Thread: ideal barrel length for 223, is there a formula?

This post is bringing up good memories for me.

I had a 20"

Sold it albeit it was a semi varmint profile barrel.

Next time I went for a 16" as a all-rounder for hunting, 3 gun and yeeting with having a great time.

I found 16 was hands down the most practical.

Using irons ringing steel at 270y was stupidly easy.

The thing for a 223 I think I'd actually be more concerned with would be twist rate.
@Beavis will be able to offer more insight on the subject than I but I found 1 in 8 was a good all-round twist rate.

Hope this info helps

Originally Posted by Rock river arms hunter

This post is bringing up good memories for me.

I had a 20"

Sold it albeit it was a semi varmint profile barrel.

Next time I went for a 16" as a all-rounder for hunting, 3 gun and yeeting with having a great time.

I found 16 was hands down the most practical.

Using irons ringing steel at 270y was stupidly easy.

The thing for a 223 I think I'd actually be more concerned with would be twist rate.
@Beavis will be able to offer more insight on the subject than I but I found 1 in 8 was a good all-round twist rate.

Hope this info helps

If I built a bolt gun today in 223, I want a 1:7, maybe even a 1:6.5 twist. I wouldn't mind having a play with some of the 90-95gr bullets.

I'm currently running a 17" barrel on my GBC straight pull rifle and getting 2700fps with 75gr Gold Dots. I can load it hotter, could probably push it to 2800, but getting ok accuracy and using less powder where I am. This load really takes 223 to another place firepower wise.

Originally Posted by Beavis

If I built a bolt gun today in 223, I want a 1:7, maybe even a 1:6.5 twist. I wouldn't mind having a play with some of the 90-95gr bullets.

I'm currently running a 17" barrel on my GBC straight pull rifle and getting 2700fps with 75gr Gold Dots. I can load it hotter, could probably push it to 2800, but getting ok accuracy and using less powder where I am. This load really takes 223 to another place firepower wise.

With no semi options these days and most bolt actions like the Tikka's not sized to the 223 case at what projectile weight would it be more logical to just buy a 243 and be done with it. I ask as 90-95g bullets seem to be 243 territory.
Full disclosure I do not own a 223 or 243, just an interested observer.