A Glance at Their Beginnings
Origins and Evolution
The world of rifle cartridges presents a diverse landscape for shooters of all backgrounds. From varmint hunters seeking to eradicate pesky intruders to precision target shooters striving for ultimate accuracy, the right cartridge can significantly enhance the shooting experience. Among the many options available, the .22 caliber category holds a special place, prized for its versatility, flat trajectories, and manageable recoil. Within this popular caliber, two contenders often rise to the forefront: the venerable 22-250 Remington and the more modern 22 Nosler. This in-depth comparison delves into these two cartridges, providing the knowledge needed to choose the best option for individual needs and applications.
The 22-250 Remington: A History of Varminting
To fully appreciate the capabilities of both the 22-250 Remington and the 22 Nosler, it’s important to understand their origins and the context surrounding their development.
The 22-250 Remington boasts a rich history that stretches back to the early days of wildcatting. It began as a handloaded cartridge, built by enthusiasts who sought to push the boundaries of ballistic performance. The wildcat design was derived from the .250 Savage, necked down to accept a .224-inch bullet. Its popularity steadily grew due to its exceptional performance in varmint hunting. Remington recognized the cartridge’s potential and officially standardized it in the mid-twentieth century. This standardization brought increased availability of both rifles and ammunition, solidifying the 22-250’s place in the shooting community. The cartridge quickly gained favor among hunters targeting various varmint species.
The 22 Nosler: A Modern Innovation
The 22 Nosler, on the other hand, is a more contemporary design. It emerged as a direct response to the increasing demand for greater ballistic efficiency from the AR-15 platform. The 22 Nosler seeks to provide a significant velocity increase over standard .223 Remington loads, without requiring a complete platform change. It was designed from the ground up to maximize performance and push .22 caliber bullets to their limits. The developers of the 22 Nosler aimed to leverage modern manufacturing techniques and component design to produce a cartridge that could compete effectively with other high-performance .22 caliber rounds.
Understanding the Mechanics: Case Design and Ballistics
Case Design: Shaping Performance
The key differences between the two cartridges are found in the design and dimensions. These specifications have a significant impact on the performance of the 22-250 Remington and the 22 Nosler.
The 22-250 Remington utilizes a case derived from the .250 Savage, a rimless design. Its generous case capacity, combined with a sharp shoulder angle, allowed it to push .224-inch bullets to impressive velocities. However, the case is somewhat older in its design. It can be slightly less efficient due to its less modern geometry.
The 22 Nosler features a case derived from the 6.8 SPC (Special Purpose Cartridge) case. This case offers a larger case capacity than the .223 Remington, allowing for the use of more propellant and subsequently higher velocities. The 22 Nosler case geometry is designed for optimal powder burn efficiency.
Ballistic Characteristics
When considering ballistics, the 22 Nosler typically exhibits a slight edge in velocity. The increased case capacity allows for a higher powder charge, leading to a flatter trajectory and more energy at the target. Both cartridges can drive a wide range of bullet weights. The 22-250 has always been known to push the .224 bullets fast. However, the 22 Nosler often demonstrates a marginal edge with the heavier bullets. The flatter trajectories result in reduced bullet drop, extending the effective range. The ballistic coefficients are also a key factor. The BC of a bullet directly influences its ability to retain velocity and resist wind drift. Depending on the bullet selected, one can see a slight edge in wind drift between the two cartridges.
Weighing the Advantages and Disadvantages
The 22-250 Remington: Strengths and Weaknesses
A clear understanding of the pros and cons is essential for a well-informed decision.
The 22-250 Remington enjoys a significant advantage in terms of availability. Rifles chambered in 22-250 are readily available from numerous manufacturers. The ammunition supply is also plentiful and often more affordable than the 22 Nosler. Experienced shooters appreciate the abundance of load data available. The 22-250 has a long-standing reputation for accuracy. Its longevity, however, leads to certain disadvantages. While still highly effective, its case design is not quite as efficient as more modern cartridges.
The 22 Nosler: Advantages and Challenges
The 22 Nosler offers distinct advantages in performance. The higher velocities translate to a flatter trajectory and more kinetic energy at the target. The 22 Nosler’s design can be advantageous in maximizing energy on impact. The cartridge’s modern design offers the potential for improved accuracy in some platforms. However, the 22 Nosler faces some challenges. Ammunition prices can be higher. Rifle and component availability are still growing.
