223 barrel length?

[6.5x55swm]

so 20" or 24", it's just a coyote rife for here in NB, maybe 300yds shots

 

[coyoteking]

I’ve got a 16.5” on my 223 that I regularly shoot out to 600 yards. I’m launching 69 SMK’s at 2750 FPS.

I’d go with the 20” myself, less weight and plenty of length for 300 yard shots.

 

[call2arms]

Unless using iron sights definitely not more than 20” for a 223

 

[StoneHorse]

Another vote for 20".

 

[Jim870]

It would depend on the rifle, at the end of the day you can always shorten a barrel that is longer than you want but the reverse requires a new barrel.

 

[Ruger007]

All my 223's are 26". As said above can always shorten. But once you go long you never go back.

 

[back40sniper]

Nothing under 24 and prefer 26, your ears will thank you. For anyone rappelling out of helicopters or kicking in doors just disregard this reply

 

[IvoB]

20 inch sporter barrel would be my choice - lite to carry and you don't have to worry about the barrel heating up for a coyote rifle - your dialing it in work will consist of your point of impact on cold bore shots when setting up your scope

 

[DT741]

Nothing under 24 and prefer 26, your ears will thank you. For anyone rappelling out of helicopters or kicking in doors just disregard this reply

Ahahaha I didn’t see this one coming and thank you for the laugh.

OP: I’d go for 20". Longer than that, for me, gets annoying to use, carry and store in a case. I wouldn’t dismiss shorter barrel options with a blast diffuser like the Dlask model mounted on a Ruger Ranch 5.56. Neat little package.

 

[dugasgunner]

I use a CZ 527 LUX and shot a yote at 175 meters no problem. Short is lighter and easier to move around. IMHO.

 

[brybenn]

I have a 16.5" barrel on my 223 coyote rig but i added a fake suppressor to keep some of the bark at bay when shooting in and around brushpiles. Its not light. Its not as fast but it handles well and shoots 55gr sierra game king hollow points into lil clusters.
If shooting in wide open fields id go 24 or 26. If hunting timber and wood fields and woodlots id go 20

 

[jparent]

I run a 16.5. A 20 would be fine and the max length i would want on any hunting rifle.

I don't notice the bark at all... shooting 75 grain bullets.... the 55's are noisy and the front end pops dramatically with those loads. YMMV

 

[dan belisle]

I have 223's with 20, 22, and 24 inch barrels. And an AI version with a 26 inch. The 22 is the lightest and easiest to to tote while walking about. The 26 is the quietest. - dan

 

[randyhub]

I run a 20" medium contour barrel on my Savage, way nicer than the skinny longer barrels I have found in .223, but heavier. My buddy runs a 16.5" in .223 I thought mine was barky, but the 16.5" reminds me of ARs, super loud.

My cheap brake has 3 rear angled ports on the side, my CAF buddy said take it off it has magnified the blast.

 

[RifleDude]

I really like my Ruger American Ranch in .223. The barrel is 16" and accuracy is sub-MOA with hand loads. Just perfect for carrying around in the field.

 

[todbartell]

I've owned/shot numerous 223's from 16.1" to 28", it's probably tough to beat 20" for a do-all length. Can easily push 55gr bullets to around 3100 fps