Unfortunately, it's not that simple. You will have to master how to read conditions-wind, mirage, and light and will have to "hold-off" to compensate. Among other things to be mindful of is where your rifle prints first shot /cold barrel vs. succeeding shots.
22-250
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Some comments on the 22 250 as a Varminter.
- I used one for several years, albeit a 14" twist. It's an exceptional long range varmint cartridge (>300 yards) if mated with a quality rifle / scope. 55 grain bullets should be ideal for a 12" twist.
- For typically low volume hunting such a coyotes and groundhogs, I would not be concerned about barrel wear. If you take a few simple precautions at the range allowing the barrel to cool between shots, the barrel should last many seasons. Repeated fire sequences in an overbore cartridge like the 22 250 will quickly erode the throat.
- While the 22 250 makes longer shots easier, wind and mirage are the real impediments to making long range shots on varmints that have small vital areas. Also, the field shooting system (bipod / cross sticks / tripod, etc.) that you use, and your mastery of that system and learning to deal with wind and mirage will in large part determine your success.
- If most of your shots are 300 yards and under, a high quality 223 Rem, would work just fine. Several years ago, I went to the 223 exclusively for both varmints and coyotes because most of my shot opportunities are under 300 yards. The 223 is more economical especially if you are restricted to factory ammo. The lower noise and recoil can also be a positive factor the latter for follow up shots.
- While today's factory ammo is significantly improved since when I started in the 60's, finding an ammo and a steady supply of that ammo that your rifle likes can be a challenge. Varmint hunting imposes a high degree of accuracy requirement due to the small vital area so finding the suitable ammo is critical.
- I used one for several years, albeit a 14" twist. It's an exceptional long range varmint cartridge (>300 yards) if mated with a quality rifle / scope. 55 grain bullets should be ideal for a 12" twist.
- For typically low volume hunting such a coyotes and groundhogs, I would not be concerned about barrel wear. If you take a few simple precautions at the range allowing the barrel to cool between shots, the barrel should last many seasons. Repeated fire sequences in an overbore cartridge like the 22 250 will quickly erode the throat.
- While the 22 250 makes longer shots easier, wind and mirage are the real impediments to making long range shots on varmints that have small vital areas. Also, the field shooting system (bipod / cross sticks / tripod, etc.) that you use, and your mastery of that system and learning to deal with wind and mirage will in large part determine your success.
- If most of your shots are 300 yards and under, a high quality 223 Rem, would work just fine. Several years ago, I went to the 223 exclusively for both varmints and coyotes because most of my shot opportunities are under 300 yards. The 223 is more economical especially if you are restricted to factory ammo. The lower noise and recoil can also be a positive factor the latter for follow up shots.
- While today's factory ammo is significantly improved since when I started in the 60's, finding an ammo and a steady supply of that ammo that your rifle likes can be a challenge. Varmint hunting imposes a high degree of accuracy requirement due to the small vital area so finding the suitable ammo is critical.
nakneker
Gold $$ Contributor
The good ol 22-250, it’s a wonderful choice. If the rifle you’re looking at has a 1-12 or a 1-9 I’d opt for the 1-9. You can still shoot the bullet weights you’re looking at and if you ever want to dabble with heavier bullets you can but the 1-12 will do a good job with your intended bullet weights too.
I’ve had 3 22-250s over the years. My first custom was a 22-250, still have it, had a Remington VSSF I cut loose (dumb) and I currently have a Tikka T3. I’m not a Savage guy, don’t hate me if you are, that’s just me. The little T3 shot great from the word go, I reload but I’m sure it would shoot factory ammo well too. Mine is a 1-8, shoots 55 grain Blitzkings and ballistic tips great although I’m using heavier bullets the majority of the time.
Lots of good factory loads to choose from too.
As far as scopes go I’m not the guy who goes for the biggest magnification, my Tikka is wearing a Mark 5 2-10x. The 3-18x is a good power range, being able to get down to 2 or 3x when calling is a must for me. Close quarter coyotes are hard enough on lower powers.
Good luck, sounds like a fun project.
