Thread: 223 on deer

Originally Posted by Ground Control

Thought I’d bump this thread up to the top , because it’s one of my favourites.
Anyone done some more .223 stuff of any kind ?
Also I’m interested in others opinions about velocity/ barrel length for the .223 , I see that there are a few here running shorter barrels ( mainly I suspect to accommodate suppressors) , but my thoughts have turned to trying to ring as much velocity out of the .223 as possible ( no matter what bullet weight) to increase on target performance/ energy , because any increase is a benefit with a cartridge as small as the .223
Id be interested to hear others thoughts on that .

Just me, but for an all round .223 I wouldn't want under 20". 20" is the ideal for me (I have 2 20", and a 22"). The folk with shorter barrels always seem to be chasing velocity. My theoretical minimum is 3 K for a 69 grain projectile (that is achievable in some 18" but you never know until you have made the cut). But all of that is just me.

Ive also gravitated towards faster twist barrels so I can use heavier for caliber projectiles. The 80 grain are something else for bucking wind and knocking over, but require a 1:8 barrel.

Originally Posted by Tahr

Just me, but for an all round .223 I wouldn't want under 20". 20" is the ideal for me (I have 2 20", and a 22"). The folk with shorter barrels always seem to be chasing velocity. My theoretical minimum is 3 K for a 69 grain projectile (that is achievable in some 18" but you never know until you have made the cut). But all of that is just me.

Ive also gravitated towards faster twist barrels so I can use heavier for caliber projectiles. The 80 grain are something else for bucking wind and knocking over, but require a 1:8 barrel.

In my limited experience I would have to agree with you .
I have a 20 inch 1:8 barrel and a 22 inch 1:12 .
I’m leaning towards getting one that is the best of both worlds a 22 inch 1:8
I use Factory ammo ( gave up reloading 10 years ago ) and the true velocity of Factory is never what it says on the box .
My 22 inch barrel is probably only delivering what hand loaders are getting from a 18-19 barrel