what are the pros and cons of a .223?
what are the pros and cons of a .22-250?
what are the comparences between the two?
which do you prefer?

This is just my opinion, but I don't think there is any practical difference between the two. My advice is the determine what you will use the particular rifle for and then choose the rifle first. The caliber choice between the two will naturally work itself out. Similar to 308 vs '06 discussion, I think you will end up getting alot of personal opinions. On that note, here's mine.

I have a 22-250 that was basically inherited and I love it to death. I am not at the level of rifle shooting as some other members, but on a calm windless day I have been able to put 7 shots all within the space of a quarter at 100 yards. That is a feat I haven't been able to do with any of my other rifles. Hell, for fun I shoot out tacks and staples that hold up the target. I love the raw speed, up to 4000 ft/s. However, i think this is mostly due to the rifle (a Savage model 12 with accutrigger and 26" bull barrel).

With that said, if i didn't already have the rifle then I would probably get a 223 instead. I have seen others with similar performance from their bolt action 223. Great ammo choices (from custom specialty rounds to cheap surplus) and very readily available anywhere when compared to the 22-250. Plus, there are several short barreled options out there which makes it a great candidate for a field/brush gun. I've tromped around with my 22-250 once for about 3 hours and i will NEVER do it again.

The advantage of the 22-250 is higher velocity potential, and hence flatter trajectory at longer ranges.

The published velocity of the typical 55gr bullet is 3680fps for the 22-250 and 3240 for the 223. 400+fps is a significant difference, much more than the 308 vs the 30-06.

The advantage of the 223 is cheaper ammo, and it's available in more rifles (particularly the AR's).

It really depends on what you plan to use the rifle for.

For your typical Texas varmints (coyotes, bobcats, rabbits, etc) in a sporter weight rifle, for shots out to about 300 yards, I'd suggest the 223. If you want a heavy barrel rifle for long range prairie dog hunting, the 22-250 would be a better choice.

Got both but if I had to choose one it would be the 22250. 223 on steroids. Handles long rang better.

have both....... for some reason i prefur shooting the 22-250.... it seems to group better for me at longer distances.... and its just cool...

have had both....the .22-250 is a hotter round.

a .223 is very mild compared to a .22-250.

if i'm shooting anything bigger than a coyote, i'ma want the 22-250

Heres the difference about 350ft per second, not much else to discuss.

I prefer the .223 for the price and selection of ammo. If I am hunting anything bigger than varmints I have better options anyway.

22-250 hands down. But if you've shot both you already know this.

With the same bullet, the 22-250 has a higher velocity and more ft lbs of energy compared to a 223.