223 vs 22-250 vs 204

hunter97

New member
Well im probaly going to buy a new rifle and was wondering what caliber I should get? The shots are going to be 350 yards or less for mainly coyotes but I dont want to have to sew up the occassilnal bobcat or fox.
 
any of them have the potential to tear up a bobcat or fox, depending on shot placement, bullet choice, velocity etc. And all chamberings are not too wildly different. Personally i would get a 22-250, but a 223 might be your best bet. (sewing is all a part of putting up fur though
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Find the rifle you really like and see what its chambered in and go from there.
 
.22-250 is a a lot hotter than a .223. It is a .250 Savage necked down to a .223. It will shoot a lot flatter than a .223 or .204, as there is more speed behind it, which could also be the difference in unwanted penetration. Bullet weight has a lot to do with it as well, and what type of bullet. Stay away from FMJs as they will pass through human bodies, let alone coyotes. As for the .204, I don't know much about those, I have never shot/seen one.
 
At 350 yards you've already eliminated my least favorite cartridge the .223. It's a 200 yard cartridge, 225 at best.

My choice would be the .22-250, it's good past 350 yards and has more killing power then the .204 at long range.
 
the 204 is good past 350 as well (and apples to apples (40 grain v-max) it retains more energy at 500 yards than the 22-250)

i am not love struck by the 223 wither, but there seems to be a ton of people on PM that are doing work with it past 225 yards.
 
Originally Posted By: lampy.22-250 is a a lot hotter than a .223. It is a .250 Savage necked down to a .223. It will shoot a lot flatter than a .223 or .204, as there is more speed behind it, which could also be the difference in unwanted penetration. Bullet weight has a lot to do with it as well, and what type of bullet. Stay away from FMJs as they will pass through human bodies, let alone coyotes. As for the .204, I don't know much about those, I have never shot/seen one.


its a 250 sav necked to .224 actually. and the 204 is faster than a 22-250 in a lot of cases and is a flat shooter itself.
 
If your not good with needle and thread you could always sneek up on the critter and use chloraform-lol
Any weapon is going to ruin a hide now and then so my vote goes to the 22-250.
It is more of a bullet choice question.
 
350 yards on called critter in field conditions is is along way out there. 223 will get it done.

The problem is you, not the rifle.
My vote goes for .223
 
Originally Posted By: joedAt 350 yards you've already eliminated my least favorite cartridge the .223. It's a 200 yard cartridge, 225 at best.

My choice would be the .22-250, it's good past 350 yards and has more killing power then the .204 at long range.

You might want to check your ballistics tables again joed the .204 w/ a40 gr bullet has quite a bit more energy at 500 yds than the 22-250 in a 40 or 50 gr bullet
 
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Originally Posted By: joedAt 350 yards you've already eliminated my least favorite cartridge the .223. It's a 200 yard cartridge, 225 at best.

Howd you arrive at the figure???
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I don't think you can go wrong with any of those 3.

I prefer the .223 and it is good out a lot further than 350 yards, especially on coyotes. The 223 has a good variety of bullets for different uses and factory ammo is prices well.
 
joed said:
At 350 yards you've already eliminated my least favorite cartridge the .223. It's a 200 yard cartridge, 225 at best.

My choice would be the .22-250, it's good past 350 yards and has more killing power then the .204 at long range. [/qu


225 yard tops for coyote with a 223.?? I've never heard that before
 
I prefer the .22-250 for all ranges. Up close or brushy I use 55 soft points with great results. Open ground 50gr ballistic tips.
From a few yards on it works.
I have a personal limit of 300 yds for the .223. Having shot some over it works but is dropping off. Have had a few runners with it even at closer range that would not happen with the 250.
The .223 is easier to see shots with less recoil.
 
Originally Posted By: ab_bentley17 Remington with 30gr bullets. Adam

And maybe a little faster twist than factory bbl's.
 
Originally Posted By: joedAt 350 yards you've already eliminated my least favorite cartridge the .223. It's a 200 yard cartridge, 225 at best.

My choice would be the .22-250, it's good past 350 yards and has more killing power then the .204 at long range.

Laffin....

A 200-225 yard critter is a chip shot in the .223 world.
 
Originally Posted By: hunter97Dont really want to go that route..... can you guys recoomend a good rifle in one of those calibers under $375 or so

Stevens 200, used savage or a new savage axis (not sure prices on new savage of other models), Howa on sale, etc. keep an eye on the classifieds, some great deals thru there.
 
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