Choice .223/22-50/243/270 which one makes the most sense?

[BallisticsNut]

Ask the experts I say.  Here is my delima.  I have a .300 WSM and its awesome.   Looking for a good varmint rifle and will reload my own ammo.  So, I am not too worried about popular loads.  I will be buying a new rifle in the very near future.  Fact is the one I want is way to expensive (Tikka T3 Sporter/Sako TRG).  So, I will buy something less and use it primarily for varmint hunting next year.  The 22-250 is looking real nice about now.  Like the fact that it can "reach out and touch" something long distance.  The .243 is a good all around rifle for varmints, deer and other mid size game but the .300 well it handles mid game pretty well too.  I was thinking the .270 but think Ill pass.  Whats the right choice here?  A good 'yote rifle that maybe used for other small game.  ??  Any good advice??

[Sneaky]

.223 is a good choice because ammo is really cheap and widely available, but you don't care about that because you reload!

You don't need a different deer rifle than your .300, but maybe a .243 or .270 would be a good back up gun in case something happened to your .300?

.22-250 would be my choice if it was strictly a varmint gun.

[hoyt2002]

Id have to go with the 243. Its a good varmint rifle/backup deer rifle.

[JKEEN33]

I've been considering a 22-250 also. My question is I see a lot of 22" or 24" barrels. Somewhere I had heard 22-250 is more accurate in the 26". Any truth to that? What are the disadvantages to the 22 or 24?

Thanks,

[Bob33]

I don't think the 270 does much of anything that you're 300 can't.  If you're talking a varmint gun, the 270 is out of the running.

The 243 has one advantage over the 22 centerfires: it is legal for big game in Washington.  

If you're strictly talking a varmint gun, the 22 centerfires are the best choice in my opinion.  Between the two you mention, the 22-250 is faster; the 223 is cheaper to shoot.  If you really want blazing speed get a 220 Swift.

Of your choices, the 22-250 would be my pick for a varmint caliber.

[Bob33]

I've been considering a 22-250 also. My question is I see a lot of 22" or 24" barrels. Somewhere I had heard 22-250 is more accurate in the 26". Any truth to that? What are the disadvantages to the 22 or 24?

Thanks,

In general, shorter barrels are more accurate than longer barrels.  Of course every rifle is different.  The advantages of longer barrels are more velocity and more weight.

[carpsniperg2]

If you are reloading "which you have said you are" the winner of the mix "just for varmints" is the 22-250.

[JKEEN33]

I've been considering a 22-250 also. My question is I see a lot of 22" or 24" barrels. Somewhere I had heard 22-250 is more accurate in the 26". Any truth to that? What are the disadvantages to the 22 or 24?

Thanks,

In general, shorter barrels are more accurate than longer barrels.  Of course every rifle is different.  The advantages of longer barrels are more velocity and more weight.

Thanks Bob been eying the 22-250 xbolt, but wasn't sure about which barrel length to go with.

[JackOfAllTrades]

If you really are a ballistic nut..

243 Ackley, 22 BR, 6mm BR x.

-Steve

[toothfangclaw]

How can a shorter barrel be more accurate?  I know with old smoke poles the longer the better. Which is why they were 5 feet long. Lol I've always heard of longer barrels be more accurate. 

TFC/Matt

[Bob33]

Shorter barrels are stiffer, and thus flex less.  "In general". 

Here's an interesting read: http://www.tacticaloperations.com/SWATbarrel/

"Shorter barrels are actually often more accurate than their longer counterparts.  A rifle barrel is a cantilevered beam and as such they sag.  More sag results in more whip and vibration as the bullet travels down the bore.  Barrel sag induces longitudinal stress that can cause stringing of shots.  Using a shorter, heavier barrel minimizes reduces stress and accuracy-robbing barrel vibration.  A shorter barrel is stiffer and vibrates at a less. "

[BallisticsNut]

If you really are a ballistic nut..

243 Ackley, 22 BR, 6mm BR x.

-Steve

Yes, your correct.  I have checked the ballistics on both rifles and have to say the .243 is the better option.  I had the same discussion with my nieghbor and both of us were in agreement that it was down to the 22-250 and 243.  After reading these posts, I would have to agree and go with the better ballistics and versatility of the .243.    Just wanted to make sure there were no pitfalls with going with the .243.  Thanks for all the feedback. 

[Jamieb]

22-250

[ICEMAN]

Id have to go with the 243. Its a good varmint rifle/backup deer rifle.

