223 rem accuracy expectations

[1911mag]

A 223 is not my choice when I am looking for something to shoot in the 1s, but there are plenty of folks shooting it in F t/R that are reliably shooting .5moa at 600yds. That's over 20 rounds.

Agree it Will not hold 1s, a heavy barrel varmit rifle with good trigger 3/4 moa my opinion consistent, 77 SMK’s can’t go wrong. When looking to be consistent at 600 the price goes up with higher end components and using 85.5’s and or 90’s. It can be done just not an easy button to get there.

 

[Clancy]

I’d take a long hard look at the 73 Berger.

 

[BradY]

New Record Set By Chris Maunder In The 100 Yard 223 Benchrest Competition!

Target Shooter Magazine reports a new record by Chris Maunder!

blog.grsriflestocks.com

Obviously the 223 can shoot in the zeroes in the right hands

 

[natdscott]

The .223 cartridge is capable of sustained 1/4 Minute aggs--at least--but because it is not a common BR cartridge, the number of rifles built in it that can HONESTLY hold that line are very few, as a percentage.

But, that percentage is still higher than the number of shooters who can do the same.

 

[dutch14]

I don't want to hijack your thread but wasn't there a rule change a few years ago in bench rest requiring a 6 mm or larger diameter bullet?

 

[Kevin1990]

I’d take a long hard look at the 73 Berger.

I'll do so. I frequently think about using bergers but they are usually more expensive. After a quick search, for a 500 count they are only $20-30 more than sierra which I'm fine with, so I'll be seriously considering them.

Probably 73 Berger or 77smk. I'm at odds with powder though. Thinking N140 but read a few threads on here that it pressures out well before alternatives like varget. Still a lot to consider.

 

[Longtrain]

I have three different barrels for my 223 Tikka 595, a 1:8, a 1:12 and a 1:8 AI. I was shooting the AI in weekly 100 meter prone matches with 73 Bergers, generally 1/2 MOA was expected. My buddy was shooting his 222 with Berger 52’s, easily knocking down .2 & .3’s. I decided to build a 1:12 to utilize 52/53 grain bullets with LT-32 (what he is using) and see if I could match him. Well, the rifle shoots very well, I can get individual 5 shot groups in the .3’s, but my 10 shot match groups are about .6, sometimes better, but rarely worse. These are fun matches and I’m not going to chase the 1/4 MOA, occasionally I’ll get some wallet targets, but, I’d rather be shooting then loading at this level.

 

[jelenko]

I have three different barrels for my 223 Tikka 595, a 1:8, a 1:12 and a 1:8 AI. I was shooting the AI in weekly 100 meter prone matches with 73 Bergers, generally 1/2 MOA was expected. My buddy was shooting his 222 with Berger 52’s, easily knocking down .2 & .3’s. I decided to build a 1:12 to utilize 52/53 grain bullets with LT-32 (what he is using) and see if I could match him. Well, the rifle shoots very well, I can get individual 5 shot groups in the .3’s, but my 10 shot match groups are about .6, sometimes better, but rarely worse. These are fun matches and I’m not going to chase the 1/4 MOA, occasionally I’ll get some wallet targets, but, I’d rather be shooting then loading at this level. View attachment 1622023

Nice shooting!

 

[ROBARRC50]

I would expect easy half moa groups from any custom rifle. Shot these prone bipod rear squeeze bag. 150 yards 2 5 shot groups and 7 shots on far right to finish off the box. This is a stock remington 700 sps tactical with a bolt knob upgrade and a manners stock. 1 inch square target size. Probabably close to quarter moa average shooting bullets they say should not stabilize.

 

[Longtrain]

Even though my Tikka 595 shoots well, one thing holds me back a bit…the trigger. I’m sure that if I could put one of my Jewel Benchrest triggers on it, I could get my groups down a bit more. Even with an aftermarket spring, I still hover at 1 lb. My Jewels are 3 oz’s and below. Bix N’Andy, via email, fooled around with a trigger for the 595, but it never got into production. My 595 started out as a XTC rifle, the stock trigger was fine. But, it’s not cut out for precision work.

