O'Neill Ops Podcast 22: Cartridge Selection 22-250

Taking a look into why we choose the 22-250 over all other Cartridges for Coyote Hunting.

[@nicg9599]

Just wanna say that this channel is super underrated for the quality you guys give the viewers. It's crazy to see how many views you get compared to the amount of subscribers you have. For as good as you guys are at what you do, any new or old hunter should watch how you guys work. Always something to learn from your videos.

[@brandonyates8990]

I think one thing that wasn't explained clearly in your discussion is that you've found the sweet spot for terminal ballistics on a coyote with the 22-250. 100% dissipation of energy at 200 yards or less is right around 950+ ft/lbs with the 50 gr V-Max. Almost all coyotes drop on the spot. When energy gets lower than roughly 500 ft/lbs on any cartridge, runners start occurring more frequently. Like you said though, shot placement is key! Thanks for the entertaining video!

[@nickhamill9255]

You nailed it. The 22-250 with the barrel twist and bullet weight you guys are throwing does everything the 22 creed will do all else equal, with a lot more proven data. The creed will not excel until you get into the 75-80 grain + weights. You can find a powder to get all of the same speeds out of the regular case up to that point. I have played with every powder from the faster burn (IMR4895, CFE223) to the slower (Ramshot big game, hunter, even H1000 with heavy bullets) In a 22-250 AI with an 1-8” and that is an equalizer to the 22 creed in my opinion. You really don’t take advantage of the extra case capacity until you get over 75 grain bullets and the much slower powders. The hydrostatic shock of a bullet going 3300+ is irreplaceable on coyote sized game. I really built mine to push the 70-75 grain bullets and make a 500 yard shot still a hammer. The 50 grain loads in the regular 22-250 will perform (by your example) at all ranges 99% of people will shoot. It’s splitting hairs after that. Inside 400 I’d take my 70-75 grains and you take your 50s and we’d kill dogs no different. The 22 creed is marketed and pushed as something new but any real gun builder knows it’s nothing new just a rebrand of 2-3 wildcats that have been there forever.

[@Plainsimple67]

THE .22-250 WITH THE FAST TWIST HAS BEEN IN USE NOW WITH LONG RANGE TARGET SHOOTERS FOR A WHILE, IT'S A GREAT IDEA FOR COYOTES AS WELL. NOW I HAVE TO FIND ME A DEAL ON FAST TWIST .22 CALIBER BARREL!! I ALSO LIKE THE 22-250, BECAUSE YOU CAN GET BRASS CHEAP EVERYWHERE,.22 CREEDMOOR ON THE OTHER HAND, NOT AT ALL!!!🥴🥴

[@brandoncrouch5796]

Love this podcast you guys shoot straight and don’t hold back. Need lot more this in the world.

[@georgejensen6787]

This might be the best video you guy ever made due to the last 20 minutes. I laughed so hard

[@destinationxterra]

Great podcast 👍🏻 Keep up the great work you guys are an inspiration 💪🏼 Cheers from 🇨🇦

[@dustinh4694]

I love when things take a turn and get candid.

[@rkrl1088]

22-250 and 243 are far from dead but everyone wants to always change both of these cartridges...Good podcast

[@weldmonger1560]

I know it confuses the hell out of me cuz proof is in the pudding. I mean in my opinion those two cartridges are basically timeless. U gotta factor in more than performance also. Which both perform. But ammo availability is a big one if ur shooting factory ammo.

[@clintmeyer4764]

This was the podcast I was waiting for.

[@fredthompson1279]

I have a 50 year old Remington 788 chambered in 22-250. It's a tack driver with the 50gr Vmax and 34-35 gr of Varget. On real windy days I use a 243 with the75gr Vmax. Both great yote calibers.

[@richmccullough9137]

Hey, yall are hunters after my own heart. I have been shooting fast twist 22-250 since 2005. 1-8 on my remingtons. Now I have always wanted a 250 in a ar platform but just like yall said cause feeding issues. Now in saying that I decided to go with a bushmaster lr308 with a 1-8 22-250 ai using lancer mags. So far 100 rounds and once I got the gas right it is shooting great. That straighter wall of the ai I'm having no issues with feeding. Now in saying that the standard 22-250rem as long I don't try and load too many in mag it runs ok. Just food for thought. The barrel im using is the mcgowen 22-250ai 1-8 22".

