223 or 22-250

[jryoung]

So I've been looking for a bolt action 22lr for my wife for a bit so she can practice shooting, cycling the action, and getting back on target.

Anyway, I thought why not a 223. Low recoil maybe even better in that there is a bit of it as opposed to none with the 22lr and you can shoot longer ranges/varmits etc. Plus I can reload and not have to worry about the 22lr shortage. Then I thought, if I go 223, why not go a touch more and get a 22-250, still light recoil and better yet .473 bolt face so I can find more actions.

Anyone have experience with both, and have any thoughts? According the the Chuck Hawks chart a 223 ranges in 3lbs of recoil and the 22-250 is in the 4lb range. Her 7x57 is in the 12-14lb range so either way I'm (theoretically) looking at a 66%-75% reduction in recoil with either which would be great for practice.

 

[Mica Man]

Nice can of worms you opened jryoung. If you reload I would go with the 22-250. If not then go with the 223 as ammo is more prevalent. I have owned a couple different 22-250's and still shoot one when I get the chance. One of my more favorite guns to shoot as it has sent may a small critter to Valhalla!

 

[Topgun 30-06]

What MM says makes a lot of sense! I don't have anything along those lines, as my smallest centerfire is a 22 Hornet and then I go up to a .243 Sako for longer shooting at varmints along with antelope.

 

[1_pointer]

For the purposes you stated, I'd go 223 all day everyday. It'll be more fun and cheaper to shoot. I just don't see any advantage to the 22-250.

No matter which you pick, I'd suggest you get one with no slower than 1-9" twist, with 8" being preferred.

 

[LCH]

I recommend .223. Cheap ammo is easy to find again (if you aren't going to reload).

This one is my favorite.. Lots of fun and shoots very well.

 

[MThuntr]

I have a 204, 223, and a 22-250...the 223 is by far the one that gets used most. You can get ammo just about anywhere if you opt out of reloading or if you run out of ammo on a prairie dog shoot.

 

[MKotur325]

1_Pointer makes a really good point.

If you were to get a .223 with a faster twist, you can load heavy slugs. Something in a 62-70gr should come close to matching the drop curve of her 7X57.

I shoot a .22-250 somewhat regularly. Recoil is very minimal, though with a light rifle it is just enough to jump the scope off target. I really enjoy the .22-250, but would prefer a faster twist. Most factory .22-250's are a 1-14" Twist.

 

[Redwood]

.223, cheap ammo.

 

[RUT JUNKEY]

Agree with most of the guys. I shoot the .223 a lot more than the 22 .250, advantages to both, disadvantages to both. I reload both and they are rather easy to get right now. Both are great fun to shoot for sure. Good luck.

 

[Ben Lamb]

.223.

You're teaching her how to shoot, not how to shoot P-dogs at 800 yards. Get the rifle that's 1.) easier to shoot for the intended shooter & 2.) Cheaper ammo for more practice.

Then, get yourself a 22-250.

problem solved!

 

[WyOpitz]

.204

 

[danr55]

250 Savage.. MOderate recoil and still enough gun to use for varmints, small game deer and antelope.

 

[MinnesotaHunter]

I would favor the .223, It seems to me that barrel life would be better than the 22-250.

 

[Rooster52]

I have both and like both.Hard to choose.For me I prefer the 22-250 but have taken many prarrie dogs with the 223 .My one granddaughter shoots the 22 250 where the other shoots a 223,both love there guns. With bullet placement ,theymake a good whitetail rifle for the beginner.We havetaken several deer with both with no problems.My 22-250 will be my antelope rifle for next fall shooting 60 grain VMAX bullet. Though a varmint bullet,they have done a good job stopping a whitetail.

 

[jryoung]

Thanks all, I think my preference is the 223, the expense difference in reloading isn't that big of a deal to me so if a good deal on a 22-250 comes I'll jump on it. Unfortunately I found Cooper M21 and M22 on Gunbroker...this could be bad.

I'm hoping for something that has less than a varmint contour, but again hoping for a decent deal on a gun so am slightly flexible on configuration.

 

[MKotur325]

Unfortunately I found Cooper M21 and M22 on Gunbroker...this could be bad.

Don't think you'd be disappointed with an M21 or M22! Could be really bad for anything on the business end of that Cooper!!

Hope one works out!

 

[T Bone]

Take a look at the Ruger American. They have it in a fast twist .223. It's a lot of rifle for the $

 

[MinnesotaHunter]

I hope you get the Cooper. I almost bought one in 25-06 on my way out to WY last fall. It had a VX-3 4.5-14 on it and they only wanted $1800. Should have just bit the bullet.

 

[kiwi hunter]

you could also consider a fast twist(8")224 cal out of the 204 case,,can use the 75 gr swift for deer
not a lot of work to transform,,only prob is repositioning the bolt stop although i did a savage which was very easy

 

[sbhooper]

I would favor the .223, It seems to me that barrel life would be better than the 22-250.

Barrel life is not going to be an issue unless you are planning on shooting thousands of rounds of ammo.

The .223 is a great little round and inside 300 yards for targets and varmints, is all you need.

The 22-250 is a great round that only costs slightly more to reload. It has definitely got more punch for extended ranges, especially if you could get one that will shoot 60+grain bullets well.

Bottom line is that either will do very well. If you get a 22-250, I have a killer load for you if you want it. It has worked well in 7 different rifles.