CZ 550 Varmint - laminated .22-250 or Tikka tactical .223

[olly15]

ive been thinking of getting a tikka tacticle .223 for a while now but i saw the CZ 550 Varmint rifle in .22-250 and i looked into it. i would be happy with eighter rifle but i was wondering if the .22-250 would be better for foxes and kangaroos because it is faster or would the .223 be just as good?

thanks, olly

[HiWall]

.223 will never be as good as the .22/250 if top performance is the criteria - it just doesn't have the grunt to match a .22/250 in either velocity or the ability to drive a heavy .22 calibre bullet fast.

Thing has restricts the .22/250 is that most of the factory rifles available have 1:14 or 1:12 twist rates, best with short for calibre bullets, whereas a alot of factory .223 now come with 1:9 twist barrels and can stabilise the longer bullets. Trouble is they can't do it fast enough for real long range capability.

Perfect solution is a fast twist .22/250.

[siacci]

I have a Tikka 223 and have found that it is more than adequate for killing foxes out to 250 meters. I don't try any further as a rule for the simple fact I am not that good and dont want to just wound the prey.

My friend in Omeo has a Vanguard in 22/250. He is a better shot than me. When he used the Tikka late last year whist out spotlighting he was impressed with the 223 cartridge, as he also felt it wasn't up to task, he has changed his mind on that. I use 55 gr SP in 223 as does his 22/250.

I feel it comes down to the regular distance you want to shoot things at. If your under the 250 all the time then 223 is fine. If you feel the need to go for small targets at massive distance then you need more punch.

Dave

[ogre6br]

First up I'm a Tikka nut 6 so far and would have another 10 if I could find them (and had the $$)- so I thought I would declare that at the start.

You really need to decide what ranges you would be shooting at. and what % of time will be spent shooting at those ranges.
0-100 M
100-150M
150-200
+200M etc

If most of your work is under the light at ranges to 200M- then flip a coin and choose which feels best for you.
I would pick the Tikka Varmint .223 with a 1:9 and shoot the 60 V-Max at about 3200 FPS using ADI powders.

Hi wall raises some interesting point about 22/250 and twist rates and the slower twists are more suited to lower weight projectiles at MAX velocity. A 1:14 is very limited in my opinion a 1:2 would be better and a 1:10 or 1:9 would be much better- simply for the projectile options it will open up to you.

a 22/250 with 52 or 55 nosler shots or Ballistic tips will easily drop most things like a 223 will out to 200-225m.
The 22/250 will do it with MUCH flatter trajectory and with a lot more FT-lbs on target- with proper placement it will be an emphatic killer on most ferals encountered under the spotlight. and as MM said in a very old post-Factory PMC 55's will work on pigs under 150M- though I would prefer to load up some Hornady 60 SP's just for a little more insewerance.

the 22/250 will cost you more in powder to reload for it- about 35-50% more in powder depending on how you load for it. it will also cost you more in brrrel life as the greater powder burned in the barrel will burn the barrel out wuicker than a .223- assuming similar time between shots in a string and you dont run your reloads HOT.

THere are pros and cons for both cartridge and for either action.

I prefer the Tikka and with the factory free floated barrel and adjustable trigger as standard I think the Tikka Varmint offers beter value. With it's 1:9 twist you can comfortable shoot the heavier projectiles as good velocities and if you are at all recoil shy or in experienced the less recoil f the 223 will enable you to concentrate more on shot placement- which after all is the most important part of hunting/culling.
Also it will allow you to get some NRAA 69 F- class loads for LR shooting or F-Class standard competition if you want to give that a try.
With a good quality scope with enough internal adjustment- there is no reason for you not to be set up for hunting and F- standard comptition with the one rifle- and the Tikka Varmint in .223 gives you that option.
F-class competition will help you to learn your rifle and know what it can do at longer ranges- also very good at teaching you what wind can do to a projectile in flight.

There is a great write up on the 223 loads etc here

http://www.6mmbr.com/223rem.html

HTH

later
p

[Ned Kelly]

G'Day all,
as good as the .22-250 is you need to consider the noise aspect too. In built up areas where uneducated people live the extra noise of the .22-250 may not be welcomed. A .223 on the other hand is a little quieter and may allow more shooting in an area than a .22-250 would.

Also, the added muzzle jump and high power scopes do not mix if you want to see the fall of shot when hunting by your self.

FWIW, I had a .222rem, then a .22-250, and now a .223. The .22-250 was a fantastically accurate round but the barrel was stuffed after 1500 rounds, the .223 should last me several thousand rounds at least. My .222 lasted 2500 rounds and was still shooting under 0.75 moa.

Hope this helps

Cheerio Ned

[olly15]

Thanks guys thats been a real help!
ill take all your advice into my final rifle choice.

olly15

[Model70]

Mate, the CZ550 is a great rifle, I have one in .308, and the 22-250 is a great calibre, my personal favourite. If it was my choice champ id be combining the two!