Whatcha planning on shooting with it? That will be the biggest factor when choosing between them.


The .223 is a great round that uses small amounts of powder in cheap brass and is easy on barrels. In good hands it is probably a 300+ yard cartridge on ground squirrels but I would only use it on our large BC coyotes out to maybe the far side of 200 yards.

The .22-250 on the other hand is a bona-fide 400 yard cartridge, even on coyotes and lynx. You pay for the added punch though with increased powder requirements , when compared to the .222 and .223, and shorter barrel life if you are not carefull to space your shots.

I have owned rifles chambered for both cartridges in the past and today I only own a .22-250 so I guess that tells you which I prefer.

Oh ya ............. due to the small frontal surface area of the .224 bullets they penetrate well when used with fmj bullets and as such make great rounds when used for personal protection from grizzly bears. I am especially fond of the .223 in the Mini-14 due to it's high rate of fire! LoL

The question should be: What gun do I buy my 22-250 in?

Cariboo has asked the right question. Both are accurate and easy to reload successfully. The 22-250 will give you more range, but from 1-300 I doubt one could discern the difference. If you intend to shoot a higher volume of rounds per session, the 223 might be best since it will cost less to load and be easier on your barrel and your shoulder. If your targets are distant dots on the horizon, the 22-250 should be the ticket.

The 22-250 will give 40 yards before it falls to .223 velocities.



The 22-250 eats barrels when loaded to the point that it is really better than a .223.



I have both.

I have 36 calibers.

The .223 is my favorite.



Before I shoot anything else, I ask, why can't I be shooting a .223?



The 45acp is my second favorite.





Back to the .223, if you load it with 10 gr of Blue Dot, it will sound like a 22 rimfire, just moving allot faster with a heavier bullet.