Home Forums Reloading Varmint Rifles 204ruger vs 22-250

what of the two is better for coyotes and groundhogs thanks

I've owned a lot of 22-250s and none of them has been as accurate as the $350 Ruger RAR-Predator in 204.

I call coyotes and most that I shoot are under 200 yards and standing still, so never any need for the extra case capacity of the 22-250. If you were going to add deer to the menu, the 22-250 would be a better choice, but for 'chucks and 'yotes, the 204 is hard to beat.

However, a lot depends on the ranges that you expect to shoot and whether you're going to shoot mostly 'chucks or mostly 'yotes.

I looked at my 'yote log and it looks as though in eastern Nebraska and Kansas my shots are mostly under 200 yards, with the majority under 100 yards. Most of this call shooting has been done with 223s, 22-250s, and 25 WSSMs. The ranges change in western Nebraska and South Dakota, where the shots are mostly over 100 yards, with a few going over 300 yards. Most of my longer range coyote shooting has been with 22-250s, 243s, 257 Roberts, and 25 WSSMs.

I have both. My experience would mirror that of 260Remguy; my 204 Ruger is very accurate. Using 45 gr. Hornady Spire Points, I've taken a crow at over 300 yards, a raccoon at about 350 yards, a couple of coyotes the furthers being about 100 yards, a deer at over 250 yards and other stuff I don't remember.

The 22-250 will do all those things as well but, except as a deer rifle, won't do them better than the 204 Ruger.

204

Hunter8mm: I started using the 22-250 Remington back in 1967, that's nearly half a century ago now.
I have owned and admired dozens of Rifles in this caliber since then.
I still own and use 12 Varminters in this caliber today.
BUT... a while back along came the sensational 204 Ruger cartridge and in factory Rifles I give the clear edge to the 204 Ruger in inherent accuracy!
And that's saying something.
I just bought my sixth Varminter in caliber 204 Ruger and for all-around, over-all Varminting useages I prefer the 204 Ruger!
Along with the slight edge in accuracy the 204 Ruger has LESS recoil, less barrel heat and (I am opining on this point!) less barrel wear than the 22-250 Remington.
Less recoil (muzzle jump/loss of sight picture) is VERY important to me when Hunting Varmints (including the two you mention).
The lethality of the 204 Ruger on Coyotes, Badgers, Rock Chucks and the like is just amazing to me.
I have killed Rock Chucks out to just past 400 yards with my 204's and IIRC my furthest Coyote kill with the 204 was just under 400 yards.
"What (which) of the two is better for coyotes and groundhogs" - in my experience the 204 Ruger is the correct answer.
Best of luck to you with whichever you choose.
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy