The Ultimate Guide to .22-250 Remington Ammo: Ballistics, Best Uses & Hunting Tips
Introduction
The .22-250 Remington is one of the fastest and most versatile varmint cartridges available today. Known for its flat trajectory, high velocity, and precision accuracy, the .22-250 Remington is widely used for varmint hunting, target shooting, and even some medium-game applications.
Originally derived from the .250 Savage case, this high-velocity round is capable of reaching speeds over 4,000 feet per second (fps) with lighter bullets. Whether you're hunting coyotes, prairie dogs, foxes, or groundhogs, the .22-250 delivers exceptional accuracy and devastating impact at long ranges.
Best .22-250 Remington We Sell At Pro Armory:
What is the .22-250 Remington?
The .22-250 Remington is a centerfire, bottlenecked rifle cartridge designed for high-speed varmint and predator hunting. Developed in the 1930s as a wildcat cartridge, it quickly gained popularity due to its extreme velocity and accuracy.
The .22-250 Remington became an official factory cartridge when Remington adopted it in 1965, refining the design for commercial production. It remains one of the most powerful .22-caliber centerfire rounds, outperforming many similar cartridges in both velocity and terminal performance.
Why the .22-250 Remington Stands Out:
- High Velocity – Capable of speeds over 4,000 fps, making it one of the fastest commercial cartridges.
- Flat Trajectory – Minimal bullet drop, allowing for long-range precision shooting.
- Low Recoil – Generates less felt recoil than larger calibers, making it easy to shoot accurately.
- Versatile Hunting Cartridge – Ideal for varmints, predators, and small to medium-sized game.
History and Development of the .22-250 Remington
The .22-250 Remington originated as a wildcat cartridge in the 1930s, created by modifying the .250 Savage case to fire smaller, high-speed bullets. Recognizing its superior performance, Remington officially adopted and standardized the round in 1965.
This high-speed cartridge quickly gained favor among hunters, varmint shooters, and precision marksmen due to its flatter trajectory and minimal wind drift compared to .223 Remington. The .22-250 remains a top choice for those seeking long-range accuracy and fast target engagement.
Ballistic Performance of .22-250 Remington
The .22-250 Remington is famous for its high velocity and consistent ballistics, making it one of the best cartridges for long-range varmint hunting.
.22-250 Remington Ballistics Chart
|
Bullet Weight (Grains)
|
Muzzle Velocity (fps)
|
Energy (ft-lbs)
|
300 Yards (fps)
|
500 Yards (fps)
|
|
35 gr. NTX
|
4,450
|
1,500
|
2,900
|
2,200
|
|
50 gr. V-MAX
|
3,900
|
1,690
|
2,750
|
2,150
|
|
55 gr. Soft Point
|
3,680
|
1,654
|
2,600
|
1,980
|
|
60 gr. Nosler Ballistic Tip
|
3,500
|
1,635
|
2,550
|
1,900
|
Key Takeaways:
- Blazing Fast Muzzle Velocity – Among the fastest factory-loaded cartridges, ideal for long-range precision.
- Minimal Bullet Drop – The flat trajectory allows easier target acquisition at extended distances.
- High Energy Transfer – Even at 300+ yards, the .22-250 maintains enough force for ethical kills on varmints and predators.
Best Bullets for .22-250 Remington
Choosing the right .22-250 Remington ammo depends on your shooting needs. Below are some of the top bullet options:
|
Bullet Type
|
Features
|
Best For
|
|
Hornady V-MAX
|
Rapid expansion, polymer tip
|
Varmint hunting (coyotes, prairie dogs, foxes)
|
|
Nosler Ballistic Tip
|
Flat trajectory, high-BC design
|
Long-range shooting, predator control
|
|
Barnes TSX
|
Lead-free, deep penetration
|
Larger predators and small deer
|
|
Sierra BlitzKing
|
High-speed fragmentation
|
Target shooting, varmint hunting
|
|
Soft Point (SP)
|
Controlled expansion, reliable energy transfer
|
Predator hunting, medium game
|
For varmints and small predators, polymer-tipped bullets like Hornady V-MAX offer explosive expansion. For heavier predators, bonded-core bullets like Barnes TSX provide deeper penetration and energy retention.
Hunting Applications of .22-250 Remington
The .22-250 Remington is an exceptional hunting cartridge, well-suited for varmints, predators, and small to medium-sized game.
Recommended Uses by Game Type
|
Game Type
|
Recommended Bullet Weight
|
Recommended Bullet Type
|
|
Coyotes / Foxes
|
40 - 55 gr.
|
Hornady V-MAX, Sierra BlitzKing
|
|
Prairie Dogs / Groundhogs
|
35 - 50 gr.
|
Nosler Ballistic Tip, Hornady V-MAX
|
|
Bobcats / Raccoons
|
50 - 60 gr.
|
Soft Point (SP), Barnes TSX
|
|
Small Deer (If Legal)
|
60 - 64 gr.
|
Nosler Partition, Barnes TSX
|
Choosing the Right Rifle for .22-250 Remington
The .22-250 Remington is chambered in both bolt-action and semi-automatic rifles, with bolt-action models offering superior accuracy for long-range shooting.
Top Rifles for .22-250 Remington
- Remington 700 SPS Varmint – Highly accurate bolt-action rifle, ideal for long-range predator control.
- Savage 110 Apex Predator XP – Budget-friendly, precision rifle with factory-mounted scope.
- Tikka T3x Varmint – Lightweight, ergonomic design for varmint hunters.
- Ruger American Predator – Affordable and well-balanced hunting rifle.
Final Thoughts
The .22-250 Remington remains one of the best high-speed cartridges for varmint and predator hunting, offering blazing fast velocity, minimal bullet drop, and precision accuracy. Whether you're target shooting, coyote hunting, or controlling prairie dog populations, this versatile round delivers exceptional long-range performance.
Key Features Recap:
- Best For: Varmint hunting, predator control, long-range shooting
- Bullet Weights: 35 - 64 grains
- Top Features: Extreme speed, flat trajectory, high energy transfer
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