223 Vs. 22-250 Caliber Battle - Which One Is The Best?

The 223 Remington and 22-250 Remington are two of the most popular centerfire rifle cartridges. Both cartridges are known for their accuracy, flat trajectory, and low recoil. However, there are some key differences between the two cartridges that you should consider before deciding which one is right for you.

In this blog post, we will look at the .223 Remington and .22-250 Remington cartridges to help you decide which one is best for your needs.

Check out our latest caliber comparison, 5.7 Vs. 9mm.

223 Vs. 22-250: History And Background

The .223 Remington was designed in 1957 by Remington Arms as a varmint hunting cartridge. It quickly gained popularity among hunters and shooters due to its accuracy and versatility. The .223 Remington is also the standard cartridge for the AR-15 rifle, one of the world's most popular rifles.

The .22-250 Remington was designed in 1937 by Remington Arms as a wildcat cartridge. It was not standardized until 1965 but quickly became popular among varmint hunters and long-range shooters. The .22-250 Remington is known for its high velocity and flat trajectory.

223 Vs. 22-250: Comparison Of Cartridge Specifications

When evaluating two centerfire rifle cartridges tuned for high-velocity, long-range shooting, it’s a good idea to analyze the cartridge specifications to gain more knowledge of each.

One of the most noticeable differences when comparing the 22-250 and 223 cartridge cases is the width of each case. The 22-250 cartridge is larger than the 223 ammo, with a base diameter of 0.47" compared to 0.376" for the 223 Remington.

As mentioned earlier, the case capacity of each cartridge directly correlates to its width. The 22-250 has a distinct advantage over the 223 with a case capacity of 44.6 gr compared to 31.4 gr, respectively. Since both cartridges fire the same 0.224” diameter bullet, it is safe to assume that the 22-250 has higher muzzle velocities than the 223 Remington.

Moreover, another significant difference between the 22-250 and the 223 calibers is their case length. The 22-250 has a longer case length of 1.912” compared to 1.76” in 223 Remington. Therefore, the 22-250 has a longer overall length of 2.35” while 223 Remington is 2.26” long.

To sum it up, the 22-250 is simply a larger cartridge, which allows it to hold more powder than the 223, while both cartridges fire the same-diameter bullets.

223 Vs. 22-250: Performance and Applications

The .223 Remington is a versatile cartridge for various applications, including varmint hunting, target shooting, and self-defense. It is also a popular choice for law enforcement and military applications.

The .22-250 Remington is a more specialized cartridge primarily used for varmint hunting and long-range shooting. It is less popular than the .223 Remington for target shooting or self-defense.

The 22-250 Remington is generally considered a more powerful cartridge than the .223 Remington. This is due to its larger case capacity, which allows it to burn more propellant and propel the bullet at a higher velocity.

Here is a comparison of the ballistics of the two cartridges using a 55-grain bullet:

As you can see, the .22-250 Remington has a significant advantage in muzzle velocity and energy. This translates to a flatter trajectory and less wind drift, making it a better choice for long-range shooting.

For example, the .22-250 Remington can be used to hunt various animals, including varmints, coyotes, deer, and even antelope. It can also be used for long-range target shooting and competition shooting.

The .223 Remington is also a versatile cartridge but is less powerful than the .22-250 Remington. It is a good choice for hunting varmints and coyotes but not as well-suited for hunting larger animals.

Bullet Performance

A bullet's performance on a target depends on several factors, including the bullet type, velocity, and distance to the target.

In general, the .22-250 Remington can deliver more energy to the target than the .223 Remington. This is due to its higher muzzle velocity and energy.

However, the bullet type also plays a role in performance. For example, a varmint bullet designed for explosive expansion may perform better on a varmint than a hunting bullet designed for deep penetration.

When choosing a bullet for a particular application, it is important to consider the type of target you will be shooting and the distance at which you will be shooting.

Here are some examples of different bullets available for the .223 Remington and .22-250 Remington cartridges:

• Varmint bullets are designed to expand rapidly and cause maximum damage to small animals, such as varmints and coyotes.
• Hunting bullets: These bullets are designed to penetrate deeply into the target and deliver a killing blow.
• Match bullets: These are designed for long-range target and competition shooting. They are typically more accurate than other bullets but may be less effective on game animals.

When choosing a bullet for a particular application, consulting a qualified gunsmith or ballistician is important. They can help you select the right bullet for your needs and ensure it is safe for your rifle.

223 Vs. 22-250: Ammunition Availability and Cost

The .223 Remington is one of the most popular cartridges in the world, so ammunition is readily available and relatively inexpensive. The .22-250 Remington is less popular, so ammunition can be more difficult to find and more expensive.

When it comes to the cost of ammunition, the .223 Remington is significantly cheaper than the .22-250 Remington. Our website shows that the cheapest .22-250 ammo for sale online is from Remington at about $1.25 per round. On the other hand, the cheapest .223 from the same manufacturer is about 44 cents per round. This means you can get almost three rigger pulls of .223 for every one of .22-250. Additionally, an even cheaper .223 is available than that, making it a more affordable option for those who shoot frequently.