.223ai vs.22/250

[Woopig]

Getting ready to build a gun. A friend has 223ai and 22/250 reamers so that really helps with options. So this is a prairie dog gun. My ? Is which one or 6 and a half dozen. Have components and dies so that is covered. Just any thought either way, I'd be glad to hear it. Thanks.
Also have actions with bolt face for each.

[hamiltonkiler]

Getting ready to build a gun. A friend has 223ai and 22/250 reamers so that really helps with options. So this is a prairie dog gun. My ? Is which one or 6 and a half dozen. Have components and dies so that is covered. Just any thought either way, I'd be glad to hear it. Thanks.
Also have actions with bolt face for each.

In today’s climate.

What ever doesn’t burn barrels up. One that you have piles of ammo for. What ever one you feel the most confident putting a dope chart together for.

I would suggest. Lesser powder.
More accessible bullet.


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[Fuj']

The only thing that would make me lean to the 22-250 (and I've
owned them) would be a faster twist barrel for the much longer
pills. In that respect, the 22-250 has the boiler room where the
223AI does not.

[Woopig]

What twist rate and bullet weight did you shoot? .22/250.thanks

[J.Baker]

A 22-250 with a 1-8 or 1-9 twist barrel is a wonderful thing. Either will allow you so shoot bullets from 45gr up to around 75-77gr. The 80gr pills will shoot fine in a 1-8 twist, but the drop in velocity really isn't off-set by the slightly better BC at that point. If you want to shoot sleek bullets heavier than 75gr I'd recommend going to 22-250AI to get the extra speed to maximize the benefit of that small bump in BC from those bullets.

Keep in mind that the twist recommendation from the bullet makers for most of the high BC .224cal bullets are based on .223/5.56 velocities. When you bump up the speed with a higher capacity case, you can get by with a slightly slower twist rate. I push 80's out of my 26" 1-8 twist 22-250AI at just shy of 3400fps with a healthy charge of H-4350.

[yobuck]

If i were to own just one gun for prairie dog hunting it would be hands down a 22/250.
Yes you can improve the 223 with an AI chamber, and it will become (almost) a 22/250.
And you can do the same with the 22/250, and it will become (almost) a 6mm when using the lighter pills.
But who shoots 80 gr pills in a 6mm if theres a choice?
On average there is about a 100 fps velocity difference between standard and AI chambers.
I rechambered a 9 twist 223 to a 22/250 AI because the gunsmith had the reamer and convinced me on the idea.
I cant say im sorry i did it, but it for sure aint no 6x284 either.
So if i were ever to rebarrel it, it would probably be just the standard version 22/250.

[snoeproe]

I’ve been having this exact same debate myself. Considering a new 223 or 22-250 varmint gun.
The 22-250 packs slightly more power. However, the 223 amo is half price compared to the 22-250 amo. I’m leaning towards a new 223.

[wbm]

A 22-250 with a 1-8 or 1-9 twist barrel is a wonderful thing.

+1

[yobuck]

I’ve been having this exact same debate myself. Considering a new 223 or 22-250 varmint gun.
The 22-250 packs slightly more power. However, the 223 amo is half price compared to the 22-250 amo. I’m leaning towards a new 223.
I think you should have both. lol
If your buying ammo then i can see where it would make a difference in shooting cost.
But if you roll your own, there really isnt all that much difference in cost.
And the difference in performance on the longer shots makes it worth it in my opinion.
I use 50/55 gr bullets in my 223, and i rarely take shots over 250/300 yds with it.
With the 22/250 AI i use 69 gr bullets and wont hesitate on a 600 yd shot.
Mind you now for shots that long the 105 gr 6mm is a better choice, especially on windy days.
But the extra powder capacity of the 22/250 case in conjunction with the heavier bullets, makes it at least a good possibility for making those type shots.
Sorta like asking a painter what his favorite brush size is.
Name the job and he will tell you which.

[snoeproe]

I just don’t load amo. We don’t shoot enough to justify that. We hunt in the fall and keep predators at bay around the farm/ranch the rest of the year. Cost of purchased amo is a factor, especially with what amo prices and availability did this year.
The white tail bucks are rutting hard as we speak.
Im also looking for something for my 8yr old son that’s a step up from my 22lr. I have a nice classic model 99 in 300 savage that I will transfer to him when he’s a bit older but he’s not ready for that yet. A bit too much recoil for him right now. I can convince momma that we need to buy one new gun. I’ll have a much harder time convincing momma we need to buy 2 new guns. Lol.

[ragsflh]

if you dont roll your own,better off with a 22/250.223ai is roll your own ammo.or do you have someone.then i would shoot 223ai.my 2cts