F/TR class 600 yard with .223

[Tempest]

Well my son and I did a 1,000 yard F/TR with a .308 and now he wants to try a 600 with a .223. However, I have a question for the experts. Last time out, we shot Hornday 68g at 400 yards and it shot VERY well.

I was hoping to use this ammo but do you think I need a heavier grain in the event we have some wind or is the 68g good for that distance? The twist is 1 in 9.

[Texas Solo]

I use 80gr Bergers through a 1/7 twist, and it's great at that distance. But I suspect that a 69gr. will be about the limit for your slower 1/9 twist. Maybe you could get away with 77gr, but I doubt it. The 80 & 90 grain bullets specifically say "for 1/8 or faster twist". Your 68 or 69 grainers will group OK, but you'll have to learn the wind calls. AFAIK, all the 600 yard CMP guys are shooting 69's as it the max they can get to fit magazine length, and some of those boys score really well.

[Hosted]

I think the 68's should do pretty well at that distance. I would try the 75gr match bullets as well. The 9 twist should shoot the 75 Hornady match. The 75 amax would be even better if your rifle will shoot it, but my 9 twist sporter barrel doesn't like the amax's but shoots both match bullets great.

[Tempest]

Thanks. I think we will just try the 68 Match. The rifle shot the best it ever did with those.

[kelbro]

I have shot the 69s at 500 with good results. Will be trying 223 at 600 in a couple of weeks but I think that I will be using 77gr SMKs or 75gr AMaxes.

[Uncle H]

We use the Berger 70g in our 1-9's, a fellow F-Class shooter turned use onto them, there are amazing at 600 yards.
Sierra 69g MK BC= 0.301
Hornady 75g HPBT Match BC= 0.395
Berger 70g VLD BC= 0.371

As you can see the Berger BC is much better than the Sierra for being just one grain heavier and not far behind the Hornady for being 5g lighter. Would have to look at the load to be for sure of the charge ( my memeory is not as good as my forgeter), but we are using Varget powder and like I said the shoot great out of 1-9 barrels.