The Ultimate Collection of 223 Reloading Data - 7 Brands of Bullets - 1 Year of Work!

In sunny conditions we were having no problems spotting hits at 500, 600 and 680 yds with a .223 for two days and about 300 rounds. This was on steel we painted white periodically. A .223 is totally capable of hitting a 5 inch gong at those ranges very consistently. We were shotting 55 grain Winchester, so heavier bullets should do even better.

vviking said:
Thanks for that OP.
Very enjoyable read ... and I don't own a single .22CF cal. rifle ! . ... yet.

That may soon need some fix'n. ;), eh?.

With a quantity of varget, 5 gallons of once-fired .223 brass, and dies ... sitting downstairs .... ??.

A thread drifting question:redface: to the board ... how far out there, yardage wise, will a fast twist/heavy bulleted .223, give decent audio/visual spotting feedback on the gongs?.

That is the reason I've stayed with 6.5mm or larger all these years ... to call with certainty a "hit", way out yonder.
Click to expand...
 
vviking said:
Thanks for that OP.
Very enjoyable read ... and I don't own a single .22CF cal. rifle ! . ... yet.

That may soon need some fix'n. ;), eh?.

With a quantity of varget, 5 gallons of once-fired .223 brass, and dies ... sitting downstairs .... ??.

A thread drifting question:redface: to the board ... how far out there, yardage wise, will a fast twist/heavy bulleted .223, give decent audio/visual spotting feedback on the gongs?.

That is the reason I've stayed with 6.5mm or larger all these years ... to call with certainty a "hit", way out yonder.
Click to expand...

With good optics, we see hits out to a mile. And that is as far as I have shot my 223's.

Jerry
 
Wow .... 500, 600, 680, A Mile.

Perhaps it is past high time to be re-examining some of my long held .22 cal. ... misconceptions.

Thanks Gent's, for the replies ..... leaves me wondering Jerry .... how much are .22Cal./mile capable optics going to cost a fella?.

Just kidding, ... never much get to shoot past a paltry 900yds or so, and that only in the wintertime.
 
Although not as popular, 223's are shot out to 1000yds in F class. Our goal is to hit a 1/2 min V bull but the highest scoring ring is MOA or thereabouts.

A competitive F class rifle has to hold sub 1/2 MOA to give the shooter any chance at that V bull.

If you get a 7 twist barrel, the 90's are possible. 8 twist and the 80's will be your friend.

I shot the 80's out to a mile (1730/1745yds measured with about 1/2 dozen Swaro rangefinders so close enough). The problem isn't the bullet, its the scope elevation.

But no problem for some big smiles on our side of 1500yds.

I use a Sightron SIII 6-24X50 today for this type of fun.

Jerry
PS don't bother with anything lower in BC then the 75gr VLD's. 75gr Amax is the most affordable way to join in the silly distance fun. 80gr Amax and Bergers works well. The 90's make this so much easier.
 
If you can't hear any 22CF hitting steel at 500-600 yards either the line is too busy or you need new ears. Or maybe just active hearing protection. As for optics, guys were seeing hits on painted steel using everything from elite 3200s to Viper PST to NXS to US Optics. YMMV in sub-optimal lighting.
 
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Good work! I been looking for the OAL, as i am new to .223 reloading.

Thanks, and hope you dont mind i printed that one table and posted beside my Dillon!

(i use Varget, 69 gr Sierra Match as well, so this is perfect!)
 
No problem glad I could help!


As for the COAL measurments, make sure you understand I got them using a crude method of trial and error. I now finally have in my possetion the custom modified case I had Hornady make from my fired brass. The only problem is I'm in Manitoba now and the rifle/gauges/left over bullets are all in BC, so I won't be able to get the measurements untill xmas, if not later unfortunately.


Untill then!
 
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