Putting Them to the Test: Hunting and Shooting Applications
Varmint Hunting: Targeting Small Game
The intended application is a critical factor when deciding between the two cartridges.
Varmint hunting is where both the 22-250 Remington and the 22 Nosler truly shine. The 22-250 Remington’s performance has long made it a favorite for dispatching groundhogs, prairie dogs, and other small game. It is especially effective at medium ranges. The 22 Nosler, with its potentially higher velocity and flatter trajectory, extends the effective range, making it a great option for hunting larger varmints or for those who hunt in more open environments. The selection of the appropriate bullet weight is crucial for both, but the increased downrange energy of the 22 Nosler may provide a slight edge in terms of terminal performance.
Target Shooting and Competition
Target shooting is another area where the strengths of each cartridge are put to the test. The 22-250 Remington has a solid reputation for accuracy, capable of achieving impressive groups at distances out to several hundred yards. The 22 Nosler also has the potential for impressive accuracy, particularly when using quality rifles. The flatter trajectory is beneficial for long-range target shooting. When wind conditions are a factor, both cartridges require careful consideration.
Additional Applications
Other potential applications include predator hunting, where both cartridges are adequate for coyotes and similar animals. However, shot placement and bullet selection are critical when taking on larger predators. For recreational plinking, both cartridges offer a satisfying shooting experience, although the 22 Nosler’s potential for higher recoil may be a factor for some shooters.
Platforms, Ammo, and Components: What to Expect
Rifle Platforms: Finding the Right Fit
The availability of rifles, ammunition, and reloading components is a practical consideration.
Rifles chambered for the 22-250 Remington are produced by almost every major firearm manufacturer, offering a wide range of options in various configurations. Bolt-action rifles are most common. AR-15 platforms are available, but they require special considerations due to the cartridge’s dimensions. The 22 Nosler is designed to function in the AR-15 platform with a simple barrel and bolt carrier group swap. While bolt-action rifles are available for the 22 Nosler, the choices are not as plentiful as the 22-250 Remington.
Ammunition and Reloading Supplies
Ammunition availability favors the 22-250 Remington, with a wider selection of factory loads available from a larger number of manufacturers. The prices of factory ammunition are typically slightly lower than for the 22 Nosler. The 22 Nosler ammunition supply continues to grow. Reloaders can find reloading components for both cartridges. Brass, bullets, and powders are readily available. The handloader will have access to a broader range of bullet types and powder options.
Accuracy: What to Expect Downrange
Accuracy Comparisons
Accuracy is a critical factor. The potential for accuracy is often the deciding factor when selecting a rifle cartridge.
The 22-250 Remington has a proven track record for accuracy, capable of delivering sub-MOA groups with the right rifle and load. The key to achieving excellent accuracy lies in a well-built rifle, a properly seated bullet, and a consistent load. Barrel twist rate influences the choice of bullet weight.
The 22 Nosler also demonstrates excellent accuracy potential. It can be exceptionally accurate. Choosing quality bullets and optimal loads is very important.
Shooting Comfort: Considering Recoil
Recoil Considerations
Recoil is a significant factor for some shooters.
The 22-250 Remington is known for having mild recoil. Its lighter recoil makes it easy to shoot, making follow-up shots easier, allowing for a pleasurable shooting experience.
The 22 Nosler does generate slightly more recoil due to the higher velocities. The recoil is still manageable. Some shooters might notice the difference more than others.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right .22 Cartridge
In the battle of the .22-caliber champions, both the 22-250 Remington and the 22 Nosler stand out for their unique strengths. The 22-250 Remington offers a long-standing tradition, and wide availability. The 22 Nosler leverages a modern design and offers greater performance.
Making the Right Choice
If you are looking for a cartridge with excellent availability and a proven track record, the 22-250 Remington is a sound choice. For varmint hunting, the 22-250 Remington offers a great balance between velocity and bullet weights, combined with accuracy.
If you prioritize velocity, a flatter trajectory, and the potential for increased downrange energy, the 22 Nosler is a great option. This cartridge can provide an edge at extended ranges and excel in situations where flatter trajectories are desirable.
The best choice will depend on personal preferences, shooting goals, and intended applications. Take into consideration the budget and intended uses for the best decision. Regardless of the choice, both cartridges provide a rewarding shooting experience.
