Help me choose a 22-250

[NearerTheBone]

I'm looking at this cartridge for a solid range and varmint rifle. I probably won't be able to break the bank (<$1000), so I'm considering affordable, out-of-the-box shooter. Threaded barrel would be a plus. Lot's of options fit these criteria: the Howa 1500, Remington 700, CVA Cascade, etc. etc.

For those that shoot 22-250, what do you have? What do you like, dislike? What considerations should I make? What twist rate would you recommend? School me on your 22-250

 

[Wind Gypsy]

Handload or factory ammo?

 

[NearerTheBone]

factory to start, but might dabble with some hand loads later

 

[homestead]

If looking at used rifles, my ruger has always been a great gun for me. Mine is a 220 swift.

 

[6mm Remington]

I have a Ruger Model 77 in 22-250 that came to me after my father died. I haven't gotten to shoot it much but it seems to be very accurate. If you can find a used Ruger 1B in 22-250 that would be a sweet rifle with that 26" barrel. I sure like the two 1B's that I have.

 

[Nick87]

Rem 700 Varmint or any of the heavier countour barreled models. Never found one that wouldn't shoot. Hornady 50 or 55 grain max factory ammo is stupidly accurate in any of them I've tried and that bullet is the best I've ever used on coyotes. Pencil hole on entrance with usually zero exit DRT.

 

[smw110136]

Second on @Nick87 for the 700 Varmint with heavy barrel. I have had two in 22-250 that have both been tack drivers.

 

[kodiakisland]

Other than a hornet or fireball, I can't see buying any .22 centerfire that is not at least an 8 twist.

 

[ropeup79]

Tikka 22-250 with 1-8 twist barrel. Easy Button

 

[MTLabrador]

I’d go Tikka with a 1:8 for sure, and one day I will get my .22-250 rebarreled to a 1:8. That said the .22-250 with the standard 14 twist and a cheap 55 or 60 grain Hornady spire point is still a very effective killer on coyotes and deer at reasonable ranges. Mine is a Winchester Model 70 that I’ve had forever and I love the 60 grain Hornady at 3500ish. Just shot it a few days ago.

 

[Redmt]

Probably outside your budget but a Ruger #1 is wicked accurate. The only drawback is I wish it had a 1:8 twist instead of the 1:14.

 

[Nick87]

I’d go Tikka with a 1:8 for sure, and one day I will get my .22-250 rebarreled to a 1:8. That said the .22-250 with the standard 14 twist and a cheap 55 or 60 grain Hornady spire point is still a very effective killer on coyotes and deer at reasonable ranges. Mine is a Winchester Model 70 that I’ve had forever and I love the 60 grain Hornady at 3500ish. Just shot it a few days ago.

View attachment 352936

That's a sharp rifle.

 

[BackofBeyond]

Hard to beat a Ruger American on both price and accuracy. I bought one to replace a feed truck gun.

Some day my wife will be rich enough to make me a trophy husband, then I’ll get a Ruger #1 and rebarrel it to 1:8”.

 

[Redmt]

I talked to P-ham about re- barreling mine. It was about 3' outside my budget. Too bad Ruger didn't make a faster twist #1 in 22-250. It a fun cartridge.

 

[brockel]

What are your plans with the rifle and what bullet weights are you looking to shoot?

 

[Sask hunter]

I have 2 Remington 700’s one heavy barrelled one not

 

[Jnasa]

I have always like the Howa 1500 for the price. I also was impressed with my wife’s Rugar American for the price and out of the box accuracy.

Also can look at the used market. I am surprised what you can find if you are patient. If you’re shooting a lot of rounds I’d try to go with a bull barrel. If not as many consecutive rounds a standard barrel is easier to carry.

 

[Darkside]

Rem.700 Varmint.
Savage 110 Varmint.
Ruger American.
Should be able to find one of these in your price range.

 

[stevejfarms]

One more for the 700 varmint. Mine shoots cloverleafs.