Newbie Question, .223 vs .22lr

J

Judge Vandelay

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Ontario
Sorry to try your patience, folks, but was just wondering.

Out to say 100 yards, does the .223 cartridge have any inherent superiority over the .22LR? I am referring here to accuracy. Also, I am talking only paper punching, not hunting.
 
Yes. The .223 benefits from increased velocity and better bullet design that will allow it to group better at 100 yards and will not be subject to as much wind drift.
 
Sounds like you may want a go at a 17 HMR if paper is the game. :D As stated above , the .223 centerfire is a faster more accurate round, and it has to be cause of the ranges its used. This may be not the case with some .223 rifles using factory ammo, as it can be on par with the LR in accuracy, handloads are much better. :)
 
To give you a bit of an idea:
A common bullet weight for a .22LR bullet is 40 grains, and a common weight for .223 is 55 grains (7000 grains in a pound).
A 40 grain 22LR bullet will usually have a muzzle velocity (depending on barrel length and such) of about 1250fps (feet per second), while .223's get around about 3200 fps, meaning .223's also get a very significantly higher amount of ft-lbs. of energy.
Because of these factors, a .223 (depending on the rifle and shooter of course) round will likely be more consistent at 100 yards, because there isn't a chance of it dropping to subsonic speeds(below the speed of sound), and it is MUCH less affected by elements.
Give you an idea?

Regards,
-Rohann
 
Glad to be able to help somewhat! Good to hear though, you can do a heck of a lot more with a .223 than with a .22LR. Mind you, .22's are a HECK of a lot cheaper, along with the ammo; .22LR ammo is cheaper than paintballs.

Regards,
-Rohann
 
Judge, I'd say buy yourself 22 AND 223. Difference in ammo prices is such that you won't be shooting as much as you have to (you are newbie, right?) if 223 is all you have. Not to mention fun factor. Secondly, after spending 1000$ on a few "nice little old" guns I'd say if you want accuracy and I assume you do, go and buy yourself brand new gun from respectful manufacturer. Especially with anything other than 22, old barrels will not group, forget it.
 
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