Blast from the past: when I was a 10 year old farm boy, say 6 decades ago, I-65 was just being built through Alabama. There wasn’t a lot of traffic at any time of the day. NONE early on Sunday morning. By brother Billy, who was about 20 years older than me, had a 22-250 and he was an avid reloader. At that time, nearly all of Alabama was very rural. So, he’d pick me up before daylight on most Sundays and we’d drive down I-65 South, looking for crows in the trees and fields on the other side of the road. Billy was a damned good shot. A 200 yard crow wasn’t a big deal to him. And, he was a safe shooter. “John, all guns are loaded”, etc. Never a problem was had with law enforcement. Fast forward 40 some odd years and I’m driving down the same road with my Nikon and a modest zoom lens. “Hey, there’s a hawk!” Two cars go by while I’m “shooting” the bird. Just as I start to pull back on the road, a State Trooper roars up behind me and slides to a stop. Flashers, sirens, the works. And, he has his pistol drawn and edges up the side of my truck. Moral: times are changing, and not always for the good. I guess someone thought that camera lens was a bazooka or something 🤓
Right there with you. In high school we all had gun racks in our trucks & Jeeps, complete with rifles or shotguns. We would often stop going home & pop a rabbit or squirrel. Nobody cared. Nobody got fined or arrested. Nobody got shot. You could order guns by mail from Sears. Local hardware stores sold you single bullets & cartridges! Yes, times have changed. 🇺🇸
Good information as usual sir. Thanks for the shout out for John Barsness, his writing is always very fine reading. Have been shooting a .22-250AI since the early '90's but it's the 1:14 twist that we did back then. You are absolutely correct on making it a faster twist if one wants to shoot much heavier than 60gr. I've used it only on coyotes and for that it's an amazing round with a 55gr VMax or Ballistic Tip. Thanks again and stay well.
Thanks Ron for this video, GREAT information! The first rifle I chambered was a 22-250, and have since chambered a 22GT which is an interesting cartridge as well. I have a customer asking for a 22-250 AI chambering job, and now I know why the 22-250 AI is interesting. I like the idea of "punching out" a 22-250 to 22-250 AI and perhaps doing a story on it!
That's one of my favorite books when it comes to books about guns. "Why the .308 is great." is probably my favorite chapter. My 22-250 is one of my favorite rifles. I have several favorite rifles because that's the way it should be.
Great episode Ron. I own two 22 Ackleys, one with a 25"Pac-Nor barrel on a Sako action and the other with a 26" Hart barrel on a Rem 700 action. Both are capable of sub 1/2" groups when I am having a good day. I killed my first Mule Deer buck with a Rem 788 in 22-250 across a small canyon with a 55 grain Sierra SP. After ten or so minutes looking for a bullet hole, we finally found a .22 caliber hole behind the bucks ear (I was aiming for the lungs) so none the less I put meat on the table. Since then I've killed 3 more deer with a 22-250 and 55 Noslers. All one shot kills from 200-400 yards. All dropped in their tracks. I never get bored with an Ackley.
@Havoc Jones I shoot the 55gr Nosler Ballistic Tips almost exclusively out of my 22-250 and 22-250AI. The 55gr Hornady V-Max's work just as well when I can't get the Noslers. I'm working on a 22 Creedmoor right now that should edge out the 22-250AI and my Swift and all I need to do is neck down 6mm Creedmoor brass.
Man back in the 80’s we used to pop Whistle Pigs out to 400 yards with that little Ear Drum busting 22/250 and had so much fun but ammunition got hard to find so I sold mine regrettably. Great Video my Friend
In 1964 and 1965 my best friend used his heavy barrel Rem 700 in 22-250 for deer hunting. He was a consummate “Still hunter” and would ghost through the woods and find deer in their beds or feeding. He would make head or neck shots and drop the animal in its track or bed. He was absolutely deadly with that rifle mounted with a old 8 power inertel scope.
Excellent video Ron. 30 years ago I bought a M-70 Sporter Varmint brand new in 22-250 with the plan of having it reamed to the AI 40 degree version, but after shooting it and recording the velocities I was getting from my particular barrel, I simply never got around to it. This has got me thinking about it once again, though the 1-14" twist would still hold me to 60 gr bullets on the heavy end, but that isn't really a problem as I have other rifles for deer and larger game.
AI versions just aren't worth it. Specialised chamberings rarely are. You get a tiny bit more case volume and subsequently a tiny bit more velocity. For the extra effort and case forming and all the other bother you may as well stick with the original.
@@boingkster The slight increase in performance was one reason why I never got to it because as I stated, I am getting very good speeds from my bbl as is. However, with brass hard to come by these days and the cost of everything rising as it is, it makes the AI version much more attractive since the cases tend to last a bit better.
Thanks for another great video! "It just looks fast" had me smiling. Let's not forget the big brother 22-284 Winchester, I've been shooting it for some time now and recently converted the cases to Front Ignition with very good results in velocity and standard deviations.
Great video Ron. I cut my teeth on the 22/250 as my first center fire cartridge. Very under rated and especially today when .223 has taken over. Great range of bullet weights today. Many thanks for sharing!
Yes but if you compare 223 and 22-250, there is not a big difference in usage and range with light bullets (only 100yds difference with light bullets). For me this large amount of powder could be interesting to send the heaviest bullets at long range. There's an interesting example of the Australian 4awd channel (search "mark and sam afterwork 22-250")
Great video, my first non rimfire was a .22-250 browning lever gun and ive gotten lots of deer and antelope with it. My favorite gun by far with exception to my .30-06, such a straight and fast cartridge.
Its nice to see these types of videos on UA-cam. I have become quite the fan. Level headed. Un-biase recommendations and reviews. Coupled with a writer who has been around for awhile. Like they say. Experience goes a long way. Its good stuff. I did comment awhile ago about my distain for the hornady marketing dept. And the droves of needmore maniacs. And received a well founded reply. I was quite impressed.
