.223 Mid Range FTR Build Assistance Requested

[teele1]

I'm looking to build a .223 for mid Range FTR. On the subject of barrel length, do I figure the bullet and length I want to shoot and then figure the barrel length via QuickLoad for OBT? I see I can obtain OBT with a 28" barrel but not 30". Is that optimal?
Thanks in advance for the insite.
jim

 

[boltman223]

What is OBT?

 

[teele1]

Optimum Barrel Time

 

[boltman223]

Oh ok, I figured it was something like that.

I don't have any experience with quick load but, I can tell you that I am getting about 2960 fps with 80 gr SMK's With no pressure signs. I suppose I could get up to 3000 fps but I haven't had time to do anymore testing and i am getting great accuracy. I don't know if this helps any but, I thought I'd tell you just in case.

 

[MrMajestic]

I'm a bit confused. ??? OBT is a goal to achieve with handloading and chronographing to hit a node. It is different for different length barrels but I never heard of buying a barrel length to achieve OBT. You won't know what any barrel will produce until you fire it and check your velocities. If I misunderstood your post please disregard mine.

 

[Roarke]

Why build an FTR rifle in 223? The 308 is easier to tune and will almost certainly you better MV SD numbers. Component costs maybe? Part lying around?

 

[jsthntn247]

Why build an FTR rifle in 223? The 308 is easier to tune and will almost certainly you better MV SD numbers. Component costs maybe? Part lying around?

Recoil

 

[Roarke]

Why build an FTR rifle in 223? The 308 is easier to tune and will almost certainly you better MV SD numbers. Component costs maybe? Part lying around?

Recoil

It's Monday and that didn't even cross my mind. It would definitely be more enjoyable to shoot a 223 FTR rifle - especially if it apprached the weight maximums.

 

[Keith Glasscock]

To answer the op's question:

Yes, sort of.

You need to design the rifle around the cartridge and exact bullet that you intend to shoot. By the same token, you need to leave a little room in your calculations to allow for variations in powder burn rates and barrel differences (every barrel makes a different velocity with the same load)

If your design is optimal, you should be able to run a variety of powders and adjust the seating to chase the throat without ever having to run hot loads to get it to tune.

Ymmv
Keith

 

[Delaware_Ken]

Good Morning,

I shoot a Savage 223 F/TR 7 twist rifle in F/Class. When the operator does his job, it will hang with the 308's any day. She shot a 588/585 in my last two F/TR shoots at 600 yards, and was high F/TR score in both matches beating most of the open shooters. Again, recoil was the main reason why I went with the 223. She is a pure pleasure to shoot.

Ken