For example a 22 high power was introduced as a big game round. It may not have been the lion and tiger round it was toted to be but it killed deer. Why? because it was loaded with a bullet that was designed for the purpose. 40 years ago rounds like the 3220 were considered fine deer killing rounds. the 223 was designed to kill humans which weight about the same and has done the job. Personal i think a 22250 or any 22 cal centerfire is marginal if a guy is using factory ammo or is loading bullets that are designed for varmit hunting. But load it with a partition or a barnes bullet and its in a differnt league. Same goes for any gun. Load your 270 or 06 with a 100 grain varmit bullet and watch it fail. Loaded with the proper bullet there deer killing machines. Again like i posted under the 257wby post. Its not the gun id take on a once in a lifetime trophy hunt but ive used centerfire 22s for shooting crop damage deer and theyve worked just fine with proper loads. Use a good bullet and most importantly know how to shoot and when to shoot and when to pass, just like with any rifle and they will put meat on the table. Id bet my last dime that i could shoot a 100 deer at 200 yards or less with a 22250 using a good bullet and id have a 100 deer in the freezer. Problem is many people dont shoot well and deer run off and rather then admit they cant shoot they look for excuses. Its easier to blame the equiptment then buck up and take the blame themselves.

Rock Home Isle · « **Reply #55 on:** December 31, 2011, 06:06:09 AM »

For someone who doesn't agree with blanket statements...you just supported what has been said.

jackruff · « **Reply #56 on:** December 31, 2011, 06:19:09 AM »

Quote from: Swampman on June 12, 2011, 06:26:41 AM

Tennessee law was nothing under .24 for years. I've always stuck with that for a min. I wish they'ed go back to that law.

That was also the case here in Mississippi for a time. In fact, I thought it still was until I read the statutes recently. Now there is no mention of a minimum caliber. In my opinion, there has not been a more effective deer caliber than the 6mm Remington, which I used for years before switching to lever actions. If Remington had chosen to call it a .243 magnum it would still be popular, I'll bet! I've never had the opportunity to use a 22-250.

Rock Home Isle · « **Reply #57 on:** December 31, 2011, 06:59:36 AM »

Quote from: jackruff on December 31, 2011, 06:19:09 AM

That was also the case here in Mississippi for a time. In fact, I thought it still was until I read the statutes recently. Now there is no mention of a minimum caliber. In my opinion, there has not been a more effective deer caliber than the 6mm Remington, which I used for years before switching to lever actions. If Remington had chosen to call it a .243 magnum it would still be popular, I'll bet! I've never had the opportunity to use a 22-250.

I used to have a 6mm Remington in a Ruger #1...very fine deer rifle.

Spanky · « **Reply #58 on:** December 31, 2011, 06:25:00 PM »

This is a classic case of "my brother's friends neighbor's uncle shot one with a .22-250 and he lost it" Get real... a 22-250 with a decent bullet (not a varmint bullet) will kill the hell out of a deer with ease. Anyone who doesn't think so has either no experience with the cartridge or spends too much time listening to other people with no experience with the cartridge. I've knocked the stuffin' out of good sized whitetails with my 22 Hornet. No headshots either... broadside heart/lung shots with 45gr. softpoint bullets. Last time I checked a 22-250 was a hell of alot more cartridge than the little Hornet.
Some words of wisdom to the doubters... if you don't know what you're talking about, don't talk about it.

Happy New Year.

Spanky

RevJim · « **Reply #59 on:** January 01, 2012, 03:44:18 AM »

I haven't used the Barnes TSX in the 22-250 yet, but I did use the older 50gr XLC in a little CZ 527 in .221 Fireball. It was a few years ago, Fall in SE Texas, and I took the rifle to shoot varments with the 50gr Vmax and the Banres to try on a hog. If I had the opportunity for a really big hog, I was going to shoot him behind the ear. However, time was running short, and I ended up shooting about a 80# gilt around 70yds. I purposely shot it on an angle, behind th right shoulder, towards the left fron shoulder. Bang, flopped around about 15 seconds. 50 caliber hole all the way through. It impressed both me and the load owner. I knew from that a good 22-250 load with any TSX would work just fine. All the rest of my kills were with that .220 Swift and the Federal factory load with the 55gr Trophy Bonded Bearclaw. I have a cousin who uses a 22-250 every fall on deer, while her husband/kids use .270,etc. She fills all her tags, and does it all with Remington 55gr softnose bullets. Again, these deer are shot fairly close, off of a feeder or going to one. It works great for that. She is no "sniper" by any stretch, but loves to go with her family, and she shoots well, even though not interested in technicalities. ha.
Here in Utah, the sensitivity to wind was a big issue with the Trohpy Bonded 55gr, it's pretty stubby. My 22-250 Ackley Improved does much better, of course, with the longer, more streamlined Hornady 68 match hp. If I "know" I am going on a big money hunt, or invited to hunt where I am expected to take full advantage of the opportunites offered, I like anything from a .240 Weatherby to 7mm RUM, have even taken a 300 RUM before! It just depends. In the woods, I'd just as soon have a nice, scoped Marlin 336 to be honest ( why do we use that phrase "to be honest", of course I'm being honest, ha)