I guided John and Irene back in the early 2000’s. It was great sitting in the lodge discussing different cartridges and loads I’d seen during my guiding career
Nothing beats a 22-250 in my book. Got my 1st deer at 9yrs old, new rifle sighted in and gifted to me by my dad. Only hunted white tails but only missed once and it was running. Longest kill was 350yrds. Dad borrowed it to take a squirrel at 150 (his buddies were ribbing him that he couldn't) Took out both eyes 1st shot. Still have the gun at 65yrs old now, even my son got his first deer with it at 10yrs old. Even biden doesn't have enough money to get it from me. Tried 30-06 once, never again for white tail, too much damaged meat.
always feel like I'm in my grandads livingroom with these presentations, never get a word in edge ways but learn a heap. THank you for sharing your knowledge
Thanks for the episode. P.O. Ackley probably forgot more about guns and reloading than most people will ever learn. My brother was educated in Trinadad, Colorado under the tutelage of Mr. Ackley in the early 70's. In fact, of all of the custom rifles my brother made, most of which I inherited, my favorite to shoot is the 17 Ackley Bee. Built on a Martini Action it is a sweet shooting 17 that was way before it's time. Like your series...PO Ackley's books are worth the read if you are into cartridges of all types!
Mr. Ackley must have studied at Trinidad State Junior College under my old family friend Bill Prator. He taught at Trinidad for many years and taught my father. I own a hand made 7x57 my father build when going to that gunsmithing school. It has a surplus action and a handmade barrel.
Quick note: at around 8:28 your charts. The top of the .22-250 says 55gr and the top of the .22-250AI has 65gr. Whether that affects the rest of your numbers, I don't know.
I had to watch this video twice. I fell asleep part way through the first time and certainly not from boredom as I find this information fascinating, but because your voice and demeanor are exceptionally calming. You would be an awesome grandfather.
I’m an Ol’ geezer still hammering deer with my 250 Savage AI since 88’ Drops EVERYTHING from yotes with an 87gr.Berger to Deer and speed goats with a 100gr Ballistic tips. Thx Ron !!9
I bought a second hand 22.250 Remington LH with a carbon fibre stock and a one in nine 24 inch stainless barrel in a 4 profile and fell in love with it in 10 shots. I use it predominantly for fox and rabbit, a great walk around rig with a Simmons 6.5×20×44 on top. Low recoil, decent trigger and a joy to shoot, thanks also on the history of both the 22.250 and the A.I. option. Every day is a school day if you let it, cheers Mick ohman...
I've seen a 22-250 absolutely shut down a 275# feral hog.......with a head shot. 204 ruger would be an interesting discussion on your next awesome video!
@@davidcitrowske I totally agree. I got my first .204 over 16 years ago and it's been my favorite fur gun since. My CZ 527 with 26 inch barrel loves the 40 grainers which is great because the 40 grain V-Max at 3950fps has better ballistics and is flatter shooting than the .224 cal 55 grain V-Max at 3700fps. By the time the two reach 500 yards, the energy of the 40 grain .204 is within about 3 percent of the 55 grain from the 22-250. Plus it uses a lot less powder, kicks half as much and has less muzzle blast.
I had Nelson Berger build a 22-250 Ackley for me back in the 80s. It was the best varmint rifle I ever owned, great shooter. Unfortunately I got rid of it many years ago, wish I would have kept it.
Dammit!!! Now I gotta build a 22-250ai . Thanks for that Ron!. But seriously I love the content you produce mate. I've been looking for a longer range pig and wild dog cartridge here in Australia and was planning a 22 Nosler but I think with the 250ai being able to fireform while still using the rifle is a huge plus for me.
Very interesting. I have a 22-250 and 55gr bullets work beutifully on the foxes, feral dogs and pigs where I am. Got more reach and punch over the 223. Think that if I wanted heavier bullets and had to re barrel I would go to 243W. Enjoy your channel. Cheers.
I just love my Ruger M77 Varmit in 22.250, I have fired at least 4000 rounds through this rifle and it shill shoots moa👌 I have bounty returns for 520 dingos and 3200 pigs all recorded with this rifle👍 all 1 shot kills usually under 100 m but have taken dogs at measured 420 meters on many occasions ( 25+ ) the only projectiles I’ve ever used are Sierra 55grn game kings, in Australia you can buy these in 2000 piece bags at good prices. I had a 220 swift before this rifle, unfortunately the barrel only lasted 800 rounds before the barrel could only hold 4 moa, I still can’t see any reason to change from 22.250 it’s a standout ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ Top video Ron Cheers Shane
Wow that's awesome. I've been on a hunt for a 22-250. Being that you have a lot of experience with the caliber, what do you think would be the best mid tier rifle to purchase? I'm looking to spend between $600-900. Also what load do you think is best for coyote? Hope to hear from you thanks.
Subscribed, can't get enough of the info for the 22-250 AI. Mine is a built on a Mauser action with a 26" 1:9 twist stainless barrel. We shoot on fairly flat bush out in West Aussie and a 75grain A Max does it at MOA out to 275m nicely. Right on the edge of Greenfields formula but that's what reloaders do.
22-250 has been one of my favorite rifle rounds for many years. When I bought my first rifle in this caliber a Remington 700 BDL with heavy barrel, this was in North Of Norway back in the 80's it was the only rifle up there. I handloaded from day 1, a friend of mine had a 6 mm PPC from SAKO. Also, the only rifle in this caliber up there. We competed getting the smallest groups @ 100 yards.
I do enjoy your videos. I'm a wildcatter and own several P.O. Ackley cartridges. I do love messing with them but in reality, it probably isn't worth the work any more. I started reloading and doing ackley loads back when factory loads were rather poor. But I cannot stop doing them, because having something special to me overrides all of that. I am actually in the process of rechambering my first 30-30 to ackley, cutting the chamber by hand. Some things just don't matter in regards to performance, it's just fun. Dan
Good video Ron! I have 22/250 improved 35degree shoulder. Feeds better and no trimming of brass. Plus I have 243 improved 35 degree shoulder. Very accurate gun!!! My favourite though is my 17/222 35 degree shoulder Coyote Gun.. Jewel trigger, Macmillan stock, leupold scopes 30 g HPBT bullet. My favourite!!
I went to the 22-250 AI for the reduced trimming I had to do on fired cases. I've found that a bit of Puff-Lon under the bullet reduces throat erosion quite a bit. I use Puff-Lon in all of my "barrel burners" with great success. I don't shoot with a suppressor, so I'm not worried about gunking up an expensive piece of kit.