 

[Special T]

Coyote fur is worth 0 so if you called in a bear or a couger??? If you just hunting yotes  then maybee a 22-250 but a 243 if you have a tag....

[MP123]

If you've already got a .300 WSM then I'd vote .22-250 so you'd get some variety at the small and super fast end of the scale.

[J-Lake-Dog-Chaser]

I own a 204 ruger and a ar-15 .223, and i would shoot my .204 any day over any of my rifles! I absolutley love that caliber. It shoots fast, flat and does the trick! I can litterally hit quarters consistantly with it. You pick up a coyote after shooting it with the .204 and shake it, it sounds like a bag of water! It shoots really well in wind, and that is from experience, because where i hunt it is always blowing!

If you haven't considered a .204 ruger i would suggest taking a look at them, I have seen at least a couple other guys on this site that shoot it.

[Huntboy]

I'd go with the 243.

[Heredoggydoggy]

For your case, I'd go .243.  If you see a coyote, whack'im--If you see a deer, whack'im.  If just going for coyotes, .22-250.  My  

[Curly]

Or you might consider the .257 Roberts.  And if you really want more velocity, convert it to AI.

Link


Or even the 6.5 x 284 Norma ............... Link

[BlackRidge]

I'd have to lean towards .243 as well

General cost of ammo is fairly cheap, easy to reload for, good for critters all the way up to big-game and a tried-true round. Plus it will reach out a little farther than a .223

 

[huntandjeep]

go for the .22/250

[bowhunterforever]

204 Ruger would be my choice but since it's not on your list i would get the 22-250

[BallisticsNut]

Thanks for all the feedback.  Seems we are pretty well split between the 22-250 and the 243.  Heading up to Kesslergins this morning to make the final choice and hopefully come home with a new rifle.  I am leaning towards the .243 because the ballistics are better and the rifle has more versatility.  We will see! 

[elkslayer069]

220 swift i love mine

[BallisticsNut]

Just got back, all they had in stock was a 7mm and 338, had to order the .243.  Another couple weeks.

[ICEMAN]

 

[GlennGTR]

223 with a fast twist rate. I like shooting 68-75 grain 22 call bullets. 22-250 may be faster but the heavier bullets in the 223 will buck wind better at longer ranges, they will also retain their energy a bit better. Speed isnt everything...accuracy is king. 223 is also the least expensive centerfire to shoot weather you reload or just buy ammo.

[257 Wby Mag]

243. With 55's, its what a 22-250 wishes it could be, with 80's-100's its a buck killin sumbiatch. With good boolits a guy could shhhwack elk with it.

[demontang]

I think I'd go with a nice 22-250. I had one and sold it but I've been kicking myself everyday since. I've got a 243 and it's a good round but it's easier to find 22 cal bullets then 24 cal. Both cals have been super accurate for me and both are popular and can be found at most shops but the 243 ammo selection has been less diverse in bullet selection around here.

[FALFire]

I shoot both the 22-250 and the 243W. I've had 250's for over 30 years and recently picked up and started  reloading for the 243, as someone already stated the 243 with 55 gr bullets is what the 22-250 wishes it could be.  I shoot out to 600 yards with my 243W and 55 Noslers and the accuracy is excellent. What is nice is the selection of bullets for the 243 caliber, it is much greater than the 22 caliber offerings and with an 8 twist 243 barrel you can really appreciate the long distance accuracy of the 107 and 115 grain bullets that the 22-250 can't even begin to touch.

My vote is for the 243.

[CAMPMEAT]

Somebody has a Ruger 22-250 for sale in the classifieds on here. Looks like a good deal. I'd buy it but I already have 2.

[BallisticsNut]

Sounds like either way, one cant go wrong.   The reason for the choices listed, is that this was a winning rifle at the recent Seattle Sportsmen's Convention.  My choices were any caliber in a Weatherby Vanguard.   This rifle is more for convenience and for the use by my two 20-something y/o kids that have interest in hunting but no funds.  Yea, starting them out a bit late but better late then never.  The 243 will make a great second rifle, a good primary rifle for varmints and a good hunting rifle for my children.  Seeing that I will be reloading my own rounds for this caliber, I am certain I can get this thing shooting sub MOA at 200 yards.  Eventually, it will be fitted with a bipod and a nice 4x16x40 or 5x20x40 scope for those 600 yard yote shots.  I think this rifle will be more fun and get more use then my .300 wsm.