.22-250 Remington: The Classic Varmint Slayer with Speed to Spare

The .22-250 Remington is one of the most respected and time-tested varmint cartridges ever made. Originally developed as a wildcat in the 1930s and later standardized by Remington in 1965, the .22-250 quickly became a favorite among predator hunters, farmers, and long-range shooters. Delivering accuracy as well as hard-hitting performance.

Today, the .22-250 still holds its own, and then some. With blistering velocity, exceptional accuracy, and a track record of putting down everything from prairie dogs to coyotes at impressive distances.

Pros of the .22-250 Remington

1. Extreme Velocity
The .22-250 is capable of pushing a 40-grain bullet over 4,000 fps and a 55-grain bullet at around 3,700 fps. That raw speed translates to ultra-flat trajectories and minimal holdover, especially within 400 yards.

2. Outstanding Accuracy
With the right barrel and load combination, the .22-250 is a tack-driver. Many bolt-action varmint rifles chambered in this caliber consistently deliver sub-MOA accuracy, making it a favorite among precision hunters and shooters.

3. Long Effective Range
While the .223 Rem starts to drop and drift significantly past 300 yards, the .22-250 retains high velocity and energy much further. It’s a reliable performer out to 500–600 yards on coyotes, foxes, and other mid-sized varmints.

4. Widely Available
Unlike more niche calibers, the .22-250 has strong factory ammo support from most major brands. Whether you’re hunting or target shooting, there are dozens of load options available — including premium V-MAX, Nosler Ballistic Tip, and match-grade rounds.

Cons of the .22-250 Remington

1. Barrel Wear
All that velocity comes at a cost — especially with lighter contour barrels. The .22-250 can be hard on throats, often showing wear around the 1,500–2,500 round mark depending on barrel steel and load intensity.

2. Louder Report
It’s not the quietest cartridge in the safe. The .22-250 produces a sharp, loud muzzle blast, especially from shorter barrels or non-suppressed rifles — something to consider for noise-sensitive environments.

3. Heavier Rifles for Peak Performance
While you can build lightweight .22-250 rifles, many shooters opt for heavier barrels to manage heat and maintain accuracy over long shot strings. That makes some setups less portable for hunters on the move.

4. Not Suited for Larger Game
As with most .22-caliber centerfires, the .22-250 is not appropriate for deer or hogs in most states. It excels as a varmint and predator cartridge — not as a big game round.

Final Thoughts

The .22-250 Remington remains a top-tier varmint cartridge thanks to its combination of high speed, superb accuracy, and extended reach. Whether you’re defending the pasture, hunting coyotes at dusk, or just ringing steel on a distant prairie, the .22-250 offers consistent results and legendary performance.

If you’re looking for a cartridge that bridges the gap between .223 Rem and more specialized long-range wildcats, the .22-250 deserves serious consideration.

Looking to build the ultimate .22-250 rifle?
Viking Armament specializes in custom varmint and predator rifles designed for performance in the field. Whether you want a lightweight field rifle or a precision bench setup, we can tailor a build for you. Contact us to get started.