.22-250 Remington Ammo

Professionally Reviewed by:

Nathaniel Boos

Nathaniel Boos

Nathaniel Boos is a lifelong firearms enthusiast and shooter, renowned for his experience as a long-range shooter, ammunition importer/exporter, and firearms manufacturer. With years of hands-on experience, he is a trusted authority in the ammunition and firearms industry.

Credentials:

  • • 2x Team Safari Competitor
  • • KRG Training Level 1, 2, and Force on Force CQB certified
  • • Licensed Texas Conceal Carry Holder
  • • Kranz Firearms Training Group Advanced Carbine Certified

.22-250 Remington: At a Glance

Key Characteristics
Firearm Type Rifle
Primer Type Large Rifle
Used For Varmint Hunting, Target Shooting
Case Design Rimless, Bottleneck
Year Introduced 1965

.22-250 Remington: Pros and Cons

Pros

  • ✔ Extremely high velocity for a .22 caliber round
  • ✔ Excellent long-range accuracy
  • ✔ Flat trajectory for easier aiming
  • ✔ Low recoil compared to larger calibers
  • ✔ Effective for varmint hunting and predator control

Cons

  • ✘ Overkill for small game at close ranges
  • ✘ Not suitable for medium or large game hunting
  • ✘ Can be expensive compared to other .22 caliber rounds
  • ✘ Barrel wear can be accelerated due to high velocities
  • ✘ Limited bullet weight options compared to larger calibers

.22-250 Remington: High-Velocity Varmint Round

The .22-250 Remington is a high-velocity centerfire rifle cartridge primarily used for varmint hunting and long-range target shooting. Known for its flat trajectory, exceptional accuracy, and minimal recoil, this cartridge has become a favorite among hunters and precision shooters. The .22-250 Remington offers impressive ballistic performance, making it highly effective for small to medium-sized game at extended ranges.

History and Development

The .22-250 Remington originated as a wildcat cartridge in the 1930s, initially known as the .22 Varminter or .22 Wotkyns Original Swift. It was developed by Grosvenor Wotkyns, John Sweany, and others who necked down the .250 Savage case to accept a .224 caliber bullet. This combination resulted in a cartridge capable of pushing lightweight bullets to very high velocities.

The cartridge gained popularity among varmint hunters and target shooters due to its impressive ballistic performance. In 1965, Remington Arms Company standardized the wildcat and introduced it as a commercial cartridge, naming it the .22-250 Remington. This official adoption led to widespread availability of factory ammunition and rifles chambered for the round.


Ballistic Performance

The .22-250 Remington is renowned for its high velocity and flat trajectory. Typical factory loads push 55-grain bullets at velocities exceeding 3,600 feet per second (fps) at the muzzle. Lighter bullets, such as 40-grain variants, can achieve velocities over 4,000 fps. This high velocity contributes to the cartridge's flat trajectory, making it easier to achieve accurate shots at varying distances without significant bullet drop compensation.

The cartridge's performance allows for effective varmint hunting at ranges beyond 300 yards, with some skilled shooters using it successfully at distances approaching 500 yards. The high velocity also results in explosive expansion on small targets, making the .22-250 Remington highly effective for pest control and varmint hunting.

Timeline of .22-250 Remington Development:

Year Event
2023 The .22-250 Remington continues to be popular among varmint hunters and long-range shooters, with ongoing developments in bullet technology enhancing its performance.
1965 Remington Arms Company officially introduces the .22-250 Remington as a standardized commercial cartridge.
1937 J.E. Gebby of Western Cartridge Company develops one of the earliest versions of what would become the .22-250, calling it the .22 Varminter.
1930s Grosvenor Wotkyns and John Sweany begin experimenting with necking down the .250 Savage case to accept .224 caliber bullets, creating the wildcat that would evolve into the .22-250 Remington.

.22-250 Remington Performance

The .22-250 Remington offers exceptional performance characteristics that have made it a popular choice for varmint hunting and long-range target shooting. Here's a breakdown of its key performance characteristics:

Characteristic Performance
Velocity 3,600-4,000+ fps (40-55 grain bullets)
Varies based on bullet weight and load type
Trajectory Extremely flat trajectory at medium to long ranges
Effective for varmint hunting beyond 300 yards
Energy 1,200-1,600 ft-lbs at the muzzle (50-55 grain bullets)
Provides excellent performance for varmints and small to medium-sized game
Recoil Low to moderate, allowing for quick follow-up shots
Manageable in most rifle configurations
Accuracy Capable of sub-MOA accuracy in quality rifles
Excellent for precision varmint hunting and long-range target shooting

Bullet Weight vs. Muzzle Velocity

This chart shows how bullet weight affects muzzle velocity for common .22-250 Remington loads.

Note: Actual velocities may vary based on specific loads, barrel length, and other factors. These values are estimates for comparison purposes.

.22-250 Remington: Effective Range for Different Applications

This table provides estimated effective ranges for .22-250 Remington ammunition in various applications. Ranges are based on typical bullet weights and velocities.

