have this short action and...

[engnman]

Have a model 11 in 308 and want something smaller. My son has a 22-250 with all the reloading setup. Why do I keep looking at .223?

[Dave Hoback]

Because 223 is awesome!

[GrenGuy]

Because 223 is awesome!

Please elaborate. Enquiring minds sincerely want to know.

[Turkeytider]

Because 223 is awesome!

Amen. REALLY enjoy shooting my 110 in .223. Silly accurate.

[charlie b]

I also really enjoyed my .223, but, I like my 6BR better :) Same low recoil, same economy of smaller power loads but much better at longer ranges.

[KMW1954]

Have a model 11 in 308 and want something smaller. My son has a 22-250 with all the reloading setup. Why do I keep looking at .223?

I have 3! Axis in 223 was my first, Model 10 in 223 was second. It was purchased used about 3 months after the Axis. Third is a Model 11 that was purchased as a barreled action from another forum member for $150.00 shipped. It was originally a 243. The intention for that one was to rebarrel into a 6BR to use as an inexpensive target rifle out to 300yds. Now before I could do that I came upon a Savage Model 12 take-off Varmint barrel. It is 223, 26" long and had never been fired. It now has a Boyds At-One Thumbhole stock, Model 12 Target trigger spring and an Athlon Argos 8-34X56 scope. Shooting 69gr Sierra MK over Accurate 2460 powder.
I have been shooting this in an informal local rifle league at distances between 100/200/300yds and am consistently finishing at about 8th of 17 shooters. Last week I finished 5th of 17 and many of these people are all shooting very custom bench guns. Most have more money invested in their optics than I do in this whole gun.

So why do it? One just the cost of bullets between the .224" and .243" is almost half. Then I am also using powders that are much less costly. About $35.00 per pound as opposed to about $50.00 per pound and on average I am using about 0.5gr less powder per round. So much better economy. Next is because of the access to distance I have is limited to 300 yds and the 223 does very well and as I am showing stands up and competes well against the 6mm at this distance. Also because it is not a barrel burner. Some of these others are replacing barrels yearly!

[Turkeytider]

I also really enjoyed my .223, but, I like my 6BR better :) Same low recoil, same economy of smaller power loads but much better at longer ranges.

I would agree on the .223 not being a long range caliber in the sense of what long range target shooters are thinking of. If Charlie`s thinking 600 yards and out when he says " longer ranges", I would wholeheartedly agree.

[charlie b]

Yep, that's exactly what I mean. 600yd is close but the 6BR is better for me with the heavier bullets. 300-600 and it is more about the rifle and shooter. If both are top tier then the 6BR usually wins in competition. When it is me, then they are a toss up :)

[engnman]

I ask about .223 vs 22-250 with all the reloading for 22-250.I am not into target long range shooting.How did I get to a 6br?. I want to shoot coyotes at 1-200 yds

[charlie b]

Yep, 200yd and a .223 is ideal for coyotes

[mattri]

Split the difference- 6x45!

[charlie b]

The only real issue is the .223 requires a different bolt head. The .22-250 uses the same one as the .308.

The good thing is the extractor and ejector ball fit both heads so you can buy a stripped one and just swap the bits.

Bonus with .223 is that most factory ammo will be minute of Coyote at 200yd. And it is available for reasonable prices anywhere that sells ammo.

[Blue Avenger]

.22RF will kill a coyote, A .223 will tip them over. A .22-250 will make a mess. So I use a .220 Swift. Find factory barrels and add a .243 :pop2: along with .22-250. Less work to go back to the .308 if you want.

[Dave Hoback]

Wall… now, I’m a 223 AR15 guy. I don’t use it in Bolt guns. Not that I’m against it, just I like my custom built AR’s I’ve been putting together & refining to perfection since the expiration of the “Billary” Clinton’s 1994 AWB!

Yes, 223 will drop ‘yotes at 200yds same as if they were standing point blank! It’s one of the most versatile cartridges out there. 1:7, 1:8 & 1:9 twists can handle HUGE range swings of bullet weight… from 35gr to over 90gr! It has no recoil. It’s easy & quite forgiving to reload. There are ample supplies of range brass & less expensive surplus ammo can still be found for range use. While not the best of choices, I’ve seen it quite effectively target 1000yds., however, I’d call 700yds it’s comfortable distance. And… it’s just a fun little cartridge to shoot.

[KMW1954]

I ask about .223 vs 22-250 with all the reloading for 22-250.I am not into target long range shooting.How did I get to a 6br?. I want to shoot coyotes at 1-200 yds

In my case I related to the 6mm because that was my intended direction just as you are now looking to choose a caliber. Instead I once again went to the 223 over the 6mm BR or just staying with the 243.
I never really considered the 22-250 as like the others it gives up economy as it uses a lot more powder to no real gain for what I am doing. The 223 with a 1:8 twist barrel can shoot 52gr to 80gr bullets easily. Also from my own personal experience the 223 will shoot very well with a whole host of powders So you won't be tied to just a few select powders.