.223 or .22-.250

xbow300win · Post by **xbow300win** » Thu Jan 15, 2009 9:01 am

I'd like to get into Coyote Hunting and these are the two guns that I have rounded off.....I'm looking for long range, with a good quality scope.

1-Of either of these two, which do you prefer and why?

2-What type of ammo do you use?

3-Which model would you recommend...I'm not looking at spending too much money...400.00 or so, unless its used.

Thanks for your input!

Normous · Post by **Normous** » Thu Jan 15, 2009 9:22 am

For long range I vote for the 22-250. Thats what I use. I have shot prairie dogs in Wyoming at slightly over 500 yards with the 22-250. In general the 223 would be best suited for shots under 250 yards. The 22-250 has more potential in the 300-400 yard range.
Savage has a nice model in that price range. I would suggest looking at them. Another suggestion is using the best optics that you can afford. That will pay dividends in the future.
For coyote medicine I handload the Nosler 40 gr Ballistic tip for my 22-250 Ruger. The quick expanding Ballistic Tip and the Hornady V-Max are very popular coyote pills. My 40 grainers step out of the serious end @4180 fps.
If you purchase a new gun don't forget the proper break in procedure. PM me if you need that info.

vixenmaster · Post by **vixenmaster** » Thu Jan 15, 2009 9:51 am

i vote 22-250 i had the Rem. 700 BDL varmint Bull BBL. used Nosler 50 gr. handloads. as said above get good glass makes a world of diff. to see everything clear.

Mike P · Post by **Mike P** » Thu Jan 15, 2009 10:03 am

I will jump on the 22-250 band wagon. I have a few and I really can't say that one brand out shoots the other by enough margin to make a recommendation.

What I will say is that you can scrimp on a scope and get away with it in a lot of circumstances but this is not one of them. Optics are the difference in success versus failure in this situation more then just about any other I can think of.

And remember, every time you kill a coyote an angel gets a set of wings. OK, I made that up. But it should be the case. What ever caliber you decide on I wish you the greatest of success. Kill every one you see!

LondonDave · Post by **LondonDave** » Thu Jan 15, 2009 10:17 am

In Ontario you're not going to be making too many super long distance shots so the .223 is probably plenty of gun. Have compared cost and availability of Ammo? That might be a deciding factor.

Dave

Canabow · Post by **Canabow** » Thu Jan 15, 2009 1:11 pm

Either cal would work. I have purchased 2 savage rifles in the last couple of years 1 .17 hmr and a .243. Both are tack drivers. The .243 clover leafs at 100 yds. Finish is not the best both are syn stocks but they work very well.

Farmer · Post by **Farmer** » Thu Jan 15, 2009 2:03 pm

Have used both calibers . My last 22 250 was a Sako model topped with a 6 - 24 X B&L scope . the 250 has more steam at longer ranges . I was using a 55 gr horandy with that rifle .

ch312 · Post by **ch312** » Thu Jan 15, 2009 2:13 pm

LondonDave wrote:In Ontario you're not going to be making too many super long distance shots so the .223 is probably plenty of gun. Have compared cost and availability of Ammo? That might be a deciding factor.

Dave

a lot of people in ontario say that and some even try to argue when you tell them otherwise. theres a few places where we hunt where theres fields that my rangefinder reads 650+ yards and theres still at least another 100 yards to the bush. i cant shoot that far, but its still possible for others.

i opted for the 22-250 because it hits a little harder. but, its a lot easier to get faster twist barrels for the 223 to shoot heavy bullets for long range but i guess thats limited to those who reload.

DirtyGun · Post by **DirtyGun** » Thu Jan 15, 2009 2:44 pm

Purely for the 'fun' factor...I'd go with the .22-250

I'm looking to get another one after having to sell mine just over a year ago when I was out of work. It was tough to part with.

Bring on that income tax return cheque!

bails111 · Post by **bails111** » Thu Jan 15, 2009 3:37 pm

I like the 22-250 but I reload and it eats up a whole load more powder than the .223. I also like to keep the boom!! to a minimum where I hunt so tend to use the .223 or the 204. All that being said I shoot the .223 much better than the 22-250 just because there are surplus rounds available cheaper than I can reload for and can spend a lot of rounds at the range and not feel guilty about the $$$ I'm burning.

bails

Pydpiper · Post by **Pydpiper** » Thu Jan 15, 2009 5:04 pm

I am a .204 guy, but..
I just left Triggers and Bows and they have a used Remington 700 chambered in a .223, stainless, fluted barrel with a Leopold 4x9 on a Leopold base. It was beautiful, almost pretty enough to make it to my safe.

Golden Eagle · Post by **Golden Eagle** » Thu Jan 15, 2009 5:35 pm

Pydpiper wrote:I am a .204 guy, but..

They are the funnest Gun to shoot aren't they, xcept for the 22 ofcourse.

22-250 for distance and 223 for economy.

Doe Master · Post by **Doe Master** » Thu Jan 15, 2009 5:55 pm

I would even take a serious look at the 243 .It can be loaded down in weight for varmints as well be loaded for deer . As for the optics get the best optics you can afford . You can take a poor quality rifle and make it good with good optics but take a good rifle and put poor quality optics on top and that is what you have got something that shoots poorly .The 204 is another that is worth looking at as well .
On a side note comparing the 223 and the 22-250 at distance .I started shooting the LR stuff last season .There was not a single 22-250 on the firing line but there is a fair share of 223`s there shooting out to 800 yards .That has got to say something when it is a run what you brung .

JRS · Post by **JRS** » Thu Jan 15, 2009 6:51 pm

Golden Eagle wrote:
They are the funnest Gun to shoot aren't they, xcept for the 22 ofcourse.

22-250 for distance and 223 for economy.

As mentioned, the 22-250 is louder and more expensive to shoot. I can find cheap .223 ammo to play at the range with no problem.

houndogger · Post by **houndogger** » Thu Jan 15, 2009 7:50 pm

From a handloaders perspective go with the .22-250, you can always load a .250 down but you can only go so hot with a .223. I shoot both and they have there place but if I only had one varmint gun I would go .22-250.
Now if you want a real varmint rifle buy you a .220 swift!!

Dogger