[@Locgnukka]

Nice!! I run a LR22-250 Aero M5, 1-10, 24" Dead Shot Custom barrel that shoots quarters. I run Lancer mags as will they run so much better then the LR Pmags.

[@gnarthus]

From one coyote hunter to another… great podcast. I used to shoot a .204 and loved it until I bought a 22-250. Couldn’t believe the stopping power the first year I used it. Nick named it “the hammer” I’m building a 22 creed just to tinker with it but I know my 22-250 will continue to be my main squeeze. Keep up the good work and shoot straight!

[@mikeblasko841]

Great podcast! 250 for coyotes all day long. V max and I have the same rifle you described your dads gun and tack driver

[@rossthompson2471]

Totally agree on the points made on the 22-250. Such a versatile caliber, from prarie dogs to mule deer, no need to change.

[@rubberduck2856]

Awesome pod cast like always. The 22-250 is hands down the king of predator hunting , I don’t care what any one says that 22 CM will not be as good as the 22-250 !!!!!!!

[@mattchaplin666]

Great job👍

[@mattacedo]

If you don’t have no haters then you ain’t doing anything right. Don’t block the haters, let them continue to watch you thrive and let it burn their assholes! Keep the good stuff coming!

[@tomready7302]

I love the 22-250. My first one was a yugo mauser sold by herters . My latest is a savage 22-250 with the accutriger .

[@Plainsimple67]

I JUST WENT TO YOUR CHANNEL BASED ON YOUR FEEDBACK ON A QUESTION I HAD ON YOUR CARTRIDGE CHOICE AND RIFLE, GREAT CONTENT GUYS, YOU HAVE A NEW SUBSCRIBER!😉👉 OH, IGNORE THE TREE HUGGER'S COMMENTS GUYS!!👍✊✊

[@headcarter4656]

I'm running a bergara b14 hunter 22-250 with a nikon 3-9×50 prostaff and it's smoke city on anything. The last group I shot at 💯 was 1/4 in with Barnes tsx 50grn. Works on ticks to whitetails.

[@donald6427]

Yay more O’Neil ops

[@skyking4581]

Guys, Great pod cast! I've been using a 22-250 for 30 years. Why would I switch when I have a winning combo. However, if you want to experiment, go right ahead. The 22-250 is far from dead....

[@lorneharvey556]

Bless you guys!! Keep up the good work..

[@tjkiller99000]

My fav, my only issue is taper causing feeding issues limiting capacity in AICS mags. Minor issue. The rest of these new cartidges are long range target cartidges.

[@hghunter44]

I've been a deer hunter in PA for decades now and have used everything from a 44 magnum to the 30 caliber non-magnum centerfires to bag my buck and the only cartridge to drop a deer in its tracks has been the 22-250. I shot my largest deer at 125 yards with a 64 grain bonded from Nosler loaded to 3500 fps using Superformance powder and the deer tipped right over. No running, no tracking - just gut it and drag it.

[@RMAC0316]

Glad to see others talking about the hype. I shoot a 260 on my pred rifle and then have people say I should get a creed. Brain cells die

[@number40Fan]

Cartridge choice isn't the end all to coyote hunting. In fact, I would put that at the bottom of my list. I've killed them with calibers from 22lr to 50 BMG. Location (are there coyotes around) and setup (stand/concealment/caller) are the most important factors. As mentioned, there are some reasons to choose one caliber over another. If all you want to do is go out and hunt coyotes, grab whatever you have!

[@BNU30C]

I don’t know if I would call the 22-250 inherently accurate, or if there really is such a thing…..I think it really comes down to the quality of your barrel, chamber job, and action. Still a badass cartridge though, has stood the test of time.

[@carlmoore1078]

I agree 100% on the 22-250 and the 22creed. What do you guys think about the 22-250AI?

