222 vs 223 as a benchrest cartridge.

[Downhill]

I understand the 222's benchrest capability. But I have never heard the 223 as a viable benchrest cartridge. I know alot tried it when the 223 hit the scene but was deemed not as accurate. What is the reasoning with this? Possibly powder column to tall?

 

[jds holler]

I think the same could be said of several 22 cal cartridges which are known and loved but never got acclaimed in benchers circles. jd

 

[DaveTooley]

The PPC's had taken over before anyone really had a chance to try it. I've shot a long neck version and it would hold it's own against other calibers.

 

[marchx]

I understand the 222's benchrest capability. But I have never heard the 223 as a viable benchrest cartridge. I know alot tried it when the 223 hit the scene but was deemed not as accurate. What is the reasoning with this? Possibly powder column to tall?

I was shootin 223 today at 300m. No real comparison to 6br. Regardless of reasons, it will not perform on par with 6pcc or BR family.

 

[afret]

I've had the opposite experience. My 14 twist .223 has been more accurate than my 14 twist .222 at 100 yards. I still like the .222 though.

 

[ronsatspokane]

I was shootin 223 today at 300m. No real comparison to 6br. Regardless of reasons, it will not perform on par with 6pcc or BR family.

I think that requires context. I've cleaned F Class targets at 600 yards with a 223 and 90 grain bullets in a 7 twist barrel. That rifle had to have it's throat extended to seat the 90 grain bullet out to the point that you could get enough slower burning powder in the case. If winds are light or wind calls are very good, a 223 can shoot.

That said, I shoot a 6 BRA in midrange F Class occasionally. In any kind of wind regardless of how much, I'll take the 6mm all day long. The heavier and higher BC bullets win the day "almost" every day.

 

[NZ_Fclass]

If there was a 223 ony class in benchrest, the guys would be shooting tiny groups pretty quickly.

 

[marchx]

If there was a 223 ony class in benchrest, the guys would be shooting tiny groups pretty quickly.

For this very reason I proposed 6.5 class in F-class. I like the idea of fragmentation of classes in shooting disciplines. It has Montessori kind of vibe- there will be 10-15 classes in f-class or BR for each caliber and almost everybody who show up for a match will end up with a medal. Wouldn’t it be beautiful?

 

[Carl S]

223 is excellent.use quality brass,match primers,benchrest 52grn bullet.if you want a tight neck 245 is sound.chamber a 14t match grade barrel.a good one with everything correct will hold its own.low 2s and better.

 

[LCazador]

The PPC's had taken over before anyone really had a chance to try it. I've shot a long neck version and it would hold it's own against other calibers.

Dave, are you speaking of a long neck version of the 223? The long neck on the 222 led to it's success.

 

[NZ_Fclass]

For this very reason I proposed 6.5 class in F-class. I like the idea of fragmentation of classes in shooting disciplines. It has Montessori kind of vibe- there will be 10-15 classes in f-class or BR for each caliber and almost everybody who show up for a match will end up with a medal. Wouldn’t it be beautiful?

I tend to agree. I would suggest that in local competition, maybe not Nationals, widening the FTR class would be beneficial to recruitment. We tried an FPR class in NZ, It's still around, but not a major success ( rifles had to have a magazine and a commercial folding bipod. So a different technique, that doesn't lead to FTR directly)

 

[DaveTooley]

Dave, are you speaking of a long neck version of the 223? The long neck on the 222 led to it's success.

Yes My mentor had several 222-223 long neck improved versions. I don't think I ever knew anyone that tried the stock 223 case. No reason it shouldn't work. Many wives tales back then. Better everything these days.

 

[K22]

I have shot both albeit not in benchrest competition so I am not an authority or even close on that subject. However, several years ago Sierra published an article in their 50th anniversary edition of their reloading manual stating that after extensive testing, they could detect no difference precision wise when testing their match bullets. In fact, they switched to the 223 Rem for such testing.

In my opinion both are outstanding cartridges and the only reason I drifted away from the great 222 was it was much easier to get virgin cases with the 223 and the extra 100 f/s was advantageous for varmint hunting. But with that said, I knew two old 222 Rem varmint hunters in my time and both could equal or out perform me with my 223 Rem. One had a Sako the other a Remington 700.

 

[Will Henry]

I have built and shot both in BR competition. My 223's performed just a little better than the 222's. I didn't do as well with either one as I did with the 6mm's, and this included the 6x47. I have to admit, I shot the 6's more and maybe there was just enough difference in wind sensitivity to cause me to make better adjustments with them.
I had one 223 with which I fired more sub .050, four-shot groups than with any other rifle, but I choked every single time! What's more, I don't remember ever winning an agg with it.
I have an XP100 action on the shelf. Maybe I'll try another 223 one day. WH

 

[Downhill]

Well being a hard headed Texan and a nonconformist, I think I'll give it a go. Worse that can happen is I'll end up with an awesome varmint rifle.

 

[afret]

The .223 has been pretty accurate for me. All 5 shots at 100 yards.

14 twist with Berger 55 FBs:



8 Twist .223 with Berger 77 OTMs:

 

[DShortt]

IMHO, if a person is just breaking into precision shooting and on a limited budget, there are a LOT worse chamberings to start with than a .223Rem. It's cheap and components are widely available so a lot of trigger time won't break the bank or your spirit.
Again, just my opinion, but noone should be starting out in precision shooting worried about groups at 300yds+. Get your basics down and shoot A LOT. THEN worry about distance if you 'catch the bug'.

I sure wish I could go back and talk to myself 25 years ago.

 

[mauser284]

Anyone here ever read that Varmint Magazine that had a list at the back of peoples first 1000 yard kill? Last time I read one Borders Books was still in business. Back then I seem to remeber that probably 60%+ of the first time hit's/kills are varmints was with 223Remington/5.56. JP, Olympic Arms, and Armalite were all selling long heavy barreled AR's like hot cakes on Sunday and I had at least 3 guys that I worked with at GM that had Armalites with 24" heavy barrel AR's that shot under .5 inch at 100 yards all day long.

 

[DShortt]

Anyone here ever read that Varmint Magazine that had a list at the back of peoples first 1000 yard kill? Last time I read one Borders Books was still in business. Back then I seem to remeber that probably 60%+ of the first time hit's/kills are varmints was with 223Remington/5.56. JP, Olympic Arms, and Armalite were all selling long heavy barreled AR's like hot cakes on Sunday and I had at least 3 guys that I worked with at GM that had Armalites with 24" heavy barrel AR's that shot under .5 inch at 100 yards all day long.

I'll believe anyone who can produce 10 targets of 10 shots at or under 1/2" on 10 different days at 100 yds.

Makes for a short list real quick-like.

Any chambering. Not restricted to .223Remington