Maximum Distance for .223 or a .22-250

buzz10

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Joined
Feb 7, 2010
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22
Location
North Central Ohio
I was curious as to what your guys opinion would be on the max distance a well trained marksman could take ground hogs with using a .223 or a .22-250 Savage 12 BVSS, or any varmint rig for that matter.
 
Far as you can see 'em! That question could be answered differently by a lot of people. I have only shot groundhogs for one season but my farthest was 600yds with a .243 and 95gn NBT. Others on here have taken them at least that far with the .22 centerfires. JohnnyK.
 
Depends on the bullet. If you have a fast twist rate on either, then you can go pretty far with your shots. Using a 69+ grain bullet will allow you to get out to 800 yards pretty easily if you call your wind right. They do make 70+ grain ammo that will work to these distances and farther.

Tank
 
barrel twist and projectile used will make the difference. If your using a savage bvss you have a 12 twist and the best bullet will be a 55gr bt.

I doubt if one could reliably hit dogs at 800 with that bullet.

If you have a 7 twist you could shoot much heavier bullets but that would be a custom barrel.
 
80gr A-max at maximum velocity with 22-250, I would look into it. Twist, accuracy, barrel length(velocity)...
 
The Savage BVSS comes with a 1:12 twist. What affect will that have on a 70gr bullet?

It will destabilize and go through the target of intention sideways instead of a linear line. Plus accuracy is non-existent. The heaviest you could go with a 1:12 would be right around 60grns or so. Not much more than that. Did you buy your rifle yet? If not, look at the 12FV or 10FP. They both have 223's with 1:9 twists. That should get you into a 70 to 75 grain class bullet. Much better for long range work in a .224 caliber. Not real sure why they don't make the 22-250 in a tighter twist. It would only stand to reason. They use to offer it in either twist. If you call the custom shop, they will probably put a tighter twist barrel on the 22-250 if you want them too.

Tank
 
Thanks for the input guys. Very impressive with the amount of knowledge you guys possess! I haven't bought the rifle yet but do alot of ground hog hunting here in north central Ohio. Most of my shots would be under 400 yards but would love to work at targets longer out as I imporved my craft. Currently I use a M&P-15 and hit most of them under 200. I like the varmit calibers because we can't use rifle for deer in ohio. I have read alot about the 22-250 and many of the farmers around here seem to perfer that round, but with your last point now I am not so sure what I should go with the .223 or the .22-250.
 
Let me make this suggestion. Buy a used Savage and rebarrel it. You can buy a Shilen Target Varmint Contour prechambered and threaded for Savage actions on Midwayusa.com. They have them in a 1:8 twist that would be ideal for what you want to achieve. The 60grn bullet will work well out to 500yrds. Beyond that you are going to really have to learn how well it does in the wind. There are guys here that shoot 40 to 55grn bullets to 600yrds, but it takes some knowledge of your rifle to know what its capabilities are how it does in the wind.

Tank
 
Liltank

Thanks for all of your great advice. I think I found the set up I am looking for. My local gun shop has a 12 VLP in 22-250 with a 1:9 twist. I think this will give me the gun I need to grow with as my skills improve. I thought it was a good price at $750. What do you think? Also I do not hand load but would like to get into it. Will this rifle still shout the lighter 55gr. bullets accurately and if not what factory ammo out there would you reccomend for a heavier bullet?
 
Here's an article that is a good reference for long range shooting with a 223.

Shooting A 223 Rifle To A Mile Accurately

Although it sounds like you're married to getting a centefire 22, let me provide an alternative....look at the 243. With the 243 you get heavier, better BC bullets. They will buck the wind waaaaay better than the 223 and they will shoot waaaaaaay farther than the 22s

The next jump from the 243 is to look at the 260Rem. Another great short action with great BC bullets.
 
Liltank

Thanks for all of your great advice. I think I found the set up I am looking for. My local gun shop has a 12 VLP in 22-250 with a 1:9 twist. I think this will give me the gun I need to grow with as my skills improve. I thought it was a good price at $750. What do you think? Also I do not hand load but would like to get into it. Will this rifle still shout the lighter 55gr. bullets accurately and if not what factory ammo out there would you reccomend for a heavier bullet?


That will be a great rifle. That will allow you to shoot the 70 to 75 grain bullets. Price is good too. It will shoot the 55's. As far as factory loads are concerned, Black Hills, and Federal are good loads. I just looked at Midwayusa.com and they don't have anything to heavy. The V-Max would be a good one in a factory. To shoot the heavy stuff you are going to have to reload. Do you know anybody that has a reloader? If so, you can work something out with that person buying the stuff you need and let him or her pump them out. Find a light bullet load to learn on and collect your brass. When you get the equipment to load then you already have the brass fire formed to your chamber and load the heavies.

Tank
 
.......Most of my shots would be under 400 yards but would love to work at targets longer out as I imporved my craft......now I am not so sure what I should go with the .223 or the .22-250.

Big point for 223. Longer barrel life, less heat. Why waste the barrel if shooting well within 223 capability?
 
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