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

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.