 

[SteveOak]

No reason, given good parts and processes, that a custom in 223 won't shoot just as small as any other cartridge.

I would have to disagree with that statement. The 223 Rem was introduced long before the PPC and BR and had ample opportunity to obviate either one.

 

[MTSLW]

I've thought about this a lot, but I keep seeing threads about feeding issues. I don't know if it's because they are using controlled round feeds or wrong mags, or if it's just the cartridge itself. I keep flip flopping back and fourth and keep coming back to the .223 rem because a fear of feeding issues.

Probably going to use a mack bros or Kelbly action, but if I did go 223 AI and had feeding issues I'd be pissed haha.

Mine is build on the Kelbly Atlas tactical, I'd highly recommend it for the 223. That mechanical ejection is really nice!

I have a 17-204 on the same action and for what it's worth it feeds perfectly as well.

 

[Dolomite]

Will a 223AI be more accurate than a 223? I shot some .2's with an after market .223 barrel but its not the most consistent caliber in my hands anyway. May be for a better shooter who can read the wind it could be a good caliber. It sure is cheaper to shoot than all its big brothers even in a bolt gun. If you keep expectations to .3-.4 you will be a happy camper.

 

[Luke Miskol]

I have a Savage Model 11 with unknown bull barrel or twist 12-14 ? But, with 52gr Sierra HPBT I can consistently hit out to a lazered 600 yard rock ( might be as big as a VW IDK) haven't felt like walking all the hills to get there! But, off the spotting scope you can call every hit, when the wind isn't blowing. I'm using a Nikon P223 scope with drop reticle

 

[46and2]

3 NATIONAL RECORDS WITH SHILEN 223 REM BARREL | Northland Shooters Supply

northlandshooterssupply.com

 

[searcher]

My expectations of getting any custom, heavier barrel target rifle are extremely high. When I'm using a high-end action, a top-end barrel, a great, low pull trigger, great stock which is well bedded and with the best of optics and mounts - built by one of the known accuracy gunsmiths, I'd expect it to be capable of shooting in the "ones" and hopefully under that. But what a rifle is "capable" of and what a lot of people get in actual shooting results often differ wildly, based on their ability to tune the rifle and the load. Maybe above all for the experienced reloader who really knows what they are doing is wind reading ability. I know that if a real wind-reading "pro" was shooting my rifles and loads - he'd do better than I do and with more consistency. I recognize that as my weak point, and I've been shooting for decades. I only elaborate as your skill set is nearly as much the accuracy factor as the rifle. If you are a "dialed in" kind of guy, I'd expect a lot. If not, it is best to expect no better than your skills at tuning, loading and wind reading permit. I watch a lot of videos of folks having spent $5k to 7.5K on their rifle and they are happy with the 1/3- 1/2 MOA groups they get. If I were happy with 1/2 MOA, I'd never have a custom rifle built. My factory Ruger .223 Varmint rifle will do WAY better than that. When you see those "wallet" groups (hey, we all have a few of those...), it usually does show what the rifle is capable of.

 

[RabbitSlayer]

Here is 20 under an inch in a tikka varmint no load development. Fired from a portable stable table with bipod and bag. Imagine what a BR rig, lapua brass, sierra\berger, load development, and someone better than my dumbass could do.

 

[dutch14]

Rabbit slayer, Thank you for the above post and putting the numbers to it.

 

[SeabeeKen]

Assuming you've got a 223rem or the like, a competent gunsmith, nice custom action, barrel, chassis, trigger scope, etc what would be your accuracy expectations for any given caliber if you are shooting at say yardages of 1-300?

I shot a remington 40x in 223 last year and the groups were under .1”. My hunting rifles shoot .5 or less with one 6mmai shooting berger 108 elite hunters shooting .027”. The 223 is very accurate in a good rifle.

 

[Coyotefurharvester]

RS, A lot of small critters would hate to be out in front of your Tikka and loads. Prairie dog, wood and rock chuck, coyote and gophers.