How Well Does .22-250 Perform in Windy Conditions?

Wind Drift and Ballistics

The .22-250 Remington’s flat trajectory is due in part to its relatively high BC (ballistic coefficient) of around 0.45-0.50. This means that for a given wind speed, the .22-250 will experience less wind drift than a cartridge with a lower BC. For example, a 55-grain .22-250 bullet will experience around 2.5 inches of wind drift at 300 yards in a 10 mph crosswind, whereas a 55-grain .223 Remington bullet will experience around 4 inches of wind drift under the same conditions.

Wind Calls and Adjustment Techniques

To compensate for wind drift, hunters can use a variety of techniques, including adjusting their hold point, using a wind call, or making a correction for wind deflection. One common method is to adjust your hold point by the direction of the wind, with the idea being to hold the bullet slightly ahead of the target in a headwind and slightly behind the target in a tailwind. In general, a 1 mph change in wind speed corresponds to a 0.2-0.3 MOA shift in the point of impact. This means that if you’re shooting at 300 yards and the wind speed changes by 5 mph, you can expect a 1-1.5 MOA shift in the point of impact.

Wind-Resistant Loads and Techniques

To mitigate the effects of wind drift, some manufacturers offer wind-resistant loads that use heavier bullets or special propellants to reduce wind deflection. For example, the 55-grain Nosler Varmageddon bullet has a BC of around 0.45, making it a good choice for windy conditions. Additionally, some hunters use specialized techniques, such as “windsolving” or “wind mapping,” to better understand and compensate for wind drift. These techniques involve analyzing the wind pattern and adjusting your hold point accordingly, often using a combination of wind speed, direction, and other factors to make an accurate shot.