Light v/s heavy barrel for a .223

Sadly :(no one here as answered my initial question of weather I would NOTICE a significant difference. I don't need the info on a heavy barrel. I already know that.
Anyways I'm going to purchase the Tikka t3 camo stainless, have my gunsmith fine tune it etc., add a 20 MOA rail and if needed add foam inside the stock. Then go out and do a lot of shooting. Once the barrel starts to go out on me I'll have a new one a bit longer and a size heavier put on. Then if it's to top heavy just add a bit of weight in the stock to rebalance things.

Now to find the right ammo to match the 1:8" twist.

Simple, a sporter weight barrel will shoot great 3 shot groups but will start to open up after that if shot quickly.Big steel slows that down.
 
I shoot a Savage 12fvss ..26" heavy barrel...and am very pleased at the moa i get out at 1000 yards. I have shot varmint over 1000 but it was big bodied and sitting still....Depends on your confidence in your ability.
 
Barrel contour does not affect accuracy for the first 3rds. Barrel contour allows for better stability when the steel heats up, at least in factory pipes.

I have a Stevens 223 which I use for general plinking and it shoots 75gr Amax 3/8 to 1/2 MOA at near ranges and MOA'ish at LR. Barrel walks when it gets hot so number of shots in this heat is limited to 3 to 5rds.

I also have a Pac nor heavy barrel for this action that will serve as a high volume shooter, F class and tacky practise rig.

Jerry
 
.............the right ammo to match the 1:8" twist.

Inukshuk, my Stevens 200 started out as a fun gun to carry on my skidoo. It shot so well that I decided to have it rechambered to 223 Ackley.

The factory 22" barrel just loves the 75 gr A-Max ahead of H335 powder and magnum primers. Getting inch groups at 3000 fps with that bullet is a piece of cake, and the 1:9 twist takes it to 500 meters with ease.

I have not shot it beyond that, but I understand that that bullet at 3000+ easily makes it to 1000 meters. You might want to consider going with the Ackley chamber. :)

It also drives the 40 gr Ballistic Tips at 4000 fps and puts them into half an inch doing it. :cool:

Ted
 
Last edited:
Back
Top Bottom