Unless you're looking to get an M44, 250 is way, way too much for a Mosin. 150 is pushing it, and personally I wouldn't go for anything above 135.
I've bought three, and they have all been at gun shows, being sold out of the big olive crates.
I don't get all the hype about the Mosin's recoil. If all you shoot is .223 it might feel like a push, but even with nothing but the steel buttplate I don't find it pain inducing, although the concussion can indeed cause a headache.