As I have mentioned in a previous video that you had with the 22-250 AI it has been on my mind for longer than I knew that you had this custom rifle that I would like a 22-250, but always wondered why factory ammo was only available up to 55 grain bullets, but the shorter and slower 223 had 70+ grain bullets available. After some research I found out why as you explained with the slower twists that have been standard for decades. A few rifles I have found in a faster than a 1:12 or 14 twist, one that I am interested in if I can get the extra money is the Bergara B-14 Hunter. It actually comes with a 1:9 twist.
By far my favorite. Has no problems drilling holes in 1/4" steel plate. I used it in a sniper match and it got outlawed the next year because I ruined so much range steel. Not intentional, but we all found out the hard way.......
A 22-250AI is on the bucket list as I would be great for a lot of UK species, but a 22 BR is well up on that list too with its performance and pedigree of the parent 6mmBR
Aww, is that an English Setter? I've had 4 of them and they are so sweet and loving, and also excellent alerting to anything out in the yard that's not supposed to be there as well.
22-250 was the first centerfire rifle I owned. Not allowed to hunt deer with rifles where I grew up, that was my coyote and groundhog gun. It was a lot of fun and could reach out there farther that it's competitor. In my area the competitor was the .222 Remington. The .220 swift was rumored to burn up barrels quickly, I was young and did not know how "quick" was and just went with the 22-250.
i found that by coating the projectiles i use in my 22-250AI with HBN powder that helps with copper fowling i get almost none and it also seams to be helping with barrel life it also ended up increasing the speed with 55gr projectiles doing a shade over 4000 fps from 28" polygonal rifled barrel from pac-nor and 60gr ones doing around 3700 fps. I also found that AR2209 powder (H4350 in the USA) worked a bit better that AR2208 (varget in the USA)
Been shooting a fast twist (1-8") 22-250AI since 2003. Eighteen years and three new barrels later I wouldn't trade it for any other varmint cartridge out there. With an 80gr ELD-M bullet I'm getting just shy of 3400fps from a 26" barrel which equates to just 20.0 MOA (5.8 MIL) of drop @ 1,000yds from a 200yd zero. Still shoots the more "traditional" weight bullets just fine as well making it one of the most versatile rifles I own. Shorter range varmints - load up some 50-55gr bullets. Going after deer or hogs - load up a 65gr SGK. Planning on some long-range woodchuck or prairie dog fun - load up some sleek 75-80gr high BC bullets.
I have both and love them. My AI has a 12 twist and my standard 250 is 14 twist,but I don't shoot anything over 62 grain and they both are very good shooters.
A good wildcat I would love you to review would be the 22-243 Middlestead, with regards to rocket ship .22's. It morphed from the .22 Cheetah. I'm pushing a 70g VLD at 3700fps with phenomenal accuracy with a 3-groove 1:8 PacNor .248" neck diameter on Remington 40x action. It's an easy process to build the case. Big fan of ALL AI cartridges.
I have been doing this for years …. In both my 22-250 and my 220 swift they are unreal the 75 grain shoot through the same hole , and wreck coyotes huge fan of po ackley 💪
Ron a great video as always. I have been successfully using the 22-250 rem for many years in my bolt action. When I am after coyote the 223 64 gr in my Ruger Ranch 14 is my preferred companion.
My dad traded a old little plow for a Remington 700 in 22-250 over 30 years ago and that rifle put more food on the table then any other rifle we have. It was the rifle I shot my first deer with and every single one since. It will drop deer where they stand with a neck shot which is a must in the south Texas brush Cuntry where you will end up crawling throw the thorns if you have to track a deer.
Ackley also made an improved version of the 250 Savage. Take a look at those dimensions and then neck it up 0.007" (.264) and see if looks like a familiar cartridge.
The AI chart says 65gr. Did I read that wrong? Thanks for the information. I shot a Muley with a .250-3000 in a borrowed model 99 savage. Dropped the deer like a rock. Nice cartridge.
I've been shooting the 22-250 out of a Savage 12FV with the 26 inch 12" twist barrel. I've had great success with the Sierra 65gr spitzer boat tail, the 12" twist seems to stabilize it just fine. I'm getting just a hair under 3500 fps with Varget. I handload exclusively, and have thought a lot about rechambering to 22-250AI, but just never have done it.
Thanks Stephen. Yes, the 225 Win., despite its near 22-250 speed, flopped. It was supposed to replace the dying 220 Swift, yet not be so infamously hard on barrels. Alas, it came out when the post '64 M70 was replacing the "real" M70, so that worked against it. And its semi-rimmed case probably didn't help. Finally, two years later Remington introduced the 22-250 as a commercial round. Bye bye 225.
@@RonSpomerOutdoors hello Mr Spomer, I must say I am super impressed at you reply back to little old me in this big world I really like your videos I especially like the Cracker Barrel style discussion and the knowledge base you have now as it refers to the 220 Swift I know to some people it's going to sound like heresy I was never really too fond of such a large round with a rim on it in a bolt-action rifle I like the round much better for what JD Jones of ssk Industries back in the day did with that round as Wildcatter just wanted to give you a big thank you for getting back with me kind of a pleasant surprise also know you have a very large fan base out here thanks for all your hard work
I'm half tempted to buy a recently made fast-twist 22-250 and have it reamed to the AI version. I'm dieing to try the 70gr Accubond on ol' Wile E. Coyote. A lot of our shots are at the south end of a north-bound animal. Need something that hangs together well. Thanks Ron!
Who makes fast twist 22-250s? The twist rate is what held me back from buying a 22-250, but if there are factory 1 in 9s in the wild, that may change my mind.
Watched your 22 caliber for deer video just this morning and was thinking about this AI round. Wish there were factory rifles and loads for it, as I don’t handload.
Working on a 22/250 One & Seven twist With 88 grain Eldm So far about 1 half to 3/4 inch groups, 5 shot Velosaty ,low 2700 high 3000 But with slower burn rate than u would thank And it's a AI
That 1:7 twist for the 88 gr would be just right IF you were doing a .223. That 22-250 has so much more power a 1:9 is all you need and you'll get a little more barrel life.
