.22-250 Rem. Load Data

The .22-250 Rem. began life as a high-performance wildcat cartridge developed by varmint shooters looking for a flatter trajectory and higher velocity than existing .22-caliber options. Shooters and gunsmiths experimented with necking down larger cases to accept .224-inch bullets, and the performance advantages were quickly recognized among prairie dog and varmint communities. Over time these wildcat necked-down designs coalesced into the cartridge that magazine and bolt-action rifle makers began chambering. Recognizing the market, Remington introduced the .22-250 as a factory chambering in the mid-1960s, bringing standardization to case dimensions and pressures and making quality brass and barrels widely available. That commercial adoption is what transformed the .22-250 from a niche wildcat into a mainstream varmint and small-game cartridge, and it remains popular because it marries .22-caliber external ballistics with ample case capacity for high muzzle velocities. For reloaders that history matters: many of the formative load data and barrel profiles came from handloaders and wildcatters, so contemporary reloading practices still reflect a tradition of experimentation balanced with modern published load manuals and SAAMI-standard data. Knowing the lineage helps reloaders understand why the .22-250 performs the way it does and why certain case and rifle characteristics (fast-burning powders, attention to neck tension, and barrel twist) are emphasized in community knowledge.

The primary application of the .22-250 Rem. is precision varmint control and long-range small-game shooting, and reloaders appreciate how the cartridge can be tailored for those roles. Its real strengths are high velocity, flat trajectory, and light recoil — attributes that favor long shots on small targets where minimal wind drift and fast time-of-flight are important. Benchrest and precision varmint shooters use custom loads and bullets optimized for ballistic coefficient and fragmentation at near-supersonic speeds, while field shooters prioritize replicateable performance across temperature ranges and extended strings of shots. The cartridge also finds use among predator hunters and competitive shooters who want a .22 platform capable of effective performance out past typical .223 ranges. For reloaders, that means selecting components and processes that deliver consistent velocities and sizing, careful attention to case life, and awareness that high-velocity .22-250 loads can accelerate throat erosion in barrels. The balance of performance and wear makes component choice, neck tension consistency, and periodic barrel maintenance important parts of a reloader’s workflow when tuning the .22-250 for either match-grade accuracy or reliable field use.

When considering target species and ethical limits, the .22-250 Rem. excels on small to medium varmints and predators when shot placement is precise. Typical quarry includes prairie dogs, ground squirrels, woodchucks, foxes, and coyotes at ranges where a small, fast fragmenting bullet will transfer energy reliably and produce quick kills. The cartridge’s high velocity produces rapid expansion and fragmentation with the right bullet designs, making it well-suited for open-country varmint work out to several hundred yards. For coyotes and similar-sized predators, shot placement and bullet choice are essential; the .22-250 can be effective where soft-point or controlled-expansion bullets are chosen to yield adequate penetration while still delivering energy transfer. It is less commonly used for larger big game; it is generally not a recommended choice for deer-size animals in most jurisdictions due to its lighter bullets and tendency to fragment, which can result in peripheral wounding rather than deep tissue penetration. Reloaders who hunt should therefore match bullet construction and weight to the intended species and range, and always consult local regulations about minimum calibers or required bullet construction for certain game.

Typical bullet weights and caliber characteristics of the .22-250 Rem. reflect its varmint-oriented design and the needs of reloaders seeking velocity and flat trajectories. Common factory and reloading bullet weights fall between roughly 35 and 60 grains, with 40–55 grain projectiles being the most prevalent for field and target use. Lighter bullets accelerate to very high muzzle velocities for maximum flatness, while the heavier end of that range offers improved ballistic coefficients and wind resistance for longer-range precision shots. The cartridge uses small rifle primers, operates with a relatively large case capacity for a .22-caliber round, and benefits from fast to medium-burning powders that deliver consistent velocities without excessive pressure. Typical barrel twist rates vary; many rifles come with twists in the 1:12 to 1:9-inch range, with faster twists favored for stabilizing heavier 50–60 grain bullets. Reloaders should pay close attention to neck tension, case trimming, and annealing practices to maintain accuracy and brass life, and they should rely on reputable published data and SAAMI specifications when developing safe loads. Because of its velocity, the .22-250 can accelerate throat wear, so barrel life considerations (and occasional re-barreling for heavy users) should be part of a reloader’s long-term equipment planning.