The 224 bullet: 220/22-250/22Hornet/.223/ ect.....

[kb]

Hi All,

I have a question on the popular calibers for coyote hunting.

According to my Speer reloading manuel, the 220 swift/22 Hornet/22-250/.223/ect all use the .224 bullet. So the only difference is the case size, and there-fore the amount of powder that will back the bullet up.

Now, some people love the a particular round for what-ever reason, a personal preferance, but what aside from the velocity, what sets these rounds apart?

I am personally leaning toward a 22-250, because I seem to get a warm fuzzy from this round, but can I not just load the round down to equal the 223 in situations where I dont need as much reach? It is afterall the same .224 bullet.

All these calibers just shoot at different velocities, so by getting a hot round and slowing it down (with-in reason and saftey) to the slower velocities only seems to make a more versitile rifle.

Am I wrong? Im just starting to get into the varmting scene, and am just trying to make a good choise on the get-go. I am also thinking of the .17 Rem. This will be varmint (coyote) only gun, as we are restricted to shotgun/handgun/muzzleloading/bow where I hunt.

Thank You for your input,

Kb

[Thebear_78]

The 223 really shines if you plan on using factory ammo only because of the vast amount of 223 loads and the cheapness of shooting factory ammo in them.  The 22-250 holds the edge as being the most versitile and the 220 holds the title of fastest, possibly the 223 wssm is now fastest.  I have a 22-250, you can load it down the 22lr performance level or up as fast as I'll ever have need of a 224cal bullet.  The 22-250 is also pretty easy to load for.

[Jerry Lester]

If you're primarily after coyotes, then the 223(as far as 22 calibers go) would be your best bet. It'll give you plenty of reach, without being too destructive on the hides.

The 22-250 is too much gun for fur hunting unless you're just consistantly shooting at or beyond 300 yards.

I hunt a lot of foxes, mixed in with bobcats, and coyotes, so my personal choice is the 22 Hornet, loaded with Sierra 50g SMPs at 2400-2500 fps. This slightly heavier bullet expands more like a big game bullet, and kills very well within calling ranges(100 yards or less), but is very fur friendly.

The 17 Remington is a great coyote caliber, but it's devestating to a fox hide.

[Lawdog]

kb,

'Thebear_78' is correct about being able to download the .22-250.  An excellent cartridge and downloaded with the right bullet is easy on hides.  While the .223 Rem. is a fine cartridge and a little easier on the wallet cost wise the .22-250 is still one of the best varmint calibers you can choose.  Go with the .22-250 and keep your warm fuzzy feelings.  Lawdog
 

[Glanceblamm]

I have a 22-250, you can load it down the 22lr performance level

'Thebear_78' is correct about being able to download the .22-250

Do You Guy's Use Cast Data For Jacketed Bullets? say 7 to 9gr Red dot?

KB
I agree with these guys. Please note that my question to them does not reflect normal starting loads but rather velocity's in the range of the .22WMR to .22 Hornet. You are still going to be pretty hot with starting load data for a 40 to 50gr bullet being near 3,200fps but over that for the most part.

[Catfish]

If your wanting to save hides go with the .17 Rem. or the .204 Ruger. If you are just blowing away coyotes get the .22-250.

[Glanceblamm]

If your wanting to save hides go with the .17 Rem. or the .204 Ruger. If you are just blowing away coyotes get the .22-250.
 
 

Catfish,
I have a cure for this.

[roper]

I'm not a hide hunter but have use the 17rem on coyotes and have always had to use a follow up shot.  I own a 220swift .  I don't own a standard 22-250 but have acouple 22-250AI that I use which I consider better than the the standard round.  I shoot a 222,222mag and 223 and day in day out use the 222 is more accurate.  The 222AI,223AI and 22br are outstanding varmit rounds I find myself using the 223AI alittle more than the others AI's.  If I had to to pick one for the average varmit guy it would be 220 swift.  I see more guys at our range with 22-250 having a time getting them sighted in and a good load worked up I tried one afew years ago don't get me wrong they shoot but for a 1/14 twist barrel I think they should shoot 52gr match bullets in about one hole and do that all day long.  I know the older rem 40x and the two test targets had 5 shot groups in the 2's.  I haven't seen too many 220swift that aren't shooter.  Those older Rugers 220 swift were one of the best.  I know both the 22-250 ands 220swift have taper bodies but think with the extra case capacity of the 220swift makes some difference.  
Well I'm just confusing the issue for you so do apologize but I'd just as soon wear out a barrel shooting varmits as testing loads.  Good Luck

[varmit_master]

Hi i would go with the 22 250 for coyotes i have a 223 too i cary it if i know if ther is some fox in the area but i mostly carry my 22 250 VM