If you're looking for subject matter, look into Gibbs. My dad built a 240 Gibbs. It was alot like the Akley profiles. Those smallest 6mm just smoked down at 100 yards.
If you have the barrel for the heavier bullets, you can easily take deer at reasonable ranges. Some of those heavier rounds stay over 1000 ft/lbs out to 400-500 yards. With the AI version, even more so.
Enjoyed the report and been shooting the 22-250 since well before Remington produced it. However, I wanted to point out that to rechamber the standard version to AI the barrel has to be set back. Usually one thread is enough, but it takes more than just running in the AI reamer.
Much respect -- the history of the cartridges which stick around is always so interesting. I do have one follow-up; as a shooter with no personal history with either 22-250, or with handloading, is there a meaningful gain in making the customizations for the 22-250 AI over simply following the hype for the 224 Valkyrie? At least on paper, they seem to fill the same niche, but the latter having big-company support. Just curious if you'd ever considered the two side-by-side. Best,
Depends what you want it to do. The valk gets crushed by the AI if you want top end speed and performance. But not gonna work in an AR or have the big company support, as you mention.
I've recently built up my dad's old 22-250 and got 1-4 inch groups with factory ammo, and 1/2 in with handloads that were 30 years old. I haven't seen factory ammo in 223 or 22-250 that impressed me that was reasonably affordable All this to say imo get the 22-250 and se handloading gear and you won't regret it
I have a browning in 223 WSSM with a boss tuner. It is one of the most accurate guns I've ever owned. The only issue I have is the barrel gets super hot after only a few shots. Great for coyote hunting, but no for prairie dogs.
I’m riding with you on that. The first rifle I ever shot was my dads .220 swift. I was 5 years old and it scared the heck out of me. I would like to add one to my collection.
Ron, I realize that you recorded this over a year ago, but if I could throw out one idea: I love the 223, but will likely never buy one. The reason for this is that I can easily find a good accuracy load for 50-55g bullets loaded down to minimum pressures in my 22-250. A 22-250 at minimum pressure is about equal to a 223 at max. It works great and the brass lasts forever since I am loading at minimum pressures.
That little hot rod is a real performer! IMHO any case with substantial body taper and shallow shoulder should be redesigned to modern case design. My reason is just as Ron stated. Tedious case prep time is substantially reduced between reloading of cartridges. I own several improved cartridges just for that reason, plus a bit of extra velocity potential is money in the bank so to speak. Also, I prefer medium heavy, to heavy for caliber bullets, so the added powder space benefits the cartridge across all bullet weight ranges. Just my $.02
220 Swift, 5.56x57mm RWS are a couple cartridges you left out of this fast 22 video. If speed is what you really want there are some really fast 22's out there. As far as the Ackley improved all factory ammo can be fired in an Ackley improved chamber and it is just fine. It is then fire formed.
Hey Ron, you have done your homework, but hold on, my Dad bought me a 22hornrt back around 62, I had a friend with a 218B, we hunted ground hogs all summer, and deer hunt in the winter, now the aim point was behind the ear, Yes we did bag deer, and were so good with our rifles we shot them until we went into the service, then it was 308 and 06, but what we had, was all we had, a lot of the older guys didn,t want us in the woods, sometimes they would give us an old shotgun with a pumpkin ball ( remember that ) then you guys came on the scene with all those HOT loads. See live,n it was much better than talking about it. We both had weaver K-4 scopes. Hey good class, you remind me of times gone by.............BB
Probably one of the best, most informative, and sincere gun channels on UA-cam!
Well, thanks for that, Nick.
Blast from the past: when I was a 10 year old farm boy, say 6 decades ago, I-65 was just being built through Alabama. There wasn’t a lot of traffic at any time of the day. NONE early on Sunday morning. By brother Billy, who was about 20 years older than me, had a 22-250 and he was an avid reloader.
At that time, nearly all of Alabama was very rural.
So, he’d pick me up before daylight on most Sundays and we’d drive down I-65 South, looking for crows in the trees and fields on the other side of the road. Billy was a damned good shot. A 200 yard crow wasn’t a big deal to him. And, he was a safe shooter. “John, all guns are loaded”, etc.
Never a problem was had with law enforcement.
Fast forward 40 some odd years and I’m driving down the same road with my Nikon and a modest zoom lens. “Hey, there’s a hawk!” Two cars go by while I’m “shooting” the bird.
Just as I start to pull back on the road, a State Trooper roars up behind me and slides to a stop. Flashers, sirens, the works.
And, he has his pistol drawn and edges up the side of my truck.
Moral: times are changing, and not always for the good. I guess someone thought that camera lens was a bazooka or something 🤓
Right there with you. In high school we all had gun racks in our trucks & Jeeps, complete with rifles or shotguns. We would often stop going home & pop a rabbit or squirrel. Nobody cared. Nobody got fined or arrested. Nobody got shot. You could order guns by mail from Sears. Local hardware stores sold you single bullets & cartridges! Yes, times have changed. 🇺🇸
I really like these lessons you give on the history of a cartridge. Thank you.
The 22-250 AI is a wonderful cartridge. Love the 60gr. Nosler partition for deer.
Good information as usual sir. Thanks for the shout out for John Barsness, his writing is always very fine reading. Have been shooting a .22-250AI since the early '90's but it's the 1:14 twist that we did back then. You are absolutely correct on making it a faster twist if one wants to shoot much heavier than 60gr. I've used it only on coyotes and for that it's an amazing round with a 55gr VMax or Ballistic Tip. Thanks again and stay well.
The worst thing about Barsness is that every time I read his articles I get a strong urge to spend money
Thanks Ron for this video, GREAT information! The first rifle I chambered was a 22-250, and have since chambered a 22GT which is an interesting cartridge as well. I have a customer asking for a 22-250 AI chambering job, and now I know why the 22-250 AI is interesting. I like the idea of "punching out" a 22-250 to 22-250 AI and perhaps doing a story on it!
That's one of my favorite books when it comes to books about guns. "Why the .308 is great." is probably my favorite chapter. My 22-250 is one of my favorite rifles. I have several favorite rifles because that's the way it should be.
