Thread: 223 barrel length?

Originally Posted by kimjon

Can't Remember velocity of top of my head, but .223 isn't a good choice for long range. Any range up to 300m isn't really effected by velocity. Look at just about all centre fire ballistics and they all shoot to about the same point out to 300m be it at .223, or a super duper wsm... they're all about the same give or take a couple inches.

Beyond 300m the faster calibre will start to show up the slower ones, but beyond 300m the .223 has little energy and massive wind drift, so it's not ideal unles used in perfect conditions.

Kj

A heavy barrelled 223 with heavy projectiles can foot it with a 308 out to 900 or 1000 yards for target shooting.
Our Savage 223 described above shoots accurately out to 900 yards, can do 1000 if it isn't too windy.

Hunting might be a different story, but don't generalise about 223s and longer ranges please.

The original question suggested heavy projectiles in a short barrel, possibly not the best combo.

@kimjon
I agree with what your are saying, for my purposes I won't be shooting any further than 200-250m. Although I will see how it goes. I already have a 'superduper wsm' for a bit further @Kiwi Greg
You raise a valid point, it may be that I will have a limit of 68 or 69 grain projectiles to keep a bit of speed, if I was to shorten it.
I would be putting a suppressor on and looking to shorten it to even the balance


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Originally Posted by Proudkiwi

If the intention is to make it a more handy rifle, then cut it back even further. If you are concerned about longer range ballistic performance you have (A) picked the wrong calibre to start with and (B) are now handicapping it even further by reducing the barrel length.

Heavy pills and short barrels in small cases is generally a lousy combo.

Generally.

Your on to it, wanting it to be handier. I'm not looking for a long range rig already got a7/300wsm.
Looking for something to be light and easy to shoot, for when the kids are big enough they can use it.

The rifle would be used for rabbits and goats (close range). And a fair bit of target practice

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Originally Posted by puku

Your on to it, wanting it to be handier. I'm not looking for a long range rig already got a7/300wsm.
Looking for something to be light and easy to shoot, for when the kids are big enough they can use it.

The rifle would be used for rabbits and goats (close range). And a fair bit of target practice

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Sweet. Cut it to 18 or something, add a can and run the 53gr vmax at about 3250-3300. It will slay everything inside 400 and be nicer and cheaper to shoot than using the 75gr amax.

I use 62 gr scirocco @3250 fps through a 22" tube.
Used to get the same with 55 ' s and 3500 fps with 50gr V max.


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Originally Posted by R93

I use 62 gr scirocco @3250 fps through a 22" tube.
Used to get the same with 55 ' s and 3500 fps with 50gr V max.


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How much are they Dave?
Last lot of 75 amax's were 44c. But we will probably buy bulk next time to save

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What powder you using R96 - my best velocity in the 50gn to 53gn 3350fps (have had 3550pfs with 50gn but some days shows pressure so left it) is with H335 but pressure pecks quickly, CFE 223(3250fps) for the 60gn and 2208 for 75gn(3000fps) 22" barrel Trueflite much the same as Tikka Barrel.

Originally Posted by puku

How much are they Dave?
Last lot of 75 amax's were 44c. But we will probably buy bulk next time to save

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They are dear at $110 per hundred but I just shoot animals with them.


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Originally Posted by 300MAG

What powder you using R96 - my best velocity in the 50gn to 53gn 3350fps (have had 3550pfs with 50gn but some days shows pressure so left it) is with H335 but pressure pecks quickly, CFE 223(3250fps) for the 60gn and 2208 for 75gn(3000fps) 22" barrel Trueflite much the same as Tikka Barrel.

My barrel is a 1:9 TF. I just use 62 grs BM2. No pressure. Only use my brass once because I have thousands of cases that fell off a truck.😉


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Originally Posted by R93

My barrel is a 1:9 TF. I just use 62 grs BM2. No pressure. Only use my brass once because I have thousands of cases that fell off a truck.


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Opps a bit of a typo there, please don't try that, 62 grains of BM2 in anything would be exciting.

Have you read the article of the guy shooting his 223 to a mile?

Originally Posted by Cartman

Have you read the article of the guy shooting his 223 to a mile?

Dougie shoots hers to 900

Thats cool. But we both know past 1200 is were shit gets real interesting with magnums can only imagine with a 223. He had to shim the scope to zero it at 1200 just to get enough elevation to get it to a mile.

Originally Posted by Cartman

Thats cool. But we both know past 1200 is were shit gets real interesting with magnums can only imagine with a 223. He had to shim the scope to zero it at 1200 just to get enough elevation to get it to a mile.

Couldn't agree more. I've shot steel out to 1.2miles with one of Greg's big 375 Terminators it sure kept me honest.
But the smile is awesome
Sorry getting off topic.


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Originally Posted by Cyclops

A heavy barrelled 223 with heavy projectiles can foot it with a 308 out to 900 or 1000 yards for target shooting.
Our Savage 223 described above shoots accurately out to 900 yards, can do 1000 if it isn't too windy.

Hunting might be a different story, but don't generalise about 223s and longer ranges please.

The original question suggested heavy projectiles in a short barrel, possibly not the best combo.

There are some very talented marksmen and in no wind conditions I'm sure there are some tight groups that get quoted by someone using a .223. But with BC's in the .2 - .36 range and slow velocities with the heavier billets...on a windy day you may as well leave your .223 at home.

I'm not anti .223 its the calibre I've used the most, professional hunting for 12 years with one, shot 10's of thousands of rounds in that calibre...love the little .223...but I'm also well aware of its limitations.

For pukus intended use its perfect. But it's not my first choice for long range.

Kj