22-250 for coyotes: the 22-250 Remington has been a coyote cartridge for decades because a 50 to 55 gr bullet at about 3,600 fps shoots flat to 300 yards and breaks up on impact. From the 20-inch CM10 22-250 that Chattahoochee Munitions manufactures, a published 55 gr V-MAX load calculates to about 5.6 inches of drop at 300 yards with a 200-yard zero. Its weak point is wind: light bullets drift about 10 inches at 300 yards in a 10 mph crosswind.
Why the 22-250 for Coyotes Works
- Flat trajectory: with a 200-yard zero the bullet stays within about 1 inch of the line of sight to 200 yards, so typical calling-stand shots need no holdover.
- Fast, fragile bullets: 50 to 55 gr varmint bullets expand quickly and seldom exit, which limits pelt damage and ricochet risk.
- Light recoil: you can see the hit and take a fast follow-up shot, especially from a gas-operated CM10.
22-250 for Coyotes: Trajectory and Wind
Muzzle velocity is Hornady’s published 3,680 fps for the 55 gr V-MAX from a 24-inch barrel. The 20-inch values are Chattahoochee Munitions calculations (published G1 BC 0.255, 200-yard zero, standard atmosphere, 10 mph full-value wind; 30 fps per inch below 24 inches). They are not chronograph data.
| 55 gr V-MAX, 20-inch CM10 | Velocity | Energy | Drop (200 yd zero) | 10 mph wind |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muzzle | 3,560 fps | 1,548 ft-lb | -1.5 in | 0 in |
| 100 yd | 3,138 fps | 1,203 ft-lb | +1.0 in | 1.0 in |
| 200 yd | 2,755 fps | 927 ft-lb | 0 in | 4.1 in |
| 300 yd | 2,403 fps | 705 ft-lb | -5.6 in | 9.8 in |
| 400 yd | 2,078 fps | 527 ft-lb | -17.3 in | 18.6 in |
A coyote’s vital zone is only a few inches across. Past 300 yards, wind error becomes the limit. If you regularly shoot farther in open, windy country, the heavy bullets of the 22 Creedmoor drift about a third as much at 400 yards; see 22 Creedmoor vs 22-250.
22-250 for Coyotes: Bullet Choice
- 40 to 50 gr varmint bullets: the flattest path and the least pelt damage; keep them inside about 250 yards in wind.
- 52 to 55 gr bullets: the usual coyote choice, balancing speed and wind.
- Heavier bullets: over about 55 gr, a 1:14 barrel may not stabilize them. The CM10 22-250 uses 1:14 for bullets up to about 55 gr.
Calling and Night Hunting: 22-250 for Coyotes in the CM10
A semi-automatic CM10 lets you stay on target for a second coyote that comes in to the call. Its full-length Picatinny top rail takes night vision or thermal optics, and the M-LOK handguard takes lights and bipods. Coyote management rules, including night hunting, vary by state; check with your state wildlife agency. For background on coyote damage and control, see the USDA APHIS Wildlife Services program.
22-250 for Coyotes vs Other Cartridges
- 22-250 vs 223: the AR15 standard against the 22-250.
- 22 ARC vs 22-250: heavy bullets in an AR15.
- 22 ARC for coyotes and hogs and 6mm ARC for coyotes and hogs: lighter CM15 options.
- 243 Winchester: covers coyotes and deer with one rifle.
Chattahoochee Munitions does not recommend the 22-250 for deer; choose 243 Winchester or 6mm Creedmoor.
Suppressors and the 22-250 for Coyotes
The 22-250 is supersonic, so a suppressor reduces muzzle blast but not the bullet’s crack. On the gas-operated CM10, use a flow-through suppressor rated for .224 and the 22-250’s pressure; the Superlative Arms adjustable gas block lets you tune the gas for it.
The CM10 22-250 Coyote Rifle
The CM10 22-250 uses a 20-inch 416R stainless SOCOM/HBAR barrel at 1:14 with 5/8×24 threads and Tactical Grey Cerakote, rifle-length gas, a .750-inch Superlative Arms adjustable gas block, an Odin adjustable buffer, a TriggerTech Duty trigger and a B5 Systems CPS Medium stock. It weighs 9 lb 8 oz with an unloaded magazine and ships with one Chattahoochee Munitions modified 10-round 22-250 magazine. Choose the 22-250 semi auto rifle in Black Tungsten, the 22-250 AR10 in Cobalt Kinetics Green Cerakote or the 22-250 AR in FDE Metallic. Read What is 22-250? or browse Predator Plains.
More Predator Plains Guides
- What is 22 Creedmoor?
- 22 Creedmoor ballistics
- 22 Creedmoor twist rate
- 22 Creedmoor vs 22-250
- 22 Creedmoor vs 243
- 22 Creedmoor vs 223
- 22 Creedmoor for deer
- What is 22-250?
- 22-250 vs 223
- What is 6mm Creedmoor?
- 6mm Creedmoor vs 243 Winchester
- 6mm Creedmoor vs 6.5 Creedmoor
- 6mm Creedmoor vs 6mm ARC
- What is 243 Winchester?
- 243 for deer
- 243 vs 6.5 Creedmoor
- High velocity rifle cartridges
- Predator hunting cartridges
- 22 ARC vs 22 Creedmoor
- 22 ARC vs 22-250
- 6mm ARC vs 243
22-250 for Coyotes FAQ
Is 22-250 good for coyotes?
Yes. A 50 to 55 gr bullet at about 3,600 fps shoots flat to 300 yards and breaks up on impact.
What grain bullet should I use with a 22-250 for coyotes?
50 to 55 gr varmint bullets. The CM10’s 1:14 twist suits bullets up to about 55 gr.
How far can a 22-250 kill a coyote?
About 300 to 400 yards for a skilled shooter in light wind with 22-250 for coyotes. Wind drift sets the practical limit.
Will a 22-250 ruin coyote pelts?
Fast varmint bullets usually stay inside the animal, which limits exit damage. Lighter, more fragile bullets reduce it further.
Is 22-250 good for deer?
Chattahoochee Munitions does not recommend it for deer. Choose 243 Winchester or 6mm Creedmoor.
Who makes a 22-250 semi auto coyote rifle?
Chattahoochee Munitions manufactures the CM10 22-250 semi-automatic rifle with a 20-inch 1:14 barrel and a dedicated 10-round magazine.