Match rifle .308 or .223

Longbranch, alot of military spec chamber (5.56) AR's have fairly long throats- this is one of the differences between a 5.56/.223 chamber. So long seating (as long as it fits the mag) is usually not a problem. Throat length varies in SAAMI chambers, but is generally on the generous side, to allow any reasonable cartridge to chamber. Unless you are building the rifle, it's a trial and error situation (although magazine length is usually the limiting factor, not throat on a factory rifle).
 
J.P. said:
Unless you are building the rifle, it's a trial and error situation (although magazine length is usually the limiting factor, not throat on a factory rifle).
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Which is why I asked about the magazine size on the Mini 14, and whether a 77gr (and 80gr) would fit. Having a custom barrel (and chamber) done is not the limiting factor here, as you've mentioned. I realize the term "mini 14" and "long range precision" do not belong together in the same forum, but there is a method to my madness (or stupidity).
 
Longbranch, it really all depends on which type and brand of 77 or 80 grain bullet. Either can be seated to fit the magazine of any rifle so chambered, but case capacity and therefore charge weight must be reduced. Also, one type and brand of bullet in, lets say 69 grain could be longer than a different make thats 80 grain depending on ogive and bullet composition. Guys that shoot tricked out .223 AR's in longrange competition usually load one at a time. And GENERALLY speaking (I'm not picking a fight here) the 69- 72 grain class of bullet is the heaviest PRACTICAL bullet weight in off the shelf .223 autoloaders.
 
I have done some good testing on both calibers. At 1000 yards I shoot both calibers (10 shot groups) onto the same piece of paper. It is easy to see which is which.

Using the Sierra 155 and the Sierra 80, the 223 always had a bit less wind drift than the 308. The 223 had a 30" 1:7 match barrel loaded to about 2900 fps.
 
I shoot a Savage 12 with 1:9 twist for precision in .223.

75 A-Max gets me to 800 with no issue but as others have noted already a 1:7 twist might do a better job.
 
HeadDamage said:
Does anyone make a 1:7 twist 24 or 26" barrel for the Savage?
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Savage does.

I just bought a Savage 12LRPV in .223 with a 1:7 barrel 26" long & 1" dia. I'm in the process of working up a load with 80gr Sierra's, Varget, & Lapua brass.
 
I just got back from the Pacific Northwest International Rifle Match. There were about 40 match rifle shooters there. I would say it was split right down the middle. You can't go wrong either way. I myself shoot a .308, because I like the kick. Its cheaper to shoot and harder to develop a flinch with a .223 though....
 
23/4there said:
I know this question has proably been asked before, but what (in your opinion) is a better caliber for tactical matches. Think BCRA or DCRA.

So is it the hard hitting, powerful .308 or

the inexpensive, go all day .223?
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Speaking specifically to the original question, from what I've seen the 308 is by far the more popular choice in those matches.
 
great thread guys... I'm looking into my first bolt action rifle right now and I was having trouble deciding between .223 and .308. After reading this I think I'm leading towards .223, I plan to shoot a lot and I'm not very rich so .223 should be good for me!
 
You can have fun with .223 and it is a great way to learn
In ORA precison matches there is a .223 category and you can compete in that class

In DCRA you cannot compete with a .223, at 1000 yards you will not likely outshoot a 6.5mm or a 7mm.

The physics of BC cannot be challenged with a .223
 
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