How fast is a 22-250? Fast. The Hornady Superformance 35 grain NTX lists 4,450 fps at the muzzle, the quickest load we stock in this caliber. Most 55 grain loads land in the high 3,000s. That speed is what 22-250 ballistics are all about: a flat path, quick bullet breakup and less guessing on range when a coyote stops at an odd distance.
This guide covers the published speed and energy for the 22-250 loads we carry. It also explains how to read those numbers and how to pick a bullet for prairie dogs, coyotes and, where it is legal, deer.
What Is a 22-250?
The 22-250 Remington began as a wildcat. Shooters took the .250 Savage case and necked it down to hold a .224-inch bullet. Remington made it a factory round in 1965. It fires the same bullet diameter as the .223, but it holds a lot more powder.
Is 22-250 short action?
Yes. The case is about the length of a .308, so it fits a short action. Most 22-250 rifles are bolt guns built for varmint work, often with heavy barrels.
22-250 Ballistics Table
Here are the published muzzle numbers for our 22-250 ammo, sorted from light to heavy bullets.
| Load | Bullet | Grain | Muzzle velocity (fps) | Muzzle energy (ft-lbs) | Pack |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hornady 22-250 35 Grain NTX Lead-Free Superformance | NTX polymer tip, lead-free | 35 | 4,450 | 1,539 | 20-round box |
| Nosler 22-250 35 Grain Lead-Free Ballistic Tip | Nosler Ballistic Tip polymer tip, lead-free | 35 | 4,200 | 1,370 | 20-round box |
| Underwood 22-250 38 Grain Lehigh Controlled Chaos Lead-Free | Lehigh Controlled Chaos fragmenting hollow point, lead-free | 38 | 4,200 | 1,488 | 20-round box |
| Fiocchi 22-250 40 Grain V-Max Field Dynamics | Hornady V-Max polymer tip | 40 | 4,100 | 1,493 | 20-round box |
| Winchester White Box 22-250 45 Grain JHP | Jacketed hollow point (JHP) | 45 | 4,000 | 1,600 | 40-round box |
| Remington UMC 22-250 45 Grain JHP | Jacketed hollow point (JHP) | 45 | 4,000 | 1,598 | 40-round box |
| Hornady Superformance 22-250 50 Grain V-Max | V-Max polymer tip | 50 | 4,000 | 1,776 | 20-round box |
| Federal Varmint and Predator 22-250 50 Grain JHP | Jacketed hollow point (JHP) | 50 | 3,850 | 1,645 | 20-round box |
| Barnes VOR-TX 22-250 50 Grain TSX Lead-Free | Triple-Shock X (TSX) solid copper hollow point, lead-free | 50 | 3,830 | 1,628 | 20-round box |
| Hornady 22-250 50 Grain V-Max Varmint Express | V-Max polymer tip | 50 | 3,800 | 1,603 | 20-round box |
| Remington UMC 22-250 50 Grain JHP | Jacketed hollow point (JHP) | 50 | 3,820 | 1,620 | 20-round box |
| Remington AccuTip 22-250 50 Grain | AccuTip polymer tip | 50 | 3,800 | 1,603 | 200-round case (10 x 20) |
| Hornady Varmint Express 22-250 55 Grain V-Max | V-Max polymer tip | 55 | 3,680 | 1,654 | 20-round box |
| Federal Power-Shok 22-250 55 Grain Soft Point | Jacketed soft point (JSP) | 55 | 3,680 | 1,654 | 20-round box |
| Remington 22-250 55 Grain Soft Point High Performance Rifle | Jacketed soft point (JSP) | 55 | 3,680 | 1,654 | 20-round box |
| Federal 22-250 55 Grain V-Max Varmint and Predator | Hornady V-Max polymer tip | 55 | 3,670 | 1,645 | 20-round box |
| Underwood 22-250 55 Grain V-Max | Hornady V-Max polymer tip | 55 | 3,700 | 1,672 | 20-round box |
| Grizzly Cartridge 22-250 55 Grain Soft Point | Jacketed soft point (JSP) | 55 | 3,700 | 1,672 | 20-round box |
| Norma Oryx 22-250 55 Grain Bonded Soft Point | Oryx bonded jacketed soft point | 55 | 3,609 | 1,591 | 20-round box |
| Norma TipStrike 22-250 55 Grain Varmint | TipStrike polymer tip | 55 | 3,576 | 1,562 | 20-round box |
| Nosler Varmageddon 22-250 55 Grain Polymer Tip | Varmageddon polymer tip | 55 | 3,550 | 1,538 | 20-round box |
| Nosler Ballistic Tip 22-250 55 Grain BT Varmint | Nosler Ballistic Tip polymer tip | 55 | 3,550 | 1,538 | 20-round box |
| Underwood 22-250 60 Grain Ballistic Tip | Nosler Ballistic Tip polymer tip | 60 | 3,600 | 1,727 | 20-round box |
| Winchester 22-250 64 Grain Power-Point | Power-Point jacketed soft point | 64 | 3,500 | 1,741 | 20-round box |
Two things jump out. First, the speed drops as bullet weight goes up. Second, energy does not fall in step. The Winchester 64 grain Power-Point lists only 3,500 fps, yet it posts 1,741 ft-lbs, more than many lighter loads.