Great episode Ron. I own two 22 Ackleys, one with a 25"Pac-Nor barrel on a Sako action and the other with a 26" Hart barrel on a Rem 700 action. Both are capable of sub 1/2" groups when I am having a good day. I killed my first Mule Deer buck with a Rem 788 in 22-250 across a small canyon with a 55 grain Sierra SP. After ten or so minutes looking for a bullet hole, we finally found a .22 caliber hole behind the bucks ear (I was aiming for the lungs) so none the less I put meat on the table. Since then I've killed 3 more deer with a 22-250 and 55 Noslers. All one shot kills from 200-400 yards. All dropped in their tracks. I never get bored with an Ackley.
I also have an 788 AI. Mam oh Man it replaced my 280AI. 22-250 ITS LIKE A BOLT OF LIGHTNING
@Havoc Jones I shoot the 55gr Nosler Ballistic Tips almost exclusively out of my 22-250 and 22-250AI. The 55gr Hornady V-Max's work just as well when I can't get the Noslers. I'm working on a 22 Creedmoor right now that should edge out the 22-250AI and my Swift and all I need to do is neck down 6mm Creedmoor brass.
It's to bad no one can harvest any big game in my state with a .22 caliber round. It must be at least .24 caliber to harvest big game in Colorado.
@@russellkeeling4387 I hear ya, that's too bad. Colorado has some weird regulations for sure.
Man back in the 80’s we used to pop Whistle Pigs out to 400 yards with that little Ear Drum busting 22/250 and had so much fun but ammunition got hard to find so I sold mine regrettably. Great Video my Friend
Love these cartridge lessons and comparisons!!! Keep'em comin'!
Absolutely agree I’ve had 7 22.250s but had one turned in a 243 Ai and totally agree about the brass Ron 👍
In 1964 and 1965 my best friend used his heavy barrel Rem 700 in 22-250 for deer hunting. He was a consummate “Still hunter” and would ghost through the woods and find deer in their beds or feeding. He would make head or neck shots and drop the animal in its track or bed. He was absolutely deadly with that rifle mounted with a old 8 power inertel scope.
Thanks for mentioning Charles Newton. I'd love to see more content on him.
Excellent video Ron. 30 years ago I bought a M-70 Sporter Varmint brand new in 22-250 with the plan of having it reamed to the AI 40 degree version, but after shooting it and recording the velocities I was getting from my particular barrel, I simply never got around to it. This has got me thinking about it once again, though the 1-14" twist would still hold me to 60 gr bullets on the heavy end, but that isn't really a problem as I have other rifles for deer and larger game.
AI versions just aren't worth it. Specialised chamberings rarely are. You get a tiny bit more case volume and subsequently a tiny bit more velocity. For the extra effort and case forming and all the other bother you may as well stick with the original.
@@boingkster The slight increase in performance was one reason why I never got to it because as I stated, I am getting very good speeds from my bbl as is. However, with brass hard to come by these days and the cost of everything rising as it is, it makes the AI version much more attractive since the cases tend to last a bit better.
Thanks for another great video! "It just looks fast" had me smiling. Let's not forget the big brother 22-284 Winchester, I've been shooting it for some time now and recently converted the cases to Front Ignition with very good results in velocity and standard deviations.
What is front ignition. How does that work.
@@swamper2fly ua-cam.com/video/OXTLjpqXfVE/v-deo.html
Great video Ron. I cut my teeth on the 22/250 as my first center fire cartridge. Very under rated and especially today when .223 has taken over. Great range of bullet weights today. Many thanks for sharing!
Yes but if you compare 223 and 22-250, there is not a big difference in usage and range with light bullets (only 100yds difference with light bullets). For me this large amount of powder could be interesting to send the heaviest bullets at long range. There's an interesting example of the Australian 4awd channel (search "mark and sam afterwork 22-250")
Great video, my first non rimfire was a .22-250 browning lever gun and ive gotten lots of deer and antelope with it. My favorite gun by far with exception to my .30-06, such a straight and fast cartridge.
Ron I have a Rem 700 in 22 250 and love it . Now for you explain more about it helps me on it more of more that I can do with it. Thanks.
Vary good ron I love the fast 22 calibers
Thanks young man Ron....l have got a Winchester 220 swift in mint shape.....l have had it since the 1950's....!
Its nice to see these types of videos on UA-cam. I have become quite the fan. Level headed. Un-biase recommendations and reviews. Coupled with a writer who has been around for awhile. Like they say. Experience goes a long way. Its good stuff. I did comment awhile ago about my distain for the hornady marketing dept. And the droves of needmore maniacs. And received a well founded reply. I was quite impressed.
I guided John and Irene back in the early 2000’s. It was great sitting in the lodge discussing different cartridges and loads I’d seen during my guiding career
Thankyou Ron
Cheers
Rob
Nothing beats a 22-250 in my book. Got my 1st deer at 9yrs old, new rifle sighted in and gifted to me by my dad. Only hunted white tails but only missed once and it was running. Longest kill was 350yrds. Dad borrowed it to take a squirrel at 150 (his buddies were ribbing him that he couldn't) Took out both eyes 1st shot. Still have the gun at 65yrs old now, even my son got his first deer with it at 10yrs old. Even biden doesn't have enough money to get it from me. Tried 30-06 once, never again for white tail, too much damaged meat.
Great round the 250 ai I just did exactly what you have 26" 1 in 8 twist for 70 gr gmx. Great info, thanks Ron.
I’ll stick with the 250-3000 savage 99 cannot go wrong , great 👍 videos ❤️❤️❤️🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
always feel like I'm in my grandads livingroom with these presentations, never get a word in edge ways but learn a heap. THank you for sharing your knowledge
Hello Ron, thanks for the video
Thank you for watching!
If only P.O. Ackley was involved in the development of all of these cartridges from day 1, we wouldn't have all the confusion and doubles and nuances.
And yet another great one hats off to you Ron, I love the 22 250, it can take any plain game
Thank you for your support.
I wouldn’t suggest using a 22-250 on a Bison...
@@chevyon37s it depends on where you place the shot, but I think you could
@@chevyon37s or an eland.
@@RonSpomerOutdoors Hello Ron! What second focal plane scope you suggest to shoot 200-300 yds Tikka T3X rifle? Greetings from North Finland!
