.223 opinions?

T

TrxR

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Ok everyone. If you remember I was asking about a 6BR in a Savage Model 12 Varmint Rifle a short while ago. Well I am now looking for some opinions on a .223 for shooting out to 600yds. Then If I can start doing that accurately I will probably step up to a larger caliber. The reason I am thinking this is so I can get a Varmint license and be legal to carry the gun in the woods and get lots of practice in, as the ranges are a minimum of an hour away and I dont always have weekends free. So I am wondering how accurate the .223 can be out to 600yds and what twist rate should a person look at? The options from Savage are 1 in 9 and 1 in 7. Also do 22-250's have a shorter barrel life? What are the advantages and disadvantages between the .223 and 22-250?

Any suggestions on a good scope would be appreciated?

Thanks
 
load up some 80 gr SMK`s over 24 grains of varget. 600 yards with a .223 is no problem. you`ll want about a 1in8 twist. If your only choices are 1in7 or 1in9 I`d go for the 1in7.
 
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If you stay with a Savage, get the 9 twist, 75gr AMAX or Bergers, Varget, CCI 450 or BR4, Win cases (Fed, Rem, LC work too). Go have fun.

I have shot this combo to a mile with sub MOA accuracy (on a very calm day). Other factory savages have made the trip too.

With proper bedding and load tuning, you should be able to reach sub MOA at 600yds.

The 69gr MK is another good choice and have seen some spectacular groups shot with Savages at 100yds. No where near as good as a LR bullet vs the Amax though but works for MANY shooters.

Any of the heavier 69 to 77gr match bullets will work in a 9 twist.

I am a huge fan of 80gr AMAX and BERGERS which require an 8 twist.

Either way, you will have no issue shooting to 600yds and hitting clay pigeons IF you can dope the winds.

Jerry
 
I've used a Tikka in 223 with one in eight inch twist with 60 V max over 24.5 grains of Benchmark to great extent. My groups are under half in a 200 from a rest so they are accurate as stink, not to mention cheaper than some of the other bullets mention here. I also feel if you do happen to use it for varmint's rather than targets this bullet is going to dispatch of varmints in a much more ethical manner. Just my thoughts.
 
Im in New Brunswick Canada and we legally need a license to shoot coyotes, porky pines, or any other pests also known as Varmints. Also this license limits you to a 22 cal rifle.

Thanks


Overview:
Issuance of varmint hunting licences to residents of NB and non-residents.

Eligibility:
Resident: Must be 16 years of age or older, must be a resident as defined in the Fish and Wildlife Act and must not be restricted from purchasing a New Brunswick Hunting Licence.
Non-Resident: Must be 16 years of age or older, must show proof of identity and must not be restricted from purchasing a New Brunswick Hunting Licence.

Hunter Education Requirements:
Resident and Non-Resident Hunters born on or after January 1, 1981 and all first-time hunters must show proof of a Firearm Safety / Hunter Education Course. Hunters born previous to 1981 may present a previous hunting licence as proof of hunting experience.
All bow hunters must complete a Bow Hunter Education course. All bow hunters born on or after January 1, 1981, and all first-time bow hunters must complete a Firearm Safety / Hunter Education course plus a Bow Hunter Education course.
Conservation Education certificates from other provinces, territories and states are valid in New Brunswick.

Description:
Resident and Non-resident hunters who wish to hunt for groundhog, coyote, crow and cormorant may purchase a New Brunswick Varmint Hunting Licence. This licence is valid annually from March 1st until September 20th.

There is the info on the Varmint license.
 
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Oh, you said varmint license.

Varmint/Terrorist
tomato/potato
whatever.


EDIT: Happy 800th piece of spam post to me.
 
TrxR said:
Im in New Brunswick Canada and we legally need a license to shoot coyotes, porky pines, or any other pests also known as Varmints. Also this license limits you to a 22 cal rifle.

Thanks


Overview:
Issuance of varmint hunting licences to residents of NB and non-residents.

Eligibility:
Resident: Must be 16 years of age or older, must be a resident as defined in the Fish and Wildlife Act and must not be restricted from purchasing a New Brunswick Hunting Licence.
Non-Resident: Must be 16 years of age or older, must show proof of identity and must not be restricted from purchasing a New Brunswick Hunting Licence.

Hunter Education Requirements:
Resident and Non-Resident Hunters born on or after January 1, 1981 and all first-time hunters must show proof of a Firearm Safety / Hunter Education Course. Hunters born previous to 1981 may present a previous hunting licence as proof of hunting experience.
All bow hunters must complete a Bow Hunter Education course. All bow hunters born on or after January 1, 1981, and all first-time bow hunters must complete a Firearm Safety / Hunter Education course plus a Bow Hunter Education course.
Conservation Education certificates from other provinces, territories and states are valid in New Brunswick.

Description:
Resident and Non-resident hunters who wish to hunt for groundhog, coyote, crow and cormorant may purchase a New Brunswick Varmint Hunting Licence. This licence is valid annually from March 1st until September 20th.

There is the info on the Varmint license.
Click to expand...

Thank you. I didn't know that. And my condolences to you for having to get one to rid yourself of vermin. The only varmint license you need out here is the one for your truck so you can drive to the field. - dan
 
One other thing. Has anyone ever had or heard of an issues shooting a right handed bolt action gun off the left shoulder?

Thanks
 
I shoot right handed bolt guns off the left shoulder because, when I had to switch over, I had a rack full of right handed bolt actions. I never have used a left handed bolt action in the 35 years since the switch.
It's quite awkward when trying to shoot prone with a sling but no problem for "F" class. Hunting, I naturally expect the animal to fall after the first shot so don't think much about follow-ups!
The one drawback to the 223 as a long range cartridge is that it is necessary to run pressures fairly high to get the performance one might want. The brass is not as strong as that of the BR for example. Nonetheless, guys are making it work and work well.
I spent a season messing with a 22-250 with heavy bullets and feel that it is a bit tempermental and the 223 might be the better choice. As a long range varmint cartridge though, the 22-250 is a fine choice.
I've toyed with the idea of making up a 22 BR to shoot 80 grain bullets but it won't happen this year. I think it would work real well. Regards, Bill.
 
TrxR said:
Ok everyone. If you remember I was asking about a 6BR in a Savage Model 12 Varmint Rifle a short while ago. Well I am now looking for some opinions on a .223 for shooting out to 600yds. Then If I can start doing that accurately I will probably step up to a larger caliber. The reason I am thinking this is so I can get a Varmint license and be legal to carry the gun in the woods and get lots of practice in, as the ranges are a minimum of an hour away and I dont always have weekends free. So I am wondering how accurate the .223 can be out to 600yds and what twist rate should a person look at? The options from Savage are 1 in 9 and 1 in 7. Also do 22-250's have a shorter barrel life? What are the advantages and disadvantages between the .223 and 22-250?

Any suggestions on a good scope would be appreciated?

Thanks
Click to expand...

1-.223 is a good choice for 600y shooting

2-You should get a 1 in 7 twist it will stabilize heavier bullets which is key to shooting long distance.

3-Barrel life is better in the .223

As for .223 advantages; it's cheaper to shoot if you buy factory
easy to reload for to,plenty of cheap brass available,does not use a lot of powder,long barrel life.

As for 22-250 advantages: higher velocity
 
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