223 improved questions

[RC]

I have not gotten an action yet, but probably will start with a target action. Rifle will be primarily for range use and possible occasional varmint. I want to have the option to shoot up to the 77-80 gr bullet. I am hoping to be able to try some shooting to at least 600 yards. I am looking at the 223 Improved primarily because of the heavier bullets.
With an 8 twist barrel what range of bullets should I hope to be able to use?
Also what length barrel would you recommend for the caliber?

[scope eye]

With an 8 twist you should be able to shoot up to 80 grain bullets no problem.

Dean

[GaryB]

Here is an article that answers most of the questions you have asked.

Great read!

http://www.6mmbr.com/223rem.html

[BoilerUP]

80 Amax is marginal with 1:8 down around sea level...should be stable but is on the ragged edge, especially when cold.

75 Amax or 75/80 VLD would be plenty stable.

[Cyclops]

I bought the Savage Model 12 VLP DBM 233 with 26" 1:7 twist barrel for my 14 year old son to learn to target shoot with.
All we had to do was add a scope rail + scope and sinclair bipod.

We load 24.7 gr Varget into Norma cases with 80 gr A-Max projectiles.
It shoots well out to 900 yards, but can struggle at 1000 yards in heavier winds.
It is competitive against 308 calibre rifles in FTR class competition.

Great first rifle for a target shooter.

[GaCop]

I built a 223AI a couple of years ago using a Criterion 26" varmint weight barrel, 1 in 8" twist, on a 110 long action. My Lapua 223 Rem brass gives me close to 1.5 grains more powder space than the parent case did unmodified. I use a single shot follower so don't have to worry about over all length for a magazine box and can seat bullets into the rifling with ease. I was getting the best long range accuracy with Hornady 75grain A-Max bullets and regret Hornady "temporarily" discontinuing them so now that my A-Max supply is depleted I'm having to work up loads with the 75 gr BTHP's from Hornady.

The only down side I've experienced with the AI is the occasional round chambering with difficulty due to the 40 degree shoulder on the case. I eliminated that little problem by sliding the round into the chamber and then closing the bolt.

[BoilerUP]

I was getting the best long range accuracy with Hornady 75grain A-Max bullets and regret Hornady "temporarily" discontinuing them so now that my A-Max supply is depleted I'm having to work up loads with the 75 gr BTHP's from Hornady.

The 75 and 80 Amax are both back in production and available.

[Rooster 50]

I bought the Savage Model 12 VLP DBM 233 with 26" 1:7 twist barrel for my 14 year old son to learn to target shoot with.
All we had to do was add a scope rail + scope and sinclair bipod.

We load 24.7 gr Varget into Norma cases with 80 gr A-Max projectiles.
It shoots well out to 900 yards, but can struggle at 1000 yards in heavier winds.
It is competitive against 308 calibre rifles in FTR class competition.

Great first rifle for a target shooter.

You using the same load for the 80gr Amax that I use for a 69gr Sierra. No pressure signs with that load?

[Cyclops]

You using the same load for the 80gr Amax that I use for a 69gr Sierra. No pressure signs with that load?

Started to get some sign on the primer with 24.8 gr - 25.0 gr so we settled on 24.7 gr.
Have shot about 1000 rounds over the season with that load (24.7 gr Varget 80 gr A-Max) without any issues.

[RC]

I was looking at the combo for several reasons. Was hoping that the 223I would shoot just a little faster than regular 223 which would improve chances of stabilizing bullets up to 80gr with 8 twist barrel. Single shot target action should help with feeding the sharp shouldered rounds. Also believe that I might benefit from a slightly longer barrel than the normal 26" so I thought the stiffness of the target action would help with that extra weight. I plan on contacting a couple of barrel makers before I decide on length but I am leaning towards the Savage factory contour .
I realize the 22-250 with an 8 twist barrel will do what I want probably easier. But the extra recoil, blast, powder, and shorter barrel life are what I am trying to avoid. I have several small caliber rounds, 17 Remington, 22 Hornet, 204 Ruger, and being able to see through the scope without loosing your entire sight picture do to recoil is addictive.

[BoilerUP]

1:8 does fine with 80s...it is just that some 80s are longer (80gr Amax) than others (80 SMK), and the longer the bullet the less stability factor it has in a 1:8 tube.

I have a 22" 1:7 223AI and get 2950fps with 80gr Amax and 24.9gr 8208XBR, simply as a frame of reference.

[GaCop]

The 75 and 80 Amax are both back in production and available. Good to know but, very little available in my area to date. I've yet to see them available on line with the companies I normally deal with like Midsouth and Widener's. I got lucky a few months back and snagged one box of 75 gr A-Max at Academy Sports (only one left on the shelf) and haven't seen any more there since then.

[BoilerUP]

The 80 Amax is in stock at Powder Valley and also Midsouth in 100ct; the 75 Amax is out of stock both places but has been available more recently and is currently available other places online like Midway, Buds and Grabagun.

[stomp442]

The improved case will give you a little more velocity but not a whole lot. More speed has very little to do with stability as compared to atmospheric conditions. Unless you are shooting right at sea level you shouldn't have a problem shooting up to 80gr bullets. I think the new 77gr TMK would be the one I would look into if I were in your shoes.