Thread: 223 barrel length?

Didn't see my mention. I have found you just need to experiment. Different bullet and powder combos give wildly different results in different guns. Some numbers off the top of my head for different loads:

68gr Hornady BTHP, 26gr 2206H, ADI brass, Murom primer, 16" Colt barrel = 2864 fps

65gr SGK, ADI brass, compressed load of 2208, CCI 450, 16" Spikes = 2750ish fps. Max charge of 2206H gives mid 2650ish.

75gr Hornady BTHP, ADI, compressed load of 2206H, CCI 450, 16" Colt = 2750fps

I struggle to get most cheap 55gr bullets over 2900fps with adventurous loads and the above barrels. Have had 53gr V max in the 3100fps territory but it shot like poo. Remember with a "fudd" stick you probably can't load as hot as I do and get away with it. Both the above Hornady loads are very accurate and fast. I have killed a few goats with the 68gr and never witnessed a more effective killing .224 bullet. Have shot exactly one deer with a .223, and it was shot in the face at about 10yds with the 65gr SGK. Predictable results. Keen to shoot something with the 75gr, by all accounts it is a savage bullet. Most interested in the new 77gr TMK bullets, when they are actually a thing on the shelves. A heavy plastic tipped bullet that fits inside an AR mag and has a G1 over .4 will take things to another level.