223 or 22-250 for yotes

[Chet43]

for Washington state which would you prefer a 223 or 22-250. will be hunting from timber to open area.

[b23]

I have and currently use both.  As to which one is "better" a lot of personal preference.  Naturally, due to its larger case capacity, the 22-250 is going to be more powerful and will extend your range a bit and shoot flatter.  That certainly doesn't mean the 223 is a bad choice just because it doesn't shoot as fast.  I've probably killed more coyotes with my 223's than nearly all my others, combined.  Also, as everyone knows, the 223 is probably the most economical centerfire you can shoot and if you are shooting factory ammo, you can always buy 223 stuff anywhere that sells ammo.  The 22-250 is very popular also so it's usually widely available as well.

I'm sure you'll hear some say how the 22-250 is a barrel burner and there is no argument the barrel on a 223 will last longer than one on a 22-250, BUT, that certainly doesn't mean the 22-250 will smoke the barrel in no time.  I'd be willing to bet a large some of money the vast majority of 22-250 owners will never get even close to using up their barrels. 

My current "go to" yote getter happens to be a Kelbly 22-250 that I had the barrel cut back to 18 inches and I shoot it suppressed.

[Tracker0721]

I’ve used both. Now I’m back to a 22-250 again as my truck rifle so if I see them up close to the other side of the fields I can take them but my calling rifle is a 222. The 223 has my longest kill of over 400 yards and the 22-250 is close at 375. Can’t go wrong with either of your calibers especially since most callers kill coyotes between 100-150 yards.

[ELKBURGER]

Sweet little set up. I picked up a Rem 700 22-250 varmint special that had the barrel shortened to 20". Still a tack driver. As for burning barrels up, Its likely that most .223 owners have it in a semi auto variant that has seen hotter barrels than your average bolt 22-250. It is hard to resist a little rapid fire fun when it presents itself.

[Bofire]

I prefer 22-250, shoots flatter kills very well.
Carl

[b23]

Chet43, if you're by chance looking for a 22-250 Cabela's has their Remington ADL Varmint 22-250 on sale right now for $399 and they generally shoot pretty well.

I've bought a few of these exact same models over the years, when they're on sale like this, to use as a donor action to build off of.  The stocks generally aren't worth much but I usually get around $100 for the barrels which makes for a pretty cheap Rem 700 action.

[lord grizzly]

if your wondering what will kill coyotes better theirs no difference. they both kill um.

[Special T]

I have always thought that since fur wasnt worth much a .223  and if i needed to reach out farther a 243 since you could actually hunt with it. 

[Bill W]

there's only about 400 fps difference between the two with a 55 grain bullet.  That's not enough to sneeze at.  There is some difference but not enough to select one caliber over the other.

[blackpowderhunter]

I have always thought that since fur wasnt worth much a .223  and if i needed to reach out farther a 243 since you could actually hunt with it. 

.243....and wouldn't you know... i have a great one for sale! 

[Cushman1]

223 all day long! If you want to shoot Yotes effectively past 350 yds buy a 243 win which can also be used for deer hunting with proper bullets.
If I lived in a state with 500 yd prairie dog shots then I might consider a 22-250.
The 223 is pelt friendly and it's a toss up between the 22-250 & 243 win on pelt damage.

[huntandjeep]

The correct answer is you need both 

[CAMPMEAT]

I have a 700 barreled action in 22-250 for sale.......

[b23]

The correct answer is you need both 

 

[HoofsandWings]

I prefer the 22-250. My rifle only hits the bullseye with handloads. I have yet to find a rifle that likes factory loads. And handloads are educational and fun.