.22-250 Ackley Improved

The .22-250 Ackley Improved is a cartridge that holds a special place in the hearts of precision reloaders and varmint hunters. The history of the .22-250 Ackley Improved begins in the early 20th century, originating from the classic .250-3000 Savage case, necked down to accept .224-inch bullets. The improved version bears the name of P.O. Ackley, a renowned wildcatter and gunsmith famed for his methods to increase case capacity and performance through his “improved” designs. Ackley’s signature modification, practical for home reloaders, involved steepening the shoulder angle and reducing body taper, resulting in increased powder capacity and, ultimately, higher velocities. The original .22-250 gained widespread popularity in the 1930s and ‘40s as a wildcat, but with Ackley’s influence, it transformed into a specialized cartridge appealing to enthusiasts seeking maximum performance from a .22-caliber rifle. Even after Remington standardized the .22-250 Remington in the 1960s, Ackley’s version maintained a loyal following due to its superior ballistics and reloadable nature.

The applications of the .22-250 Ackley Improved are diverse, with its most significant use in varmint and predator hunting. Its exceptional velocity and flat trajectory make it a standout choice for long-range shooting at fast-moving small targets like prairie dogs, groundhogs, and coyotes. Reloaders particularly appreciate the cartridge’s efficiency in delivering explosive terminal performance on small game with minimal recoil, enabling rapid follow-up shots and clear sight pictures. Benchrest shooters and accuracy aficionados value the .22-250 Ackley Improved’s capacity for tight groups at considerable distances, while its inherent flexibility in handloading allows customization for specific rifles, barrels, and shooting scenarios. Competitive shooters also exploit its flat trajectory and wind-bucking performance for small-bore competitions at extended ranges.

In terms of target species, the .22-250 Ackley Improved excels when used against varmints and medium-sized predators. Its high-velocity characteristics are perfectly suited for efficiently taking ground squirrels, marmots, and similar rodents at ranges well beyond 400 yards. Predator hunters favor it for foxes, bobcats, and especially coyotes, relishing the energy and accuracy that ensure quick, ethical harvests. While capable of dispatching slightly larger animals with well-placed shots, this caliber is generally not recommended for big game due to its small bullet diameter and limited penetration compared to bigger bore cartridges. The round’s high velocity aids in explosive expansion with varmint bullets, minimizing the risk of over-penetration or ricochets in open terrain.

When it comes to bullet weights and caliber characteristics, the .22-250 Ackley Improved typically performs best with bullets ranging from 40 to 60 grains. Lighter projectiles, such as 40- to 50-grain hollow points or ballistic tips, achieve staggering muzzle velocities—often exceeding 4,100 feet per second—making them ideal for small varmints at very long range. Heavier bullets in the 55- to 60-grain bracket deliver improved stability in windy conditions and expand performance for medium-sized predators. The cartridge’s case design, with minimal body taper and a sharp shoulder angle (generally 40 degrees), greatly increases powder capacity over the parent .22-250 Remington, allowing reloaders to fine-tune their loads for velocity or precision. Case life for the Ackley Improved is excellent when properly resized, and the extensive availability of premium .224” projectiles further enhances its appeal. Handloaders appreciate the flexibility for tuning pressure, velocity, and accuracy to match individual rifle preferences, making the .22-250 Ackley Improved a perennial favorite where flat-shooting, high-velocity .22 caliber cartridges are desired.