I have it on good authoritah that GE *IS* in the process of phasing out the M250R2. (I said good authority, not confirmed, but my source owns an electrical supply store and orders GE)

So if anyone here is looking to buy a GE M250R2/A2, I would consider making your move fairly quickly. 

I asked the owner what happens if my M250R2 should bite the dust before the warranty expires and he told me "If your fixture fails before the warranty expires, it will be repaired or replaced with the same wattage/voltage in the M400R3."

He told me over the phone that HIS distributor, Rafferty Lighting in St. Louis is no longer ordering the M250R2s, and "once their current stock is depleted, they will only carry the M400R3 model."  Rafferty Lighting gets their stock direct from GE and from the fax he received last month, it indicated that once their 6,220 M250R2s are sold, they will no longer carry that model, but at the present time, if they were to receive a large enough order (200+), and as long as GE is still in production, only then will they order it, but they will no longer order the M250R2s in lesser quantities except for use by Utility Electric companies. 

This was sad news for me, but I already have my M250R2s.  1 M2RR (a 250w HPS) and 1 M2RC (a 100w HPS), both brand new/NOS. 

This is why I am posting this.  Now, I will say I do not know how other distributors are operating (maybe they will still order them), but I am speaking for the areas served by Ameren Illinois and Ameren Missouri who get their inventory from Rafferty Lighting. 

IOW, if you are even the slightest inclined to acquire a new M250R2/A2, I would check with your distributor NOW to get a price.  Avoid Grainger at all costs! 

I am simply relaying what I was told this morning by the owner of the local GE Lighting distributor for consumers.  (Rafferty Lighting distributes directly to Ameren and Ameren orders are a priority over consumer orders since they order in bulk).     

Me?  😢😢😢

I forgot to mention that as of August 1, 2017 or current M250 stock is depleted (whichever comes first), Rafferty Lighting will be ordering the EVOLVE LED equivalent of the M250R2, the EVOLVE ERL & ERS.  They will continue to carry and order the M400R3, PF400, and 201SA, the 201SA will only be ordered in 100w HPS variety.  Rafferty will also be ordering the Evolve E2SA to replace the 201SA.  It's happening guys and it's happening fast!  Faster than we imagined

On the M400R3 spec sheet I noticed that, among the normal HPS wattages that "84" and "85" were on it. Next to "84" it says 4000k and "85" says 3000k. Any ideas what this means?
I know that GE is phasing out the M250R2 (BOOOO!!!  ), but what about the M400R3? I would like to order one in 150w HPS since that is a pretty uncommon configuration (that is, once I get the money).

The M400R3 is here to stay for a little while longer... but not much longer.  You could order a 150w M400R3 easy, and if you had the money right now, you could probably order an M250R2, but as of next year, the M250s will most likely be discontinued. And the only HID cobrahead will be the M400R3 (GE wise anyway)

The size of the optics and the entrie M400R3, meaning that it is only suitable for 250-400W HID lamps. 150W HID lamp would be too small for the optics of this lantern. The M250R2 has the correct optic size for 150W HID lamps. Too small lamp for too large optics, may reduces lantern optical performance.

We have a couple of 150w HPS M400R3 already.  The socket can be adjusted so that the lens is perfect for that size lamp.  I'm sure that once the M250R2 is discontinued, Ameren will either order several M400R3 for lower wattages, or will order a different brand for the smaller lamps altogether.  Only time will tell.

We have a couple of 150w HPS M400R3 already.  The socket can be adjusted so that the lens is perfect for that size lamp.  I'm sure that once the M250R2 is discontinued, Ameren will either order several M400R3 for lower wattages, or will order a different brand for the smaller lamps altogether.  Only time will tell.

How much do you think one would cost with a simple reactor ballast and a glass refractor?

@ LumeX: Thats for induction. AFAIK they don't make induction anymore. Must've forgotten to remove it from the sheet...

So your distributor is not going to be stocking M-250R2s. Doesn't mean GE is stopping production. I'm sure the day will come but it won't be today and won't be tomorrow. Probably won't be next week or next month either. But it is coming eventually.