Thanks for the episode. P.O. Ackley probably forgot more about guns and reloading than most people will ever learn. My brother was educated in Trinadad, Colorado under the tutelage of Mr. Ackley in the early 70's. In fact, of all of the custom rifles my brother made, most of which I inherited, my favorite to shoot is the 17 Ackley Bee. Built on a Martini Action it is a sweet shooting 17 that was way before it's time. Like your series...PO Ackley's books are worth the read if you are into cartridges of all types!
Mr. Ackley must have studied at Trinidad State Junior College under my old family friend Bill Prator. He taught at Trinidad for many years and taught my father. I own a hand made 7x57 my father build when going to that gunsmithing school. It has a surplus action and a handmade barrel.
Quick note: at around 8:28 your charts. The top of the .22-250 says 55gr and the top of the .22-250AI has 65gr. Whether that affects the rest of your numbers, I don't know.
It's obviously a typo, the BC numbers listed are the same and he said he was using the same 55gr Vmax on both.
@@goory93 Yep, I saw that, too. I figured it was a typo, just pointing it out and making sure.
It looks like it affected the energy.
I had to watch this video twice. I fell asleep part way through the first time and certainly not from boredom as I find this information fascinating, but because your voice and demeanor are exceptionally calming. You would be an awesome grandfather.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Another well done videos Mr Spomer 👍👍👍
I’m an Ol’ geezer still hammering deer with my 250 Savage AI
since 88’
Drops EVERYTHING from yotes with an 87gr.Berger to
Deer and speed goats with a 100gr Ballistic tips.
Thx Ron !!9
Great video Ron! I now know a whole lot more about the 22-250AI than a few minutes ago. Thanks!
I bought a second hand 22.250 Remington LH with a carbon fibre stock and a one in nine 24 inch stainless barrel in a 4 profile and fell in love with it in 10 shots. I use it predominantly for fox and rabbit, a great walk around rig with a Simmons 6.5×20×44 on top. Low recoil, decent trigger and a joy to shoot, thanks also on the history of both the 22.250 and the A.I. option. Every day is a school day if you let it, cheers Mick ohman...
I've seen a 22-250 absolutely shut down a 275# feral hog.......with a head shot.
204 ruger would be an interesting discussion on your next awesome video!
It’s the best for coyotes the .204 is I mean 250 is great but tears the fur up with 55 grainers
@@davidcitrowske I totally agree. I got my first .204 over 16 years ago and it's been my favorite fur gun since. My CZ 527 with 26 inch barrel loves the 40 grainers which is great because the 40 grain V-Max at 3950fps has better ballistics and is flatter shooting than the .224 cal 55 grain V-Max at 3700fps. By the time the two reach 500 yards, the energy of the 40 grain .204 is within about 3 percent of the 55 grain from the 22-250. Plus it uses a lot less powder, kicks half as much and has less muzzle blast.
Thank you for some great information. Always interesting.
Great information,thanks Ron.
You are very welcome
Just ordered that book! Also, recently finished Empire of the Summer Moon. Excellent book. Thanks for the recommendation!
I had Nelson Berger build a 22-250 Ackley for me back in the 80s. It was the best varmint rifle I ever owned, great shooter. Unfortunately I got rid of it many years ago, wish I would have kept it.
Great video Ron! Love my 22-250,might need to ponder the AI in the future.
You should!
How did you go?
Did you get one made?
Thank Ron for another great video!
Dammit!!! Now I gotta build a 22-250ai . Thanks for that Ron!. But seriously I love the content you produce mate. I've been looking for a longer range pig and wild dog cartridge here in Australia and was planning a 22 Nosler but I think with the 250ai being able to fireform while still using the rifle is a huge plus for me.
Great video Ron. Thank you
Great video. Every one that I have watched of yours was informative and articulate. Thank you for putting in the work and making the video.
I love your presentations, The info you give is always top notch. A freind of mine loves the 22 250 that much he thinks it is magical 👍😁
I would agree with your friend.
Very interesting. I have a 22-250 and 55gr bullets work beutifully on the foxes, feral dogs and pigs where I am.
Got more reach and punch over the 223. Think that if I wanted heavier bullets and had to re barrel I would go to 243W. Enjoy your channel. Cheers.
Thanks Ron
I just love my Ruger M77 Varmit in 22.250, I have fired at least 4000 rounds through this rifle and it shill shoots moa👌 I have bounty returns for 520 dingos and 3200 pigs all recorded with this rifle👍 all 1 shot kills usually under 100 m but have taken dogs at measured 420 meters on many occasions ( 25+ ) the only projectiles I’ve ever used are Sierra 55grn game kings, in Australia you can buy these in 2000 piece bags at good prices.
I had a 220 swift before this rifle, unfortunately the barrel only lasted 800 rounds before the barrel could only hold 4 moa,
I still can’t see any reason to change from 22.250 it’s a standout ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Top video Ron
Cheers Shane
Wow that's awesome. I've been on a hunt for a 22-250. Being that you have a lot of experience with the caliber, what do you think would be the best mid tier rifle to purchase? I'm looking to spend between $600-900. Also what load do you think is best for coyote? Hope to hear from you thanks.
@@mattstaab6408 take a look at the Bergara B14 HMR 22-250...or any of the Bergara Rifles.
Subscribed, can't get enough of the info for the 22-250 AI. Mine is a built on a Mauser action with a 26" 1:9 twist stainless barrel. We shoot on fairly flat bush out in West Aussie and a 75grain A Max does it at MOA out to 275m nicely. Right on the edge of Greenfields formula but that's what reloaders do.
22-250 has been one of my favorite rifle rounds for many years. When I bought my first rifle in this caliber a Remington 700 BDL with heavy barrel, this was in North Of Norway back in the 80's it was the only rifle up there. I handloaded from day 1, a friend of mine had a 6 mm PPC from SAKO. Also, the only rifle in this caliber up there. We competed getting the smallest groups @ 100 yards.
Very informative as usual.
I do enjoy your videos. I'm a wildcatter and own several P.O. Ackley cartridges. I do love messing with them but in reality, it probably isn't worth the work any more. I started reloading and doing ackley loads back when factory loads were rather poor. But I cannot stop doing them, because having something special to me overrides all of that. I am actually in the process of rechambering my first 30-30 to ackley, cutting the chamber by hand. Some things just don't matter in regards to performance, it's just fun.
