Best Factory 22-250 Ammo for Deer Hunting?

Hunting with Firearms
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Looking for Recommendations on .22-250 Ammo for Deer

I’m gearing up for deer season and considering using my .22-250 for the hunt this year. I’ve heard mixed reviews about the effectiveness of factory-loaded ammunition for taking down deer in this caliber, and I want to make sure I pick the right option.

What to Look For

When choosing ammunition for deer hunting, I know that bullet type and design are crucial. Here are a few things I’m particularly interested in:

  • Bullet Weight: What weight do you find works best for deer? I’ve seen options ranging from 50 to 60 grains.
  • Bullet Type: I’ve seen recommendations for soft points and ballistic tips, but I’m not sure which would be more effective for a clean kill. Any thoughts?
  • Brand Preferences: Which brands have you found to be reliable? I’m considering Federal, Hornady, and Remington but I’m open to others.

Sharing Experiences

If you’ve used .22-250 ammo for deer hunting, I would love to hear about your experiences. Did you encounter any issues with penetration or expansion? How effective was your choice of ammunition in the field?

Any additional tips or experiences would be greatly appreciated! Looking forward to hearing what the community has to say about the best factory ammo for this purpose. Thanks in advance for the help!

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I’ve had great success using soft point bullets for deer hunting with my .22-250. They expand nicely and provide a good balance of penetration and expansion.

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Soft points are definitely effective! I’ve also experimented with bonded bullets, which seem to perform well in retaining their weight.

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Bonded bullets are a solid choice for ensuring deep penetration. They hold together, which helps with bigger deer. I would recommend trying the Hornady GMX.

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It’s interesting to see so many options! I usually stick to lead because I like traditional setups. Do bonded bullets really make that much of a difference?

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Absolutely! They generally give you better energy transfer and less fragmentation, which is crucial for ethical hunting.

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Hollow points can be a bit unpredictable for deer since they can sometimes expand too rapidly. I prefer soft points for a more reliable performance.

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I’ve always trusted soft points as well. Plus, they’re often more affordable than bonded options. What do you all think about factory loads versus handloading?

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I find factory loads convenient, but handloading allows for more customization based on your specific gun and conditions.

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Has anyone tried the Federal Fusion .22-250 for deer? I’ve heard good things, but I’m curious if it’s as effective in real hunting situations.

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I used the Fusion last season, and I was impressed! Good accuracy and decent knockdown power on the deer.

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I wonder if I’m overthinking this. My grandpa always used lead and got plenty of deer. Has all this new technology really changed the game that much?

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Well, there’s a lot more at our disposal now. It’s not just about the ammo, but also about the rifle and technique. Every bit helps!

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Here’s a thought: if you’re really into deer hunting, why not buy a non-toxic lead alternative? It’s something new and fun to try!

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Hey everyone! I’m looking for the best factory .22-250 ammo for deer hunting. Any recommendations based on your experiences?

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I’ve had great success with the Hornady V-Max. They deliver impressive accuracy and expansion, which is crucial for deer. Highly recommend them!

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Definitely second the Hornady recommendation! Their ammo has always delivered good performance for me, especially at longer ranges.

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I’ve also found Remington’s Accelerated loads to be quite reliable for deer. They group well, and performance has been outstanding.

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What do you guys think about Federal Fusion for deer hunting? I’ve read mixed reviews, but I can get it locally and am considering it.

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It’s decent! I’ve used it in the past and had good results, but it might not be as consistent as Hornady or Remington. You would need to see for yourself!

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