223 vs 22-250

**simonsmal** · 12-08-2019, 12:42

Hi All

I know this has been asked but this situation is a bit different
1- 1st off all I reload myself so take that into consideration going forward,
2- I am looking for a varminting rifle for jackals, vlakvark etc and even possibly a springbok when I stumble upon one.
3 - The rifle needs to double as a training gun for the family etc.
4- I have several other calibers that will cover bigger hunting etc so no use for 270 etc.
5 -The cost per round is very important as this rifle will be thoroughly used ( possibly most important )

I look forward to hear your inputs

**shooty** · 12-08-2019, 12:52

So any reason you left out the 222rem.

**simonsmal** · 12-08-2019, 13:20

Originally Posted by shooty

So any reason you left out the 222rem.

Cost of the rifle is a tad out of my budget as with the 204 as well , amazing calibers just out of my budget for the foreseeable future

**Adoons** · 12-08-2019, 13:30

https://thebiggamehuntingblog.com/22...-vs-220-swift/

Might be some interesting reading for you.

My opinion. I love my .223 but a .22-250 is shooting a bit more flat. That said recoil of a .22-250 is slightly more (thinking about family gun), but not at all hard on recoil. The statement of "used a lot" makes my choice the .223 Its fuel is a bit more cost effective that .223

I have 0 experience with reloading .22-250, but I presume it might be more finicky than .223 with regards to reloading?

As a bonus extra, should it happen that you run out of ammo and reloading time it is not at all difficult to pick up decent .223 factory ammo from any gunshop.

**Ds J** · 12-08-2019, 14:45

Originally Posted by simonsmal

Cost of the rifle is a tad out of my budget as with the 204 as well , amazing calibers just out of my budget for the foreseeable future

Used 222's are available.

The 222's barrel will probably marginally outlast the 223 and most definitely the 22-250.

**treeman** · 12-08-2019, 17:08

Taking what you have listed as requirements with emphasis on family and cost per shot, there does not seem to be much question to it - 223 or 222, which ever you find at your price. 22-250 is good for varmints, but if you want to eat your springbuck - 223 - 222.
.22 - 223 - 308 and the average hunter shooter world wide is covered in every way for any average hunt. From 5 year old starter to Eland for dad

**Adoons** · 12-08-2019, 18:59

Treeman, ag please man. Just change that list of yours from .308 tot 30-06. Pleaaassee

Thanks

Please gents, don't change this to 308 vs 30-06. Just had to give Treeman some food for thought.

**simonsmal** · 12-08-2019, 19:55

Originally Posted by treeman

Taking what you have listed as requirements with emphasis on family and cost per shot, there does not seem to be much question to it - 223 or 222, which ever you find at your price. 22-250 is good for varmints, but if you want to eat your springbuck - 223 - 222.
.22 - 223 - 308 and the average hunter shooter world wide is covered in every way for any average hunt. From 5 year old starter to Eland for dad

The eating part is quite crucial so this might swing me towards the 223

**Messor** · 12-08-2019, 20:13

It’s a strange one this, the requirements does not really tie up with the equipment mentioned.
A 22-250 is a very good jackal cartridge, but it’s not a training cartridge.
A 223 is a very good training cartridge, but it’s not the best jackal cartridge.
Either is good enough for jackal and springbok but neither is generally deemed enough for warthog.

Must say personally I would go 6mm creed or 243 in Howa heavy barrel, if the creeds would just land already.
The 243 is a bit more varminter because of its 1 in 10 twist, the creed is a bit more range rifle because of its 1 in 7.5 twist. Neither will have any mentionable recoil with the heavy barrel and a proper suppressor, that which any varminter have basically.

The 223 will be a hell of a family rifle, but come varminting time you will wish you had something bigger, or faster, or both.

**treeman** · 12-08-2019, 21:14

What Messor mentions is exact, but I left out other calibers, because of the OP statement - 223/22-250. These, this or that caliber posts always end up with why not or you should and everything fro 17 Fireball to 700 Nitro. I agree a 243 would be more medium everything, not even bothering with a bull barrel, but it was not mentioned in OP.