[@theonlyrealcbass16]

I have to defend the 22 Creed for a sliver of misinformation. It's not a recognized SAAMI cartridge YET, SO to assume that it's marketing or something that people are making money from...is grossly overstated. The only people making money, are the gunsmith clambering barrels...and they make the same to chamber a 223, 22-250, 22-250AI or 22 Creed. There are justifiable reasons the 6.5 creed has more industry support than the 260, just as there are similar reasons the 6 Creed has more industry support than the (virtually identical 6xc). I agree 100% that the reason for a specific cartridge selection...as determined by its implementation, means the 22-250 is not dead, and likely will never die...BUT the Creed case design (all of them) are popular for the same reason the 22-250 will never die. It's inherently accurate. Where it sets itself appart is that factory offerings (both rifles and ammo) are built with the proper twist from the start, without the need for a gunsmith to fix or rebuild it to reach its potential. #stirthepot

[@jtn-minn8105]

.224 Valkyrie, .350 Legend, 6 mm ARC, 6.8 Western and .300 HAMR 6 creed 6.5 All the new stuff brings new shooters in to the gun world....That's a good thing, new blood buying guns helps the 2nd...I'm old school .223 .243 .270ect but like new ''kids'' in the sport.

[@swamper2fly]

How much more barrel life can be expected from a stainless verse a moly barrel running your loads. I'm going to order a 1:8 soon. Great pods by the way.

[@mt6278]

Hey guys love the show. Quick question. If I'm committed to shooting a 223 next year. Would switching to a 60g vmax from my normal 53g superformance Hornady vmax decrease the amount of coyotes that run after being shot?

[@quietcowboy6635]

Have y’all done a 16” 243? Does it just not suppress well or does that round not do well in a shorter barrel.. yalls 250’s are badass and I know yalls old videos you had some 243 in them just curious what a 16”” 243 would do..

[@codyoslin6594]

Mr. Keith "If it fits that bitch" Risse. You guys are legends in the making.

[@Bench_Talk]

Always super entertaining shit guys. PS the 243ai is the fur hammer over the 22-250

[@jctedsap]

That is what the Night Crew guys prefer but I would never talk bad about the 22-250.

[@doganlankovich7889]

The pinned comment about “juice” had me rolling 😂😂😂

[@simon6ppc246]

Like any thing in life new gear is coming out every month it be a thermal scope, rifle, callers any thing just some like to stay with the trend and keep using it even if its no better, i have owned six 22.250's in my time and like you say has to be the best all round varmint cartridge ever made.

[@Neb245]

Hey guys just found the channel enjoy your content. Just getting into the predator game. In Nebraska wondered if gunsmith was there in Sd? And on your 22-250 with the 1:8 are u using a special reamer or stuck with the Sammi freebore?

[@dennismassey2128]

I have a tikka that shoots 40-52gr lights out. I have 9 twist Bergara and a Curtis custom both 9 twist. I have yet to find a decent load for the 9 twist. Would appreciate any advice. I’m 68 yrs old and started shooting a 250 when it was recommended by my Texas hunting guide because we didn’t have range finders back then. Longest deer kill was 600 yards shoulder shot. Dropped dead! Thanks guys!! Appreciate a little load advice for a 9 twist!!

[@dk17hmr]

No shit I'd listen to a podcast about lifting/nutrition.

[@Longshothawk]

I think I've seen you run carbon barrels in the vids. Have you had any issue with them in the extreme cold? I've wondered about cracking if it gets too cold then introduced heat quickly from a few shots.

[@rodneyporter93]

Were do y’all guys get y’all’s suppressors from and what would be the best and the quietest one for the new sig 400 snake bite

[@ojsimpson39]

Other than the 50gr vmax what are the heavier bullets you are shooting?

[@yotehead129]

James have a couple dozen 22-250 and have shot preds for over 30yrs with them absolutely inherently accurate cartridge. Awesome/best for coyotes imo also. Only thing I’ll say is shoot swifts also. Load 22-250 36-37gr 4064 50vmax 52 match,/ swift 37-38gr same powder & bullets and swift lasts within couple hundred rounds of 22-250. Great podcast, love the shit talkin at end. If they want creed just 22-250AI instead.

[@johntownley9885]

Y’all talking about the 8.6 Blackout that Q is pushing. The theory is 1 in 3 twist, 10” barrel subsonic that has as much energy as a 308. I haven’t seen much on it but would be sweet for killing hogs suppressed at night. Not been out long enough for me to know if it’s worth a shit.

[@doom8274]

what happened with the mausingfield actions? was thinking of buying one a long time ago and wondered why they never caught on

[@Hunt.Farm.Ride.Traindogs]

What’s your thoughts on 36gr of 8208xbr with 50gr v max, 3,925 fps. Too hot? That combo shoots damn good out my 788

[@cattracker64]

Last 20 min of shit talking was epic. Need two hours of that. Lmfao…. The juices were flowing ….. lol so good

[@jamesluke5910]

Love my 22-250’s even tho one is a savage 🤣. Ron spomer talks highly of the ackley improved. Any experience with that?