Dan
Right on
Good video Ron! I have 22/250 improved 35degree shoulder. Feeds better and no trimming of brass. Plus I have 243 improved 35 degree shoulder. Very accurate gun!!! My favourite though is my 17/222 35 degree shoulder Coyote Gun.. Jewel trigger, Macmillan stock, leupold scopes 30 g HPBT bullet. My favourite!!
I went to the 22-250 AI for the reduced trimming I had to do on fired cases. I've found that a bit of Puff-Lon under the bullet reduces throat erosion quite a bit. I use Puff-Lon in all of my "barrel burners" with great success. I don't shoot with a suppressor, so I'm not worried about gunking up an expensive piece of kit.
As I have mentioned in a previous video that you had with the 22-250 AI it has been on my mind for longer than I knew that you had this custom rifle that I would like a 22-250, but always wondered why factory ammo was only available up to 55 grain bullets, but the shorter and slower 223 had 70+ grain bullets available. After some research I found out why as you explained with the slower twists that have been standard for decades. A few rifles I have found in a faster than a 1:12 or 14 twist, one that I am interested in if I can get the extra money is the Bergara B-14 Hunter. It actually comes with a 1:9 twist.
Been a loony since John first wrote it.
By far my favorite. Has no problems drilling holes in 1/4" steel plate. I used it in a sniper match and it got outlawed the next year because I ruined so much range steel. Not intentional, but we all found out the hard way.......
A 22-250AI is on the bucket list as I would be great for a lot of UK species, but a 22 BR is well up on that list too with its performance and pedigree of the parent 6mmBR
When can I come out for a hunt and discussion over the new cartridges being released over the last couple of years. Particularly the 6mm ARC
Aww, is that an English Setter? I've had 4 of them and they are so sweet and loving, and also excellent alerting to anything out in the yard that's not supposed to be there as well.
22-250 was the first centerfire rifle I owned. Not allowed to hunt deer with rifles where I grew up, that was my coyote and groundhog gun. It was a lot of fun and could reach out there farther that it's competitor. In my area the competitor was the .222 Remington. The .220 swift was rumored to burn up barrels quickly, I was young and did not know how "quick" was and just went with the 22-250.
Had both, and the 22 Creedmoor makes the most sense today.
It's easy to find ammo for the 22-250 though.
@@TexanUSMC8089 you can fire the 22-250 in the Creedmoor chamber, just like the Ackley....
@@VE9ASN yes you can but can’t use the brass for the 22CM as the neck is way shorter.
@@johnathanreckrodt2937 it is shorter, but usable
@@VE9ASN I would not use it unless you want your throat to burn out even faster than they do already in these 22cal overbores.
i found that by coating the projectiles i use in my 22-250AI with HBN powder that helps with copper fowling i get almost none and it also seams to be helping with barrel life it also ended up increasing the speed with 55gr projectiles doing a shade over 4000 fps from 28" polygonal rifled barrel from pac-nor and 60gr ones doing around 3700 fps. I also found that AR2209 powder (H4350 in the USA) worked a bit better that AR2208 (varget in the USA)
Been shooting a fast twist (1-8") 22-250AI since 2003. Eighteen years and three new barrels later I wouldn't trade it for any other varmint cartridge out there. With an 80gr ELD-M bullet I'm getting just shy of 3400fps from a 26" barrel which equates to just 20.0 MOA (5.8 MIL) of drop @ 1,000yds from a 200yd zero. Still shoots the more "traditional" weight bullets just fine as well making it one of the most versatile rifles I own. Shorter range varmints - load up some 50-55gr bullets. Going after deer or hogs - load up a 65gr SGK. Planning on some long-range woodchuck or prairie dog fun - load up some sleek 75-80gr high BC bullets.
I have both and love them. My AI has a 12 twist and my standard 250 is 14 twist,but I don't shoot anything over 62 grain and they both are very good shooters.
I know a lot of people that shoot deer in Texas with the 22-250. Plenty of energy for our little deer.
A good wildcat I would love you to review would be the 22-243 Middlestead, with regards to rocket ship .22's. It morphed from the .22 Cheetah. I'm pushing a 70g VLD at 3700fps with phenomenal accuracy with a 3-groove 1:8 PacNor .248" neck diameter on Remington 40x action. It's an easy process to build the case. Big fan of ALL AI cartridges.
I have been doing this for years …. In both my 22-250 and my 220 swift they are unreal the 75 grain shoot through the same hole , and wreck coyotes huge fan of po ackley 💪
Ron a great video as always. I have been successfully using the 22-250 rem for many years in my bolt action. When I am after coyote the 223 64 gr in my Ruger Ranch 14 is my preferred companion.
My dad traded a old little plow for a Remington 700 in 22-250 over 30 years ago and that rifle put more food on the table then any other rifle we have. It was the rifle I shot my first deer with and every single one since. It will drop deer where they stand with a neck shot which is a must in the south Texas brush Cuntry where you will end up crawling throw the thorns if you have to track a deer.
Ackley also made an improved version of the 250 Savage. Take a look at those dimensions and then neck it up 0.007" (.264) and see if looks like a familiar cartridge.
Good eye, Mark. Yes, the 6.5 CM looks like a 250 Savage necked up -- and essentially is.
The AI chart says 65gr. Did I read that wrong? Thanks for the information. I shot a Muley with a .250-3000 in a borrowed model 99 savage. Dropped the deer like a rock. Nice cartridge.
I've been shooting the 22-250 out of a Savage 12FV with the 26 inch 12" twist barrel. I've had great success with the Sierra 65gr spitzer boat tail, the 12" twist seems to stabilize it just fine. I'm getting just a hair under 3500 fps with Varget. I handload exclusively, and have thought a lot about rechambering to 22-250AI, but just never have done it.
Great explanation ron,,,
Was waiting for the. 225 win, was supposed to replace the. 220 swift,,,BUT...22-250, pushed the 225,in the trash heap.