Application Effective Range (yards) Notes
Varmint Hunting 0-400 Excellent for small varmints, devastating terminal performance
Predator Control 0-350 Effective for coyotes and similar-sized predators
Target Shooting 0-600 Capable of extreme accuracy with proper loads and conditions
Long-Range Shooting 0-800 Suitable for long-range shooting competitions and practice
Medium Game Hunting 0-300 Limited use for deer-sized game, proper bullet selection critical

Note: Effective ranges can vary based on factors such as bullet selection, shooter skill, wind conditions, and specific firearm characteristics. The .22-250 Remington is known for its high velocity and flat trajectory, making it particularly effective for long-range varmint hunting and target shooting. Always prioritize safety and adhere to local laws and regulations.

Applications for .22-250 Remington

The .22-250 Remington's high velocity and flat trajectory make it suitable for several specific applications:

Varmint Hunting and Predator Control
  • Exceptional for hunting small varmints like prairie dogs and groundhogs
  • Effective for predator control, particularly coyotes and foxes
  • High velocity provides excellent accuracy and minimal wind drift
Target Shooting and Competition
  • Popular for long-range target shooting and benchrest competitions
  • Capable of sub-MOA accuracy with proper loads and rifles
  • Low recoil allows for easy spotting of bullet impacts
Long-Range Shooting
  • Suitable for long-range shooting practice and competitions
  • Flat trajectory makes it easier to estimate holdovers at extended ranges
  • Performs well in windy conditions due to high velocity
Limited Medium Game Hunting
  • Can be used for deer hunting with proper bullet selection
  • Generally considered underpowered for larger game
  • Requires precise shot placement for ethical harvests

Caliber Comparisons

To understand the .22-250 Remington's place in the rifle world, it's helpful to compare it to similar cartridges. Click on each comparison to see more details:

.22-250 Remington vs. .223 Remington ▼

.22-250 Remington vs. .220 Swift ▼

.22-250 Remington vs. .243 Winchester ▼

Recoil Energy Comparison

Compare the estimated recoil energy of .22-250 Remington with other popular rifle cartridges. (Based on a 7.5 lb rifle)

Note: Recoil energy can vary based on specific loads, firearm weight, and other factors. These values are estimates for comparison purposes.

Ballistic Trajectory Comparison

This chart compares the ballistic trajectory (bullet drop) of .22-250 Remington with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.

Note: Trajectories are calculated for a 100-yard zero. Actual results may vary based on specific loads, atmospheric conditions, and firearm characteristics.

Wind Drift Comparison

This chart compares the wind drift of .22-250 Remington with other popular rifle cartridges in a 10 mph crosswind.

Note: Wind drift is calculated for a 10 mph full-value crosswind. Actual results may vary based on specific loads, atmospheric conditions, and firearm characteristics.

Energy Retention Comparison

This chart compares the energy retention of .22-250 Remington with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.

Note: Energy values are calculated based on typical bullet weights and velocities for each cartridge. Actual results may vary based on specific loads and environmental conditions.

Sectional Density Comparison for .22-250 Remington

The .22-250 Remington is a high-velocity cartridge known for its flat trajectory and accuracy. This table compares the sectional density of common bullet weights used in .22-250 Remington loads.

Cartridge Bullet Weight (gr) Sectional Density
.22-250 Remington 40 0.114
.22-250 Remington 50 0.142
.22-250 Remington 55 0.157
.22-250 Remington 60 0.171
.22-250 Remington 64 0.182

Note: Sectional density is calculated as (bullet weight in pounds) / (bullet diameter in inches)². The .22-250 Remington uses .224 inch diameter bullets. Higher sectional density can contribute to better penetration, but factors such as velocity and bullet construction also significantly influence overall performance.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What is the .22-250 Remington cartridge?

A: The .22-250 Remington is a high-velocity, flat-shooting centerfire rifle cartridge. It was developed in 1937 by Grosvenor Wotkyns and was standardized by Remington in 1965. It's known for its excellent accuracy and is popular for varmint hunting and long-range target shooting.

Q: What is the effective range of the .22-250 Remington?

A: The .22-250 Remington has an effective range of up to 400 yards for varmint hunting. For target shooting, it can be accurate at even greater distances, up to 600 yards or more, depending on the rifle and shooter's skill.

Q: What is the typical bullet weight for .22-250 Remington ammunition?

A: The most common bullet weights for .22-250 Remington ammunition range from 35 to 64 grains. The 55-grain bullet is particularly popular and offers a good balance of velocity and accuracy for most applications.

Q: How does the .22-250 Remington compare to the .223 Remington?

A: The .22-250 Remington offers higher velocities and flatter trajectories than the .223 Remington. It typically pushes a 55-grain bullet at around 3,680 fps, compared to the .223 Remington's 3,240 fps. However, the .22-250 generates more recoil and consumes more powder, resulting in faster barrel wear.

Q: Is the .22-250 Remington suitable for deer hunting?

A: While the .22-250 Remington is primarily designed for varmint hunting, it can be used for deer hunting in some jurisdictions. However, it's generally considered underpowered for medium-sized game. Hunters should check local regulations and use appropriate heavy-for-caliber bullets if choosing this cartridge for deer.

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