[@Plainsimple67]

IT SAVES YOUR BARREL AND GIVES A LONGER BARREL THROAT AND LIFE. THAT'S ALL, PLUS SOME VELOCITY GAIN, BUT I HATE FIRE FORMING BRASS PROCESS!!

[@steadyoutdoors4438]

I loved this shit. Keep it coming and keep up the hard work.

[@headcarter4656]

Why do yall not like Savage? Just wondering! I am shooting the bergara using 75gr bthp match hornady bullet at between 3250fps and 3300fps.

[@bobistuff]

you should really try a 22-250 ackley. it just works

[@kstimberghost3283]

“Shoot 22-250 and keep an eye on your girl.” 😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂

[@sicsempertyrannis3251]

If your shooting coyotes for fur 22-250 is master. I learned that from Les Johnson videos.

[@vermilliontoaster3063]

I literally just watched that reloading video!!!!😂 that thread was hilarious, people are disrespectful and stupid. Being fit, healthy and strong is a way of life. Day in, day out, no bitching….😂

[@coreystock5361]

Don’t let ‘em bug you too bad guys. Ur doing great

[@gordy1961]

.22-250 is the most accurate round I have ever used, we don't have Coyotes on this side of the pond but we have foxes, lots of them thankfully; a PERFECT round, I usually use the 55gr. The 250 Dead? What a load of poo, why does everybody want a creedmor... its just a fashion thing, although for long range the 6.5CM looks like a nice target round & its on my wish list. Incidentally a 300WM bullet head costs around $1 in the US I understand? Here in the UK the same projectile costs £5 - over $6 thats without the brass, powder etc... I want to move to the states...

[@Titan-iw7xv]

Been calling and killing coyotes for 35 years. I have kept track of how many kills for the last 22 years, over 1900 coyotes killed in that time and all but a handful were with the good ole 22-250! Think I’ll keep loading and killing with my dead ole cartridge. 😂

[@Plainsimple67]

JUST CURIOUS, WHAT OTHER CARTRIDGES DO YOU LIKE FOR COYOTES, I JUST BOUGHT A USED MODEL 70 PRE 64 IN .257 ROBERTS FOR $300.00 BUCK, I WAS THINKING ON USING THAT AND SEE HOW IT DOES, I KNOW A FEW OF MY FRIENDS WILL USE NOTHING BUY .25-06 OR .270 WINCHESTER, BUT I LIKE THE FAST .22 ZIPPERS!!😉👉

[@johnmoore690]

Great job Do not worry about the haters. I call them Slush puppies the make no scents. Just slush kept going I'm all ears

[@nohandle257]

There's an old guy with a lot of videos here on you tube. Been into guns on a pro level for like 60 years. Well liked. He questions the nomenclature of 'hydrostatic shock'. Not the shock itself. We all know it's a reality. But rather, why static? Wouldn't hydrodynamic be what it actually is?

[@jctedsap]

Gunblue490 talks about shooting golf balls at 300 yards.

[@chrisbailor733]

So you might have said but must have missed it but what barrel length are you guys using? I was looking at doing a lightweight build with an 18” or 20” barrel. Am I going to get the speed out of it that is needed to be better than .223

[@driverjohns6051]

Looks real bright in there, good thing you got hats on, LOL. Please don't ban me😁

[@ONEILLOPS]

😆

[@blakecole8662]

Are you not stripping jackets off of the 50 gr vmax with the 1:8 twist? How fast are you pushing the 50s out of them?

[@ONEILLOPS]

No we are still well under 325K RPM, Never had an issue tearing jackets off our 250's with an 8 twist.

[@blakecole8662]

Oh ok good to know I’ve got one that I put a 1:9 on and have got a 22-250AI with a 1:9 that I’d like to try shooting some smaller grain bullets out of but was scared they would disintegrate.

[@jurgenvanniekerk]

Please put me down for the Mark 5 and 60 boxes of "Ops Destroyer" Done! mic drop!

[@ethankirkpatrick5892]

You all still run CEB raptors in the. 250s?!?!