Thanks Stephen. Yes, the 225 Win., despite its near 22-250 speed, flopped. It was supposed to replace the dying 220 Swift, yet not be so infamously hard on barrels. Alas, it came out when the post '64 M70 was replacing the "real" M70, so that worked against it. And its semi-rimmed case probably didn't help. Finally, two years later Remington introduced the 22-250 as a commercial round. Bye bye 225.
@@RonSpomerOutdoors hello Mr Spomer,
I must say I am super impressed at you reply back to little old me in this big world I really like your videos I especially like the Cracker Barrel style discussion and the knowledge base you have now as it refers to the 220 Swift I know to some people it's going to sound like heresy I was never really too fond of such a large round with a rim on it in a bolt-action rifle I like the round much better for what JD Jones of ssk Industries back in the day did with that round as Wildcatter just wanted to give you a big thank you for getting back with me kind of a pleasant surprise also know you have a very large fan base out here thanks for all your hard work
I'm half tempted to buy a recently made fast-twist 22-250 and have it reamed to the AI version. I'm dieing to try the 70gr Accubond on ol' Wile E. Coyote. A lot of our shots are at the south end of a north-bound animal. Need something that hangs together well. Thanks Ron!
Who makes fast twist 22-250s? The twist rate is what held me back from buying a 22-250, but if there are factory 1 in 9s in the wild, that may change my mind.
@@MegaAppleshit Savage and Ruger IIRC. May need to scrutinize their website carefully. Been awhile since I last checked.
22-250 👍👍 Thanks Ron;;, 👍👍
Great info as always, thank you sir.
You know your stuff!
Watched your 22 caliber for deer video just this morning and was thinking about this AI round. Wish there were factory rifles and loads for it, as I don’t handload.
Nothing wrong with the regular 22-250.
Great video 👍
Thanks 👍
Working on a 22/250
One & Seven twist
With 88 grain Eldm
So far about 1 half to 3/4 inch groups, 5 shot
Velosaty ,low 2700 high 3000
But with slower burn rate than u would thank
And it's a AI
That 1:7 twist for the 88 gr would be just right IF you were doing a .223. That 22-250 has so much more power a 1:9 is all you need and you'll get a little more barrel life.
Fantastic video!
Thank you very much!
Great video
If you're looking for subject matter, look into Gibbs. My dad built a 240 Gibbs. It was alot like the Akley profiles. Those smallest 6mm just smoked down at 100 yards.
Did your's have the extended primer tube?
If you have the barrel for the heavier bullets, you can easily take deer at reasonable ranges.
Some of those heavier rounds stay over 1000 ft/lbs out to 400-500 yards.
With the AI version, even more so.
Rebarrel a regular 22-250 with a 1-8 twist and there's a lot less monkeying around.
22 creedmoor and there is even less!
Enjoyed the report and been shooting the 22-250 since well before Remington produced it. However, I wanted to point out that to rechamber the standard version to AI the barrel has to be set back. Usually one thread is enough, but it takes more than just running in the AI reamer.
Much respect -- the history of the cartridges which stick around is always so interesting. I do have one follow-up; as a shooter with no personal history with either 22-250, or with handloading, is there a meaningful gain in making the customizations for the 22-250 AI over simply following the hype for the 224 Valkyrie? At least on paper, they seem to fill the same niche, but the latter having big-company support. Just curious if you'd ever considered the two side-by-side. Best,
Depends what you want it to do. The valk gets crushed by the AI if you want top end speed and performance. But not gonna work in an AR or have the big company support, as you mention.
I've recently built up my dad's old 22-250 and got 1-4 inch groups with factory ammo, and 1/2 in with handloads that were 30 years old. I haven't seen factory ammo in 223 or 22-250 that impressed me that was reasonably affordable
All this to say imo get the 22-250 and se handloading gear and you won't regret it
I have a browning in 223 WSSM with a boss tuner. It is one of the most accurate guns I've ever owned. The only issue I have is the barrel gets super hot after only a few shots. Great for coyote hunting, but no for prairie dogs.
The 22 250. Should. Never be underestimated. For. Killing deer. With. Good. Bullets. At. Reasonable. Ranges. Same. As the. 220. Swift.
Thank. You. For. That.
@@luvtahandload7692 LOL He really likes periods.....
Swap out the periods with 👏
I’m riding with you on that. The first rifle I ever shot was my dads .220 swift. I was 5 years old and it scared the heck out of me. I would like to add one to my collection.
Why? All? The? Periods?
Ron, I realize that you recorded this over a year ago, but if I could throw out one idea: I love the 223, but will likely never buy one. The reason for this is that I can easily find a good accuracy load for 50-55g bullets loaded down to minimum pressures in my 22-250. A 22-250 at minimum pressure is about equal to a 223 at max. It works great and the brass lasts forever since I am loading at minimum pressures.
That little hot rod is a real performer! IMHO any case with substantial body taper and shallow shoulder should be redesigned to modern case design. My reason is just as Ron stated. Tedious case prep time is substantially reduced between reloading of cartridges. I own several improved cartridges just for that reason, plus a bit of extra velocity potential is money in the bank so to speak. Also, I prefer medium heavy, to heavy for caliber bullets, so the added powder space benefits the cartridge across all bullet weight ranges. Just my $.02
Ron, your chart comparison for the 22-250 AI says 65 grain. Does that make a difference?
My 22-250 has taken many antelope. It will liquify those internals in a hurry.
220 Swift, 5.56x57mm RWS are a couple cartridges you left out of this fast 22 video. If speed is what you really want there are some really fast 22's out there. As far as the Ackley improved all factory ammo can be fired in an Ackley improved chamber and it is just fine. It is then fire formed.
Hey Ron, you have done your homework, but hold on, my Dad bought me a 22hornrt back around 62, I had a friend with a 218B, we hunted ground hogs all summer, and deer hunt in the winter, now the aim point was behind the ear, Yes we did bag deer, and were so good with our rifles we shot them until we went into the service, then it was 308 and 06, but what we had, was all we had, a lot of the older guys didn,t want us in the woods, sometimes they would give us an old shotgun with a pumpkin ball ( remember that ) then you guys came on the scene with all those HOT loads. See live,n it was much better than talking about it. We both had weaver K-4 scopes. Hey good class, you remind me of times gone by.............BB