.22-250 Remington Ammo
The .22-250 Remington is one of the classic high-velocity varmint cartridges — the .250 Savage case necked down to .224 caliber, producing extreme velocity and flat trajectory ideal for prairie dogs, coyotes, and other predators at extended ranges. Originally a wildcat that earned SAAMI standardization in 1965, the .22-250 has been the benchmark American varmint cartridge for over half a century. Impact Guns carries .22-250 Remington ammunition from all major manufacturers.
Read our full .22-250 Remington Ammo Buying Guide ↓
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. For varmint shooters who need to put bullets on small targets at extended ranges, the .22-250 has set the standard against which newer cartridges are measured.
Ballistic Performance
.22-250 launches 35-77 grain .224-caliber bullets at 3,200-4,200 fps depending on bullet weight, from a 24-inch barrel. Ultra-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 — the most popular application. Coyote and fox: 50-60 grain varmint bullets deliver flat trajectory and adequate terminal performance for predator hunting. Bobcat and similar: 55-60 grain bullets work well. 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 — the .224 caliber bullets don’t deliver reliable penetration on deer-sized game.
.22-250 vs. .223 Remington for Varmint Use
The most common comparison. .22-250 delivers significantly higher velocity than .223 — about 600-700 fps more with the same bullet weights. This translates to flatter trajectory and more effective range. .223 has lower ammunition cost, broader rifle availability (every AR-15 chambers .223), and longer barrel life. For dedicated varmint shooting at extended ranges, .22-250 is the better choice. For general-purpose varmint and target shooting in AR-15 platforms, .223 is more practical.
.22-250 vs. .22 Creedmoor
The newer .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 favors .22-250 currently due to its longer market history.
Barrel Life Considerations
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, the cost of barrel replacement factors into long-term cartridge selection.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 use, AR-15 platform compatibility, and ammunition cost, .223 is more practical. They serve different roles; many shooters own both for different applications.
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 light bullets don’t deliver reliable penetration on deer-sized game. 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.
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See Also
Varmint Hunting • Predator Hunting • Bolt-Action Rifles • Hunting Rifles