I need a coyote / large varmint rifle and have studied the ballistic table for both of these cartridges.

Seems the .22-.250 has an edge in V and ME, but is more really necessary?

Likely, shots will max out around 200 yds.

Would the .223 be more than adequate, or would a .22-.250 be the better option despite shorter barrel life due to the .22-.250 being a hotter cartridge?

Really like the CZ 550 in .22-.250

Your thoughts/recommendations are appreciated!

I like the .223 ... lots of cheap ammo for practice. If I want to shoot screamers. There are some for my .243.

223 favorite one is a CZ 527. Accurate handy little mini mauser action with a good single set trigger.

I have a Savage 112 varmint rifle with the heavy barrel and accutrigger. I can get the winchester 40 grain hollow points for $22 a box (40 rounds). I then reload the spent brass. I have found that I can reload 60 grain Nosler partitions that shoot within 1/2 in MOA at 200 yards without having to adjust my scope after shooting the 40 grain hollow points. I have not found that in the .223. The hollow points get close to 4000 fps and the Noslers scream at 3450. My best one shot kill was on a javelia at 325 yards and that was with the 40 gr hollow points. I don't see how you could go wrong with the 22-250 and it sounds like that is the way you are leaning already. Also try the Barnes varmint grenade for varmints, in either caliber. Little entry hole, no exit and no escape for the critter. It makes their insides look like a bomb went off inside their chest. Good luck and happy shopping!

The .223 will work just fine. Though, I would never tell someone to not get the gun they want.

200 yards isn't far enough to really care about the difference betweent he two cartidges.

22-250 anyday against .223 go grab both the rounds and just look at them for a sec....then you will know what you want haha

Both are great cartridges, but you can shoot .223 at a more rapid pace than .22-250 without burning the throat out of it and the .223 would most likely have a longer barrel life...but when you're hunting predators you're not likely to fire 20 or 30 times in rapid succession, and that is how you roast a barrel post haste. The .22-250 will definitely deliver a performance edge, though. I would consider whether or not I would be doing much target shooting or might want to run up to the panhandle to shoot prairie dogs. In either of those scenarios I would choose the .223 Remington.

I shoot 22-250 but have shot the 223 numerous times and I like the 22-250 better. The downsize is the gun getting hot real quick and inaccurate shots.

this ^^^^ .223 all the way

.223 and .308 and .45 auto (pistol) are gun-safe minimums, rest is nice to have.

.223 = performs decent out to 400 yds IMHO, cheap to shoot, longer barrel life

.22-250 = performs out to 650 yds (beyond that, mine is sub-sonic with hand loads) faster, bucks the wind better than the .223, and most importantly is built on a .308 bolt face action. Meaning you could re-barrel the rifle for one of the many, many choices in the .308 bolt face-short action family.

I'm a .22-250 fan but I've got nothing against the .223

I like the way you think.

That's the PB&J of hardware. LOL

If you are wanting to shoot a semi auto, go to the .223. If you are going to shoot a bolt action, I'd go with the 22-250. If you reload, the 22-250 can be loaded up close to the 220 swift. Just down right NASTY!!!

Yep. My .22-250 pushes a 55 grain at 3780 fps, can't get that out of a .223 I believe I've read you can get 45 grain bullets to approach or meet the exclusive 4000 fps mark.

When it needs a barrel it'll get a 1:7" twist and push 70 grainers. Then it'll be even more fun to shoot!

I have shot and reloaded both...the 22-250 is a 458 Win Mag in
comparison to the 223..you have up to 500yrds. killing range..With Barnes X bullets 55gr part no 22444 and 36 gr of TAC
I get 3810FPS...You can shoot Barnes in the 223 at around 3300FPS
As to wearing out the barrels..How many have you actually worn out? All of the 55yrs I've hunted and shot, I've only truly worn
out one bbl..and that was after 15000 rounds of hot loads in a 7mm Rem Mag...and it still shot 1 1/2 in groups...DD

Thanks fellas, some great perspectives presented by everyone.

Fow a while I was contemplating going even lighter, such as .222 or .221 Fireball, but the .223 or .22-.250 just make more sense, esp cost and availability of ammo-wise.

Navasotbred, I'll be shooting on our place just outside of Franklin, near FM 2446 & FM 1940, about 10 mi from Normangee.

It seems like you have plenty of opinions already, so here's one more.

Between me and my girlfriend, I have both in very similar set ups, heavy barreled bolt actions with high power scopes. Realstically I don't think you can go wrong with either and I like both. The 22-250 is noticeable more expensive to shoot. The 223 can be REALLY cheap to shoot. The 22-250 does perform better. An advantage no one has mentioned and I've notice is that my 22-250 seems to be less picky about the particular bullet than the 223. I'm not sure why but I can shoot a greater variety of weights and loads.

Have both either one is good with the power edge to 22250 and cheaper edge to 223.

223......cheaper to shoot and reload and game will be just as dead.

just get one now and one next year and anytime you use them just flip a coin to see which one goes

22-250 hands down, at least if your going for performance.....or varmint destruction!

but really the 22-250 is a great round for varmints, as you know 223 is more available but just doesnt have that "cool" effect like a 22-250. just my .02

good country over there..alot of rolling hills and creek bottoms...the pigs heavy over there too?

A 'few' show up every now and then....LOL

i don't go to the range and shoot hundreds of rounds so ammo cost is of less importance to me than performance.

i've killed deer and hogs with a .223 and a .22-250. .22-250 is head and shoulders a better round than a .223.

if you just want to go shoot alot buy a .22 long rifle.

my hornady v-max's are $20/box and are hell on coyotes, bobcats, pigs and neck shot deer.

my experiance with shooting critters with a .223 could be summed up with the word "meh"

Thatll do haha!

looks like a good boar in there