-
Sierra .22-250 Remington Prairie Enemy 50gr BlitzKing Ammo
MSRP:Was:Now: $26.32 - $549.27 -
HSM .22-250 Remington Varmint 55gr V-Max Ammo
MSRP:Was:Now: $22.62 - $515.06 -
HSM .22-250 Remington Varmint 55gr SP Ammo
MSRP:Was:Now: $20.92 - $458.20 -
HSM .22-250 Remington Varmint 55gr BlitzKing Ammo
MSRP:Was:Now: $25.80 - $547.56 -
Federal .22-250 Remington Varmint & Predator 55gr V-Max Ammo
MSRP:Was:Now: $21.20 - $452.94 -
Underwood .22-250 Rem 38gr Controlled Chaos JHP Ammo
MSRP:Was:Now: $50.74 - $502.55 -
Remington .22-250 Rem High Performance 55gr PSP Ammo
MSRP:Was:Now: $22.64 - $607.78 -
Hornady .22-250 Remington Superformance Varmint 35gr NTX Ammo
MSRP:Was:Now: $23.28 - $659.34 -
Remington .22-250 Remington UMC 50gr JHP Ammo - 40 Rounds
MSRP:Was:Now: $44.00 - $948.95 -
Remington .22-250 Remington UMC Value Pack 45gr JHP Ammo
MSRP:Was:Now: $44.00 - $905.90 -
Fiocchi .22-250 Remington Field Dynamics 40gr V-Max Ammo
MSRP:Was:Now: $23.26 - $658.95 -
Winchester .22-250 Remington Super-X 55gr JSP Ammo
MSRP:Was:Now: $22.40 - $664.98
.22-250 Remington Ammo
Professionally Reviewed by:
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:
.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.
.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:
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:
Recoil Energy Comparison
Compare the estimated recoil energy of .22-250 Remington with other popular rifle cartridges. (Based on a 7.5 lb rifle)
Ballistic Trajectory Comparison
This chart compares the ballistic trajectory (bullet drop) of .22-250 Remington with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.
Wind Drift Comparison
This chart compares the wind drift of .22-250 Remington with other popular rifle cartridges in a 10 mph crosswind.
Energy Retention Comparison
This chart compares the energy retention of .22-250 Remington with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.
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.