Thread: 223 barrel length?

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I guess my point is it won't matter at .223 effective ranges, you won't notice any real difference out to 300m between an 18" and 22" barrel on a target.

So velocity becomes academic only.

It really depends on what your target is & how far away you are intending to shoot said target.

The .223 is a small calibre with limited grunt, depending on what you intend to use it for you may require as much grunt as possible.

Shortening the barrel won't help with this.

Using the heavier projectiles to get good velocity with the slower powders you need a decent barrel length.

Otherwise with a suppressor everyone would be using 10-12" barrels for everything.

Originally Posted by puku

What have people found on a good barrel length for the 223 namely shooting 75 amax.
I know some of the AR guys have some short barrels, but how much does speed suffer with lopping a barrel back to 18" or there abouts.
My theory is 18" should be fine as is a small case and amount of powder to burn...

Anybody got some speeds for the heavier .224 projectiles?
@Digit @Beavis @kimjon
Thought I would add some tags (you guys might have some info?)

Thanks in advance
Kyle.

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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.

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.

@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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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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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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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 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.

Originally Posted by Kiwi Greg

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

Got them numbers around the wrong way.bugger! Sorry folks.
Didn't see that and posted that on my boarding call in Brizzy.

26 gr not 62😆
Not that you could fit that much BM2 in a .223 case😆

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