How to Read 22-250 Ballistics Numbers
Muzzle velocity is the speed as the bullet leaves the barrel. Makers test in a set barrel, often 24 inches for this round. A 22-inch sporter may run a bit slower. A 26-inch varmint barrel may run faster.
Muzzle energy, in foot-pounds, blends bullet weight and speed. Use it to compare loads, not to judge a kill. A small varmint bullet with modest energy can still work well, because it is built to break apart fast.
The box label also skips how well a bullet holds speed. Light bullets start fast but slow down quicker. Heavier, sleeker bullets keep more of their speed in the wind. That is why some coyote hunters choose 55 or 60 grain loads over the fastest 35 or 40 grain options.
What Is 22-250 Good For?
Prairie dogs and ground squirrels
Light, fast polymer tips shine here. Think 35 to 50 grain. The Fiocchi 40 grain V-Max lists 4,100 fps and 1,493 ft-lbs. Light bullets also kick less, so you can watch your hits through the scope.
Coyotes and foxes
Many callers like 50 to 55 grain bullets. They drift less in wind than the lightest loads. Fragmenting tips make fast kills. If you sell fur, a soft point or a bonded bullet may leave a smaller exit hole.
Deer and hogs
Some states allow .22 centerfire rounds for deer and some do not. Check your state and local rules first. If it is legal, skip fragile varmint bullets. Use a tough bullet such as the Norma Oryx 55 grain bonded soft point (3,609 fps and 1,591 ft-lbs) or the lead-free Barnes TSX 50 grain, and keep shots close.
How Far Will a 22-250 Shoot?
Good 22-250 ballistics make the round flat out to normal varmint range. Past that, light bullets lose speed and get pushed by wind. Your real limit depends on the bullet, the wind and how well you know your rifle. Zero, then confirm your holds at the ranges you plan to shoot.
Barrel length and altitude change the picture too. Thin mountain air lets bullets fly flatter. Cold, heavy air does the opposite. A chronograph and a ballistic app will tell you more than any box label.
For a milder, older .22 centerfire, see our 222 Remington ballistic data guide.
Shop 22-250 Ammo
Our 22-250 ammo range covers light varmint loads, coyote loads and tough bullets for larger game. Bulk shooters can save trips with the Remington AccuTip 50 grain 200-round case. Buy one lot, zero with it and keep notes. Your own chronograph is the last word on 22-250 ballistics in your rifle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 22-250 rifle good for?
A 22-250 is a varmint and predator rifle at heart. It suits prairie dogs, groundhogs, coyotes and foxes at long range. With a tough bullet it can take deer where state law allows .22 centerfire rounds. Always check your local hunting rules first.
What caliber is a 22-250?
The 22-250 fires a .224-inch bullet, the same diameter as the .223 Remington and the older .222 Remington. The case is the .250 Savage necked down, so it holds much more powder than a .223 and drives bullets faster.
Is 22-250 short action?
Yes. The 22-250 case is close to the length of a .308 Winchester, so rifle makers chamber it in short actions. That keeps the bolt throw short and the rifle compact. Most 22-250 rifles are bolt actions with varmint or sporter barrels.
How fast is a 22-250?
Most 50 to 55 grain loads list muzzle speeds in the high 3,000s. Light bullets go faster. In our stock, the Hornady Superformance 35 grain NTX lists 4,450 fps. Expect your rifle to read a bit higher or lower than the box, based on barrel length.
How far will a 22-250 shoot?
The bullet can travel well over a mile, but useful varmint range is far shorter. Wind drift on light bullets is the main limit. Know your rifle, confirm your holds at distance and use a heavier, sleeker bullet if wind is a problem where you hunt.
