Lightest bullet with 1:9" .223

[Why not?]

You will have to work up the loads for your own rifle, but both H335 and IMR4198 will get you there. I prefer 335 because it meters so accurately that I never weigh charges once the measure is set.

Both rifles with their factory barrels, a Smith & Wesson Howa and a Stevens 200, shoot equally well with this bullet, and you don't need much brass when primer pockets are still tight after eight loadings.

Ted

PS: I know a fellow who regularly goes past 4000 fps with this bullet and H335 in Lapua cases, but 3900 in Winchester brass is plenty fast for me.

 

[Jordan Smith]

A little OT, but what are the heaviest/longest bullets stabilized by a 1:9 barrel? Asking what people have actually achieved.

The 75gr A-Max shoots bug holes from my 9" twist barrel.

 

[Cummins4x4]

The 75gr A-Max shoots bug holes from my 9" twist barrel.

Mine makes a nice 8" pattern at 100 yards with those bullets. Tried every powder that made any sense, no dice. YMMV

 

[KDX]

I have shot a lot of 40 gr Ballistic Tips at 3900 fps out of my 1:9 twist 223 Ackley. Tiny groups at 100 yd, small groups at 300 meters, and barely groups at 500.

They are hard on coyotes out to 250, reasonably efficient to 400.

Ted

That's smokin. I was thinking of going the AI route if I spin a new barrel on this rifle but can't decide. That decision will probably be a year down the road yet so I'm not going to sweat it.

 

[Jordan Smith]

Mine makes a nice 8" pattern at 100 yards with those bullets. Tried every powder that made any sense, no dice. YMMV

Yeah, some 9T barrels will do it, and some won't.

You can up your chances by seating the bullet to touch the lands, and give it as much gas as you safely can.

 

[thebaron]

I shoot 50gr Nosler BT very well out of my 1:9 Savage. I have also shot 40gr BlitzKings well too. I shoot H335