Is 32 inches too long for a 223 FTR?

Munkey1973

Munkey1973

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Regina, SK
I bought a 32 inch Bartlien for my 223 F Class build back in the summer....I'm still very green to F Class.
Its a 1:7, 5R, heavy palma contour and it will be going on my Rem 700.

The Gunsmith is going to look at it in couple of weeks.
Now, one guy (remain nameless) who is in F Class advised me that I might run into problems using a 32 inch.
And he advised me to I consider hacking it down to around 28.
But he didn't really specify what the problems may be (ex. barrel whip?).

After reading the article on the following link I got all geared up on the idea of a super long barrel when planning my build long ago....

http://bulletin.accurateshooter.com/2011/05/223-remington-shooter-equals-gb-1000-yard-f-tr-record/

I'd appreciate hearing input from experienced shooters in 223 FTR on the pros/cons of that length of barrel along with their experience in experimenting with various lengths.

Cheers,

Mike
 
I used a 32" 223 on my Target Rifle. It worked very well. 3,000 fps with Sierra 80MK.

The precision required of an F Class rifle is a magnitude higher than a TR, so maybe a stiffer barrel is called for.

But if you are using a flimsy action like a Rem 700, it may not matter.
 
It will likely work great. There are ways to stiffen a 700 action but a good pillar bedding in a rigid stock and it will likely chew the X ring out of the target with an experienced driver. Consistant, accurate and detailed reloading will be highly important.
 
I would PM this guy manitou210 he is the 223 F TR king. he has conducted endless tests using the 223, powders, primers, bullets, cases. you could look up his posts and see if he has already talked about barrel length.

no worries with using the Remington 700 action you are good to go.

all the best
Trevor
 
I have three rifles in 223 with 7 twist barrels used in F/class one is 28 inches, one at 30 inches and one at 32, the fastest barrel is the 32 inch but by only 10 or 15 FPS over the 30 inch barrel. The most accurate barrel is the 28 inch barrel. Would I go 32 again, NO, go with 30 inches 7 twist 5R chambered for the long 90 G. Bergers and 80.5's and never look back.

One thing that is a must with the 223 is detail to reloading and good components.

One other thing that is a must re-read the above sentence.

Cheers Bill
 
Thanks Trevor for kind words, and La Passe Bill for posting great info on this post, and really pay attention to Bills words

"One thing that is a must with the 223 is detail to reloading and good components."
"
I use a 30.5" Broughton 1/7 5r in a light straight taper a little heaver than a HV palma contour, I use the 80.5 Bergers at 300m and some time at 500 depending condition but after 500 I use the 90 g Bergers you can not give up 100 + BC these 80.5 gr will not run against the 80 .5 at 7,8'&900 meters.
my brother built a 223 with a Hart 28" 1/7 twist speed was less than the 30.5"
Here is a Post from Accurate shooter on fellow winning shooting TR
Note: his load is very very hot I would not go there your brass could be finished after one round, primer pockets way to loose to load again.
Make sure your smith can chamber a long throat if you will using the 90 gr


Gun Specifications
Bob was shooting a 1970s-era .223 Remington B-40X action inside a Competition Machine R1 chassis. The barrel is a 30.5″ Heavy Palma taper, 1:7″-twist Brux with a Wylde chamber and .220 freebore done up by Randy Gregory at Accuracy Unlimited. The Tubb 7T7 two-stage trigger was set at 1 + 1 pounds.

.223 Remington Accuracy Load — Berger 90gr VLDS, Varget and BR4s
Gill loaded 90gr Berger VLDs in front of 25.0 grains of Hodgdon Varget powder, jumping 15 to 20 thousandths for a 2.708 COL with a BR4 primer inside Lapua brass. Bob uses a Redding Full-Length S-Die to push the shoulders back .004 to match that of new Lapua brass and a bushing chosen to achieve .004 neck tension. He sorts his brass by weight into 0.5 grain lots and each piece is trimmed on a Giraud trimmer after sizing because he says “it grows like crazy”.

Cheers
Manitou
 
Thanks for that Bill. Very informative!

I've stocked up beforehand on an assortment of projectiles before the rifle comes back.
Have a couple hundred 75 Amax lying around for years (failed miserably in my old 20' barrel with 1:9 unless it was it 30 C above)
I have 500 of 77 Sierra TMK and 500 of Berger's 82 HPBT.
I would like try all of them at the local 200 yard range before I commit to a drive to Nokomis SK.

I may try the 32 inch this season and see how it performs....I really need to upgrade out of my Hogue stock too.
I can always cut off an inch or two next season and see how it performs then.

Would you mind sharing your cartridge combination/specification on your 80.5 Berger's with your 32 barrel (brass, primer, powder, as well jam or jump) ?
 
I had mine finished at 30. No regrets so far. If I'm able to get enough load testing done, I may try to use it this season in place of my 308.
 
Bill gave great information...i apologies for not including him, i could not remember his CGN handle (thought it was Wild Bill) he is every bit the competitor that Manitou is shooting the 223 BUT has seen the light and is now shooting a 308 LOL

Regards
Trevor
 
Trevor60 said:
Bill gave great information...i apologies for not including him, i could not remember his CGN handle (thought it was Wild Bill) he is every bit the competitor that Manitou is shooting the 223 BUT has seen the light and is now shooting a 308 LOL

Regards
Trevor
Click to expand...

Thanks Trevor60
Yes I have gone to the 308 but if F/class was limited to 600 yards I would still be using the 223. With the 223 we have won 600 yard shoots beating out the open guns as well.

Forget the V-max bullets, ok for varmint hunting but not F/class most for the guys run Lapua brass, Varget, Berger 80.5 and 90 G bullets and BR primers. We have found that the Berger 90G. VLD's need to be jammed .015" The 80.5 G. Bullet is a great bullet but at 700 plus yards in the wind you need the BC's of the 90 G. Bullets. Manitou is the King of the 223 and got me into F/class you can bank on his words. If you are around Ottawa this summer drop into Connaught ranges when there is F/class shoot on and we will help you out or PM me and we can talk.

Cheers Bill
 
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