best barrel length for 22-250

[Flatfishhunter]

I would appreciate getting feedback on what would be the minimum barrel length that would work well with a 22-250. I'm looking at getting one for coyote hunting and want a light weight gun. I see that Sako makes one that's a mere 5lb lbs. It only has a 20 1/4" barrel (1:14 twist) and I'm wondering if this would be too short to get reasonable performance from this cartridge. Thanks.

 

[Webster]

I would appreciate getting feedback on what would be the minimum barrel length that would work well with a 22-250. I'm looking at getting one for coyote hunting and want a light weight gun. I see that Sako makes one that's a mere 5lb lbs. It only has a 20 1/4" barrel (1:14 twist) and I'm wondering if this would be too short to get reasonable performance from this cartridge. Thanks.

I would not think weight would be an issue. Your probably shooting from shooting sticks. You don't walk around hunting coyotes. I have a Rem 700 ADL with a varmint weight 6BRX 24" Kreiger barrel it's 10 lbs with a scope. I like calibers known for accuracy. If it's a factory barrel consider something a 6.5 Grindel.

 

[mikeinct]

Flat fish dude, if you need something light fast & accurate...I assume you are not reloading...That rig will be fine with 50 or 55 grain factory loaded ammo.. A 22-250 with just about anything, inside 350 yards, can really put a hurting on coyotes..Mike in Ct

 

[spencerhenry]

Not sure where you hunt coyotes without walking around. My average stand is about 1/2 mile each way, sometimes 3 times that. A full day of coyote hunting in easy country puts on about 8 miles.

 

[Tommie]

JMO a 22-250 needs a 24” barrel to justify the powder capacity. Much shorter than that and you’ll own a flame-throwing .223 Rem.

 

[Schism]

I have a Ruger Hawkeye Predator in 22-250 that I cut the barrel to 20”. With a half grain under max of Varget and 52 grain Berger hollow points, I average 3440 fps using a Magnetospeed. Unfortunately I cut the barrel immediately upon purchase and did not get a baseline MV with the 24” barrel and the same load. My reloading manuals say that load should be running 3700+ from 26” barrels. Take that for what it is worth.

If getting maximum velocity from your rounds is important, find a longer barrel. If light weight and maneuverability is important, consider the shorter barrel.

I run suppressed so a longer barrel with the can doesn’t work for my tastes. I will gladly give up the velocity for the maneuverability and sound reduction of a 20” barrel with a can.

 

[Sniper338]

your shooting coyotes... wtf does it matter 4 inches difference, 200-300 fps...? 4000fps kills just as easy as 2000fps..

I use 26 inches... I want speed over manuverability. its the trade off... mine is speed because I enjoy head shots on deer and a deer can move its head fast enough to mess up my shot if im not careful, so I want the speed on my side when I touch one off...

if using a suppressor that something else to consider..

 

[Intheshop]

I like 24 and 26 on sporters because they swing and hold better from field positions.Getting too lazy to be dragging heavy barrels around anymore.The 22-250 is probably my favorite loading.Good luck blastin coyotes.

 

[B Nettesheim]

The 2 yotes I shot behind my house this summer didnt know my barrel was only 22". Ive lugged around 26" varmint rifles while walking in the winter, piss on that. I like this quiet wood stocked savage much better than the traditional varmint rifle. Good luck with your adventures BN

 

[Zero333]

For hunting, be it varmints or big game.... I like 22" barrels.

But for cartridges with 70+ grains of powder 24" barrel is my preference.

 

[JohnKielly]

I've found with everything linear with shooting, barrel length, butt stock and all, the right length is ½" longer than you cut it.

 

[urbanrifleman]

Groundhogs don't know how long your barrel is... The 22-250 is a mean cartridge on ghogs.

 

[fyrewall]

If I have to lug it around a 22 inch light contour like #2 or #3 works just fine but from shooting from a rest I like my 26 inch #4 and #5 contour barrels. Shooting at targets up to 500 yards away it does not seem to be much difference between the two. The .22-.250 makes into a great light rifle - high velocity, modest powder charges, low recoil and effective killing power, especially combining 1-9 twist and faster with 68 and heavier bullets. Under serious consideration is a 22.5 inch #2 1/2 contour barrel with a 1-8.5 twist.

 

[Flatfishhunter]

Thank you all for the helpful information. I'm now rethinking it, and think that a faster twist barrel would be better. Haven't seen any likely candidates yet with a 1:8 twist. Might have to build one from scratch.