.22-250 Remington Ammo

The Varmint Standard

The .22-250 has been the standard American varmint cartridge for decades — the cartridge prairie dog hunters, coyote hunters, and predator callers reach for when reach and flat trajectory matter most. The cartridge pushes light .224-caliber bullets at extreme velocity (3,600–4,000+ fps depending on bullet weight), producing trajectory so flat that practical bullet drop at 300 yards is negligible.

Bullet Selection by Application

Light bullets (35–50 grain) push the highest velocities for prairie dog and small varmint work. Standard 55-grain varmint bullets at 3,700–3,800 fps deliver flat trajectory to 400 yards with adequate terminal performance for coyote-class predators. Heavier 60–77 grain bullets in 1:8 twist barrels extend effective range further with better wind resistance. The cartridge’s flat trajectory is its defining advantage.

Game Applications

The .22-250 is primarily a varmint and predator cartridge. Prairie dogs and small varmints: 35–50 grain V-MAX, Ballistic Tip, or similar. Coyote and fox: 50–60 grain varmint bullets deliver flat trajectory and adequate terminal performance. The cartridge is not legal for deer in most jurisdictions (bullet diameter below state minimums) and not recommended for ethical deer hunting even where legal.

Barrel Life

The .22-250’s extreme velocity comes at the cost of relatively short barrel life — high-volume varmint shooters can erode .22-250 barrels in 2,000–3,000 rounds compared to 5,000+ rounds for less aggressive cartridges. For occasional varmint hunters, this is a non-issue. For high-volume prairie dog shooters who fire hundreds of rounds per day, barrel replacement cost factors into long-term cartridge selection.

.22-250 vs. .22 Creedmoor

.22 Creedmoor delivers comparable velocity to .22-250 with longer barrel life and modern case geometry optimized for heavier high-BC bullets. For pure long-range varmint performance with heavy bullets, .22 Creedmoor has the edge. For traditional varmint use with light bullets, .22-250 remains an excellent and well-established choice. Ammunition availability currently favors .22-250 due to its longer market history.

Frequently Asked Questions: .22-250

Is .22-250 better than .223 Remington?
For varmint hunting at extended ranges, yes — significantly higher velocity, flatter trajectory, and more energy at distance. For general-purpose AR-15 use, defensive applications, and casual target shooting, .223/5.56 offers much lower cost and broader platform availability. Choose .22-250 specifically for varmint hunting where its velocity advantage matters.

Can I hunt deer with .22-250?
Most states prohibit it — .224-caliber bullets are below state-minimum bullet diameter for deer in most jurisdictions. Even where legal, .22-250 isn’t recommended for ethical deer hunting. The cartridge is intended for varmint and predator use.

How far can I shoot a coyote with .22-250?
Effective range on coyote with appropriate 50–60 grain varmint bullets extends to roughly 400–500 yards. Beyond that distance, bullet energy and wind drift become limiting factors. For longer-range coyote hunting, heavier-bullet cartridges (6.5 Creedmoor, .22 Creedmoor) offer more capability.

See Also: Rifle Ammo • .22 Creedmoor • .224 Valkyrie • .223/5.56 • .243 Winchester • Bolt-Action Rifles • Hunting Rifles