22-250 or 223

[chutestrate]

I live in Pa, and bought a beautiful sako forrester in 22-250. I don't spend a lot of time with it, and am wondering if I should sell and go with a bolt in 223. 223 is lower than 22-250, and i don't think I could shoot well over 200 yds.

 

[Legionnaire]

What's your purpose for the rifle?

 

[pikid89]

if you really dig the gun just cause you think its cool, hang onto it and get a .22 for range fun

 

[chutestrate]

Purpose was/is for a lightweight hunting rifle for coyote or anything else appropriate. I can't use a semi in Pa so that rules out my ar15. I could get the same use out of a bolt 223 which is why I'm thinking about changing.

 

[451 Detonics]

If it is ammo costs that are putting you off the 22/250 I would buy a simple reloading out fit like the Lee Turret and reload for it. The 22/250 has the potential to be a more accurate cartridge than the 223 in my opinion. Add in it's ability to cut the wind better due to it's added velocity and I think it is a better cartridge all around in a bolt gun.

 

[HOOfan_1]

Purpose was/is for a lightweight hunting rifle for coyote or anything else appropriate. I can't use a semi in Pa so that rules out my ar15. I could get the same use out of a bolt 223 which is why I'm thinking about changing.

Are you doing it because you would rather have the extra money?

You can get some excellent affordable .22-250 ammo.

I bought the Winchester White box 40 round box at Cabela's in Hamburg for $28 a box. It is 45 grain hollow points. It sells on Midway for $31. The comparable 45 grain hollow point .223 ammo sells on Midway for $25 for 40. So only 15 cents a round difference.

I mainly bought the ammo for the brass, but I have started working up loads with 52 grain Sierra Match Kings, 45 grain Sierra Varminters and H380 powder and I have found so far that the factory ammo is shooting tighter groups than my preliminary pressure series loads.

.276" 4 shot group at 100 yards.

 

[NCsmitty]

I could get the same use out of a bolt 223 which is why I'm thinking about changing.

That certainly makes sense, but the two 223's may not shoot the same load accurately in both.

That Sako is a sweet rifle, and gives you more range with the 22-250.



NCsmitty

 

[unwise11]

Well, If you want to have a target rifle, Howa and Remington make nice compact heavy barreled rifles, and if you want to shoot coydogs, and hunt, I'd stick with the Sako, for the advantage of the hotter round.
However I imagine the gun has a fairly skinny barrel as opposed to a sporter, so might not work for prairie dogs.

 

[chutestrate]

Oh the money did cross my mind, but I probably am not looking at that much. I think I will stick with it. I haven't started loading for rifle cartridges, but maybe this is one I can cut my teeth on.

It is nice a nice rifle.

 

[joed]

I have no love for the .223, and sold one to buy a rifle chambered in .22-250 Rem. The .223 is a 300 yard cartridge at best. The 250 in a accurized rifle with good scope will amaze you at how far it can shoot. The 250 is at its best at 400 yards and maybe a little farther.

I would not switch, you'll regret it.

 

[Naybor]

Don't switch.

Also get a .22 semi auto if you can use that in Pa ~ Marlin Model 60 or Ruger 10/22 for target/range and you will be all set.

Nother good gun is Marlin .22 WMR in bolt action.

 

[winchester1886]

I have a different opinion.a 223 will reach 300 yards with the right bullet.A 223 can be purchased with a twist rate of 1:9" 1:8" 1:7" twist which allows you to shoot 65gr,68gr and 70gr bullets. A 22-250 is a great varmint gun.Most have a 1:12" or 1:14" twist and will not stabilize anything heavier than 60gr.A 223 uses a lot less powder per shot and is easier on the barrel.Yes I am a 223 Rem fan.

 

[earplug]

beautiful Sako Forrester in 22-250

Keep it. Learn to shoot it and enjoy it.
Nice rifles don't eat much and they stay beautiful as they get older.

 

[Robert]

223 is lower than 22-250, and i don't think I could shoot well over 200 yds.

Huh?

The .223 is a 300 yard cartridge at best.

Maybe for you, but don't tell a High Power shooter that. You may get laughed at. I have had great success with .223 at 400 to 600 yards on a variety of targets from steel plates at competition to Prairie Dogs in the pasture. I hit a 600y steel target in a strong cross wind with an AR using nothing but an ACOG. So .223 is more than able to reach out that far if you know your holds.

I will second the fact that if you can get into reloading that 22-250 would be the better way to go. You can tailor your loads to fit your rifle and keep the cost down at the same time. 22-250 is faster and flatter shooting and has longer range, but if costs are keeping your down or you can't get into reloading then there is nothing wrong with .223

 

[aka108]

I'd solve the problem by keeping the 22-250 and get a 223 to go along with it. Once you get into reload the cost difference between the two ammo wise will simply be in the amout of powder used, a few cents per round.

 

[deacon8]

Keep it. In my opinion, the 22-250 is a way better cartridge than the .223. The .223 is "OK," but a 22-250 does the same jobs better.

 

[Alex23]

I'd keep the .22-250 for the reasons stated - it's a hotter round so it shoots flatter and is less affected by wind. If you are going to shoot a lot it makes sense to reload, otherwise the cost difference vs. .223 isn't a big deal.

 

[winchester1886]

I tell you what I would like to see a 22-250 with a 1:8" twist you could use a good 70gr bullet.

 

[sig220mw]

22-250 is better period.

 

[afponiky]

sig220mw
Member


Join Date: January 12, 2008
Location: Texas
Posts: 376

22-250 is better period.






as above!

 

[jim243]

My opinion is none of you reload and haven't priced 22-250 brass lately.

Jim

 

[oerllikon]

I would personally go with 223 simply because its in such wide use, barrel life, and price effectiveness. Its not like the 223 fizzles at 2 or 300 yds. I witness people target shooting at 600 with still very usable accuracy all the time. Whether or not its still a deadly round at those ranges is subjective, and for someone more knowledgeable than me to answer.

 

[Legionnaire]

Given what you've said, if you plan to be a high volume shooter, either start reloading for the 22-250 or trade it for a 223. If you're not going to shoot all that much, keep the 22-250 (and start reloading for it anyway).

 

[dogngun]

.223 is cheaper to shoot, .22-250 is great if you reload...

More power, range, accuracy. I live in PA, too, and was advised to get the
.223 for our area- out to 300 yards or so.
I ended up with a .22 magnum. there are very few places around my area where you can see beyond 150 yards anyway.

mark

 

[greyling22]

if you decide to reload give me a a PM I've got a box of federal premium and a box of hornady once fired brass I picked up at the range one day from a guy who was going to throw it away. I have been holding on to it, trying to find somebody who reloads it. I'll pass it on for a dollar + actual shipping costs.