Barrel and scope for 223 FT/R and spotting scope.

**tammons** · 01-12-2014, 02:57 PM

I want to try out up to 600 yard FT/R with a 223. I like underdogs and no recoil etc.
The setup will be a short standard action, machined recoil lug, SSS trigger, Choate Adjustable tactical stock, egw base, heavy duty rings of some sort.

For a barrel 7 twist and I would prefer a 26" varmint for handling, but know its an underdog so should I just bite the bullet and go for a 28-30" bull barrel ? Thinking a Criterion barrel.

Right now am considering a SS 20X milrad scope but may later upgrade to a Viper HS-T 6-24x50 milrad Riflescope when they come out.

Have no clue on a spotting scope except I know it will be expensive. Thinking Vortex or Nikon. Want to be able to see 223 hits at 600.
What works best ? I assume a straight scope since I will be prone.

Thanks

thomae · 01-12-2014, 03:46 PM

I don't shoot FT/R, but service rifle shooters shoot 600 yards with a 20 inch barrel, so I would guess you would be ok with a 26" barrel. I'm just guessing, however.

I don't know that there are any spotting scopes that have the resolution to show .223 hits at 600 yards. At that range, we are talking about the ability to resolve an object with a diameter of approximately 0.037 minutes of angle. I have a Kowa Prominar TSN-3 with their flourite Prominar lenses and it won't show that. (That's why there are pit workers who mark the target with spotting discs in high power competitions)

Unless FT/R is very different than high power competition, you will want an angled eyepiece. You will be behind your rifle and will want to glance through your scope with minimum movement and without breaking your "locked into your rifle" position, an angled eyepiece works best for that.

I googled "FT/R shooting prone" and found the following image. Notice the scope on the far side of the rifle (I think it's the same one I have, actually) and the angled eyepiece set up so the shooter can simply lean/incline his head just a bit, and look through the scope without breaking his position.

**lal357** · 01-12-2014, 06:29 PM

here is the setup my wife stole from me
boyds thumbhole pillared and bedded
cbi 8t 223 varmint barrel 26"
egw 20moa base
vortex crossfire 8x32x50
( i know the scope has a bad wrap but this thing has never been off since i bought it has gone thru 2 guns and 2 barrels on one rifle
bolt lift kit added
sss enhanced ejection kit coming soon
lapped xtr rings
model 10 short action with target accutrigger set at 8oz
sinclair f class bipod
this thing loves 80 gr amax 's
have taken this out to 700yds with no problem

**lal357** · 01-12-2014, 06:31 PM

i would love to put a sightron s3 10x50x60 on it like the one that is on my 308 f t/r rig but since i dont shoot it and she likes it like it is it will stay this way for now

**LoneWolf** · 01-16-2014, 04:25 AM

In all honesty I have only particpated in 2 F T/R matches. one 3x600 and one 3x1000. I picked up a Konus spotting scope which is stellar if you have a spotter or for seeing hits at those distances when they come back up for scoring. I use a SWFA 12X SS with MLRAD reticle on my 308 Axis Build. I can see the shot spotters just as well with the scope on the rifle and wish I could put that money back into reloading components now and wait to get a spotting scope. I want to upgrade to the 5-20x50 HD scope as the clarity to be able to see the scoring rings now means more the me than actual magnification.

I use a Harris 9-13" notched leg bipod and a Red Tac rear bag on a wood block platform I put together, so really only a small adjustment (slight squeeze on the rear bag) is required to get on target. If your set up doesn't allow your crosshairs to be perfectly steady it will be very difficult to judge the next hold or adjustment for the next shot.

My next build I intend to do will be pretty much exactly what you're covering with the 26" 1 in 7 twist and I want to run 80-90gr VLD's for the 600 yard matches as it will be cheaper to load for those matches once set up. The only thing a 30" tube will get you more of is velocity which can be the difference in the wind between an X and a 10, but the 26" tube will still be highly effective as long as you pay close attention to the conditions.

**tammons** · 01-16-2014, 10:49 AM

Right now, I have a Choate Adjustable tactical on the way.
Got a deal on a close out Savage 223 package gun with accutrigger and will part it out so will have $250 into the action.
Ordered a 26" 223 7 twist bull barrel.

Just just drop on a 4-16x scope I have laying around, but I am thinking about a Vortex 6-24x HS-T scope for later.

Found a RL17 or MR-2000 90 gr berger load on the web where the guy is getting 2650-2700 so that sounds promising.
I loaded the 90 gr berger in 2007 over N540 with a factory savage 1:7 varmint barrel and it was one of my tightest shooting bullets in that gun.

**jhelmuth** · 01-16-2014, 11:13 AM

Originally Posted by tammons

Right now, I have a Choate Adjustable tactical on the way.
Got a deal on a close out Savage 223 package gun with accutrigger and will part it out so will have $250 into the action.
Ordered a 26" 223 7 twist bull barrel.

Just just drop on a 4-16x scope I have laying around, but I am thinking about a Vortex 6-24x HS-T scope for later.

Found a RL17 or MR-2000 90 gr berger load on the web where the guy is getting 2650-2700 so that sounds promising.
I loaded the 90 gr berger in 2007 over N540 with a factory savage 1:7 varmint barrel and it was one of my tightest shooting bullets in that gun.

Good call on ordering that barrel. Saw your other post on WTB for a factory 1:7 and I'm 100% Savage never made any 1:7 in the small shank.

Good luck!

**tammons** · 01-16-2014, 11:25 AM

LOL - The McGowen 7 twist small shank bull barrel is on the way.
I used to own a Factory 26" 7 twist small shank 223 barrel in 2007/2008.

**Hotolds442** · 01-16-2014, 03:40 PM

What type of sighting arrangement is being used in the photo above?

**tammons** · 01-16-2014, 03:49 PM

If you adjust the brightness of the photo you can see its a rear mounted peep sight mounted on a rail.

Hosted · 01-18-2014, 12:11 PM

I'll be interested to see how you like the McGowen. I'm planning on doing something similar this summer in 28" but am going to shoot with the factory barrel for a while first. I've seen quite a few good 90gr loads over on accurateshooter forum here lately if you're not already a member there.

**tammons** · 01-18-2014, 12:15 PM

Well we will see.

I will say the throat is too short for the 90 gr bergers loaded all the way out to 2.52 +- but I think I will shoot it as is before I have it throated. Right now the lands are at 2.461 with that bullet.

I will be loading over RL17 or Power Pro 2000-MR.

**Texas Solo** · 01-19-2014, 07:42 PM

Originally Posted by tammons

Well we will see.

I will say the throat is too short for the 90 gr bergers loaded all the way out to 2.52 +- but I think I will shoot it as is before I have it throated. Right now the lands are at 2.461 with that bullet.

I will be loading over RL17 or Power Pro 2000-MR.

That's why I went with the Wylde chamber. It shoot's the Berger 80VLD to .180" @ 100. Sub MOA at 600 if I do my part (it's only happened a couple of times !)