I’ve had 3 22-250s over the years. My first custom was a 22-250, still have it, had a Remington VSSF I cut loose (dumb) and I currently have a Tikka T3. I’m not a Savage guy, don’t hate me if you are, that’s just me. The little T3 shot great from the word go, I reload but I’m sure it would shoot factory ammo well too. Mine is a 1-8, shoots 55 grain Blitzkings and ballistic tips great although I’m using heavier bullets the majority of the time.
Lots of good factory loads to choose from too.
As far as scopes go I’m not the guy who goes for the biggest magnification, my Tikka is wearing a Mark 5 2-10x. The 3-18x is a good power range, being able to get down to 2 or 3x when calling is a must for me. Close quarter coyotes are hard enough on lower powers.
Good luck, sounds like a fun project.
I agree and it’s so much more fun to shoot.
Based on my extensive experience hunting varmints, I would like to add one point regarding an essential piece of equipment for Varmint Hunting: THE SCOPE.
While mirage still exists regardless of magnification, higher magnifications can obscure the target making it difficult to obtain a clear point of aim.
For scopes, I found that a 4 x16 to be an ideal compromise between power and weight for field use. The most important feature I found was the scope's resolution quality. If you are going to use the turrets for making elevations adjustments, then tracking reliability is essential. I would buy the best quality scope you can afford. The best way I found to purchase a scope is NOT to mail order one but buy in person so you can thoroughly examine its clarity. Most quality stores have a dummy stock that you can temporarily mount the scope on and check it.
I have even used a high quality 4 x12 very successfully. Again, almost all shot opportunities under 300 yards.
Also pay attention to the objective diameter. Large objectives can create the need to modify the rifle stock to provide proper cheek weld. Without proper cheek weld, shooting accurately at the level needed for varmint hunting is near impossible, at least in my experience.
While I am recommending a 3 x 9 scope for varmint hunting, I would nevertheless like to demonstrate what can be accomplished with practice and knowing your equipment. For many years when I had meager finances, I successfully used a 3 x 9 Redfield scope in the 60's and early 70's for varmint and predator hunting. In those days, the Redfield scopes were high quality. However, the vast majority of my shot opportunities were under 300 yards.
Hope this helps.
While mirage still exists regardless of magnification, higher magnifications can obscure the target making it difficult to obtain a clear point of aim.
For scopes, I found that a 4 x16 to be an ideal compromise between power and weight for field use. The most important feature I found was the scope's resolution quality. If you are going to use the turrets for making elevations adjustments, then tracking reliability is essential. I would buy the best quality scope you can afford. The best way I found to purchase a scope is NOT to mail order one but buy in person so you can thoroughly examine its clarity. Most quality stores have a dummy stock that you can temporarily mount the scope on and check it.
I have even used a high quality 4 x12 very successfully. Again, almost all shot opportunities under 300 yards.
Also pay attention to the objective diameter. Large objectives can create the need to modify the rifle stock to provide proper cheek weld. Without proper cheek weld, shooting accurately at the level needed for varmint hunting is near impossible, at least in my experience.
While I am recommending a 3 x 9 scope for varmint hunting, I would nevertheless like to demonstrate what can be accomplished with practice and knowing your equipment. For many years when I had meager finances, I successfully used a 3 x 9 Redfield scope in the 60's and early 70's for varmint and predator hunting. In those days, the Redfield scopes were high quality. However, the vast majority of my shot opportunities were under 300 yards.
Hope this helps.
Thanks for all the info, I’ll probably be putting a Vortex scope of some kind on which ever rifle I decide on, I live only about 30mi. or so from their HQ’s so I will be able to go there and check out their scopes in person. They have a really good display and great CS. and their warranty is the best.
I’ll probably have to go to a few places to see who has the best selection of ammo for both the.223 and 22-250 before I make a rifle decision. I have a Bass Pro, and several other sporting goods stores that have ammunition near me, so that may be the deciding factor for the rifle caliber I end up buying.
TRSR8
Silver $$ Contributor
Put a Diamondback 6-24, tactical MOA on it. Very nice mid priced scope and the tactical reticle works well for hold and wind…..nice clear glass as well.
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