223 Rem AI vs 22-250 for varmints

[Pauleye]

I'm thinking of converting my varmint rifle to either the 223 Rem AI or 22-250. I hand load and have both bolt heads so all I need is the barrel..Which is better or PDs or yotes out to 500 yards?

 

[del2les]

My 223AI with a 26" and 1/8tw isn't far behind the standard 22-250 in velocity, and when I use the 75Amax/ELD, it is a potent round on yotes at longer ranges. I am pushing the 75's @ 3,005 using AA2520, so it still carries plenty at 500. Of course my 22-250 with a 1/9tw is running the same 75 @ 3,300 with 4831, but with more powder and not really that much more impact on a yote.

As for P-dog shooting, the 223AI dominates with the higher shot volume ability, longer throat life and cooler barrel per same # of rounds.

 

[B23]

I have both, a 223AI and 22-250. For high volume shooting, the little 223 is definitely going to be easier on barrels, but if I could only have one, I'd pick the 22-250.

 

[keithcandler]

Start at the start

223 AI has small bolt face

22/250 has large bolt face

Unless you are dealing with an action where you can interchange bolt heads, choices may have just got simpler for you.

 

[Peddler 76]

The varmints will never know the difference.

 

[hunter67wa]

I shoot my 22-250 half or less as much vs my 223ai in the pd fields due to barrel heat.

 

[lewwetzel]

Since you already also have the bolt head for the .22-250, I'd go that way for 'yotes at long range (with a 1:12 or faster twist barrel, of course); plus, I'd rather be able to use factory .22-250 rounds than .223 if I ran out of handloads.
Also, with that bolt face, you could go right up to a .243, .308 etc. barrel later, if desired.

 

[xsn10s]

I just shot out a 22-250 barrel two years ago and have a 260 AI waiting to be installed. I've been thinking of whether to do a 223 AI or 22-250 again. I'd lean towards the 223 AI because of longer barrel life and less trimming of cases, plus I like to shoot a lot. Like the others have said the heavier bullets should do the job. If you're not going to do high volume shooting with it then I'd even consider a 22-250 AI. I have AR's that fill the roll of high volume varminting, but I'm tired of trimming cases every couple of reloads.

 

[B23]

Another to consider, would be to go 22 Creedmoor. The 22 Creedmoor is a near twin the the 22-250AI, but with less work.

You could also do a 6 Creedmoor or 243 and shoot lighter bullets like the 70-80 grainers.

 

[Quackshot]

No serious prairie dog shooter goes to the field without a 204R! Unless maybe he has a 20PRAC

 

[hunter67wa]

I do. But I take a 20 vt.

 

[HARPERC]

Volume (.223) vs a little more consistency at range (.22-250).

 

[dreamhunt]

If I ever build another 22 cal varmit rifle, and I have many different ones, It would be the 22 br. I have a 6br and with slow twist so I can shoot light bullets and I really love it if you want to go the .24 route. The only ai that I like is the 6m/m and the 257 Roberts. But you know how opinions are, everyone has one like other things.

.204 Ruger is the best compromise. Better bbl life, great ballistics, no significant recoil.

 

[Radman]

I'm thinking of converting my varmint rifle to either the 223 Rem AI or 22-250. I hand load and have both bolt heads so all I need is the barrel..Which is better or PDs or yotes out to 500 yards?

Just because It's my favorite small caliber I'd go withthe .22-250.