[@mikemcgill3998]

What's the issue with Savage? Mine shot dimes at 100yds. Honestly just curious. I'm NOT skinny jean wearer! Lol!!

[@brianvoegeli5067]

Nothing wrong with Savage they make a great rifle I have 4 of them that shoot quarter-inch groups all day that is after a trigger, stock, shilen barrel and load development

[@jctedsap]

I just looked at several places and 22-250 rifles are out of stock.

[@rodneyporter93]

Have y’all ever use a .243 or .223 I like the .243 a lot better cause you have a lot more speed witch is flatter shooting and a little bit more bump when it gets there I even use my little.243 for deer hunting and have never lost a deer don’t mean that I never will but so far so good and I have shot some In clear cut at 642 yards and it dropped in it’s tracks I’m loading it 46 grains of 4350 with a 90gr. Nosler ballistic tips and trough my crony it’s leaving the muzzle at right at 4300 ps. I love it now I’m just getting into shooting coyotes I’ve shot several but it seams like every other one it just blows the fuck out of them here in Georgia we can use .22 cal. Has to be center fire but you can use it for big game and I really don’t agree with that but opinions is like ass holes everybody has one if ya know what I’m saying like ya show like to come hunt with y’all some day Happy hunting my friend

[@jctedsap]

There used to be a device that you could hook up to tv’s that eliminates all cursing. Probably something still exists like that.

[@swamper2fly]

How fast are you pushing that 50 gr v max

[@ONEILLOPS]

depending on our Rifles, 3300 to 3700.

[@davidreed6779]

I disagree o 220 swift burning barrels faster than 22-250. Generally the swift only uses 1 more grain of powder per bullet than than the 250. I've used both for years both are killers. Only draw back is finding brass for swift.

[@ONEILLOPS]

Generally speaking the swift will exceed the 250 velocities by 100 to 200 fps. Which will absolutely burn barrels faster.

[@jaydubya7012]

Look what happened to the " great 22-250" killer, the 204. Ha. Gone byby

[@BNU30C]

All the major manufacturers and critics love to talk about “modern, long, high BC bullets” as if they’re the end all be all for all applications. Like you guys said, sometimes you don’t want to mess with dialing or holdovers and just want a light, fast, laser beam bullet out to 3-400 yards. These ‘outdated’ cartridges like 223 and 22-250 are set up for those bullets and still do a great job. Not everyone is into “ringing steel” at 1200 yards. God I am tired of hearing about that shit.

[@christopherdeetjen7820]

Trip 250 all day, everyday !!! on coyotes. Shot it for years !!! Never had one coyote complain!!! know your shit, know your shot and squeeze!

[@redleg84]

I kind of want a rifle chambered in Ops Destroyer now

[@ONEILLOPS]

YES!!!

[@ONEILLOPS]

I will work on it.

[@montecarlossable]

Great video as always fellas... don’t worry bout the bulshit from the fuckn trolls it’s to get under your skin.... I would love to see a video on one of your LRI rifles. I would have no problem working with chad some day down the road to build a similar rifle. Cheers from Humboldt SD.

[@jamescaretto3525]

Absolutely love the 22-250 been killing coyotes for 19 years with it

[@tcmoney1321]

Never let the douche canoe's worry you....f em. Keep at it

[@DodgeCwby99]

If I could find 250 ammo.. I'd get one and put down the 223, just can't find 250 ammo in oklahoma

[@quietcowboy6635]

😂😂😂🇺🇸

[@davidc.9933]

Dead? Millions of cases out there getting reloaded. Inherently accurate even in low cost rifles. Oodles of reloading data. When my t/c venture is show out I'll get it rebarrelled.

[@dustinshaw2419]

People are using your channel logo to scam others. Commenting that we have one something. Asking for full name

[@rodneyporter93]

A 22-250 is a good round but the 25-06 is a piece of shit I’ve never seen one that would hit the same place twice

[@Eman3037]

You guys have a really good channel but with more notoriety seems to be less maturity You have some real fans , me included In that fan base, you have young kids watching and learning Clean up your act/language men you're not teenagers Keep the "clean" content/videos coming Thanks

[@Normandy_1944]

You guys need to chill on the weight lifting for a while.

[@ONEILLOPS]

😆 🤣 😂

[@dongkumong]

Why the hell can't that guy with the goofy goatee sit still?

[@johnadams4678]

No one has ice in their drink…