Author Topic: 223 vs 22-250  (Read 1129 times)

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Offline rsh4364

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223 vs 22-250
« on: March 03, 2011, 05:27:18 PM »
other than cost per shot why would you buy a 223 over a .22-250 ? I just got a 22-250 today and when looking at shells they dont compare..have not shot 22-250 yet but recoil cant be an argument..I shoot 50g v-max in 223 & got same in 22-250..much more powder in 22-250..Pros&cons please..

Offline Sourdough

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Re: 223 vs 22-250
« Reply #1 on: March 03, 2011, 05:52:33 PM »
Some people make the choice on price of ammo.  I personally prefer 22-250, but can not find a 22-250 with ejectors, and I won't have a Handi without them.  I got a .223 before they made the switch.
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Offline Bugflipper

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Re: 223 vs 22-250
« Reply #2 on: March 03, 2011, 06:44:16 PM »
I have both. If I had to choose one over the other it would be .223. Ballisitically the 22-250 is superior. Beyond that I really can't think of a reason. The .223 ammo is cheaper, as is it to reload. More readily available to find ammo. Lighter recoil, and yes it makes a difference if you like to see the critter blow up when you hit him. The 250 knocks just out of frame to see him through the scope. If you get into reloading the 223 is inherently more accurate and has quite a few powders that do well in it. Not to mention  military style ammo  that can be bought sealed and stored for a rainy day. One more aspect is a huge array of aftermarket  scopes tailored to the ballistic path of the .223.
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Offline petemi

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Re: 223 vs 22-250
« Reply #3 on: March 03, 2011, 10:51:31 PM »
My .223 climbed out of the box and killed a pigeon at 300+ yards.  My .22-250 never has been able to do that.  It is one of my least used Handis.

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Offline Ron 1

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Re: 223 vs 22-250
« Reply #4 on: March 04, 2011, 12:50:14 AM »
if noise is a problem or concern then the 223 is not as loud as the 250
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Offline tobster

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Re: 223 vs 22-250
« Reply #5 on: March 04, 2011, 01:34:04 AM »
If you're like the rest of us you'll end up owning both sooner or later. The question should really be "223 or 22-250............which one should I get first!!!"

Offline jeepmann1948

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Re: 223 vs 22-250
« Reply #6 on: March 04, 2011, 02:22:37 AM »
I have both, it is a toss up unless the extra range is in the question.Accuracy is great for both.I reload so the only difference is in the powder cost (which is minimal)Standard answer is get both ;D If you like one more than the other sell the one you do not like. They both sell well in the GBO classifieds.
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Offline Darreld Walton

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Re: 223 vs 22-250
« Reply #7 on: March 04, 2011, 02:36:01 AM »
If you believe the loading data, them little 40 grain and lighter pills can be made plenty speedy in the .223, but then you flip the page and look at the .22-250 data for the same slug.
I've got both, AND in several different rifles, single shots, bolt guns, and semi autos.  The .223/5.56 is the ammunition that takes up the most room between the two, fifth in line behind .30-06, .308, 40 S&W, and .45 ACP.
You'll end up with both.  Neither of 'em will keep up with the .220 Swift, and the .22-250 Ackley is right there with the swift, BUT, when the wind kicks up, I still, after all these years, pull out the .308 with a 130 Speer HP, .257 Roberts with 75 gr. hp, or the .270 with 100 gr. HP.  THOSE three rounds truly make "red mist" on chucks and make really long range shots in difficult conditions a LOT easier.
If you're restricted to one round for now, go with the .223.  The rifling twist will allow you to shoot bullets up to 60-65 grains just fine, something not always possible in a .22-250, cost per shot, as well as space and weight savings between the two rounds still gives the nod to the .223.  It'd be my choice for a 'starter' gopher gun. 
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Offline bikerbeans

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Re: 223 vs 22-250
« Reply #8 on: March 04, 2011, 02:59:41 AM »
If you are talking new/recent handis then you have 1:9 twist 223 & 1:14 twist 22-250.  So in theory, the 223 will shoot heavier/longer bullets.   I have both calibers and the 22-250 has a little more of a wow-factor with 36 to 40 grainers pushing 4,000 fps.

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Offline Swift One

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Re: 223 vs 22-250
« Reply #9 on: March 04, 2011, 03:04:16 AM »
I like the 223 in the handi. It seems from experience and from what I have read, its quite easy to reload for.  I have had more of a challenge with the 1x9 twist than the 1x12 twist, but it can still be done.  Alot of folks dont like the 223 for anything past 250/300yds, but I believe that with the right bullet, you can get a 223 to consistently knock down a coyote out to 400yds.  Thats the plus with the newer 1x9 twist barrels, heavier bullets have more knock down power.
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Offline SHOOTALL

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Re: 223 vs 22-250
« Reply #10 on: March 04, 2011, 03:08:36 AM »
The cost of reloading powder would be a savings . Cheap pratice ammo. If in a bolt gun then extra round in mag.
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Offline jy951

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Re: 223 vs 22-250
« Reply #11 on: March 04, 2011, 02:54:13 PM »
Just buy what you like.  It doesn't matter what is "better".  People buy different calibers for different reasons and likes.

It's like saying, why would anyone buy a 22mag over a 22 hornet.  Or why would anyone buy a 22 hornet over a .223.  Or why would anyone buy a 22-250 instead of a 243 and on and on.

Offline wreckhog

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Re: 223 vs 22-250
« Reply #12 on: March 04, 2011, 03:04:24 PM »
.223 is the cheapest centerfire rifle cartridge out there. Cheaper=shoot more=better shot. If you reload, free range brass is unlimited.

I shoot my 22-250 more, but I have brass and reload and a little more powder means nothing to me if I am only going to shoot 50 rounds a day.

Offline gcrank1

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Re: 223 vs 22-250
« Reply #13 on: March 04, 2011, 03:47:16 PM »
The 22-250 will probably burn the throat out quicker, but for average sporting use that may not be noticed unless you are doing a lot of PD hunting.
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