223 Shooting Help

[BinhThuyUSN]

Fifth time post on this forum and I have a question concerning my CZ 527 223 rifle. I have taken steps to break the barrel in and I have had the rifle pillar bedded. I recently took the rifle to the range and did some shooting at the 50 and 100 yard ranges and was very happy with the way the rifle shot. I was shooting PMC 55 gr (brass casing) ammo for most of the shots and then switched over to WPA 62 grain (steel casing) ammo. While I was shooting, I would check the warmth of the barrel and it got warmer with the WPA ammo. The barrel did get warm with the PMC but not as warm as with the WPA. I would shoot about ten rounds then wait a few minutes then shoot ten more. I know that the barrel is going to get warm no matter what brand of ammo shot. My question is: Is the shooting technique that I am doing acceptable in having good groups shot without having an adverse effect on the barrel?

 

[jonbearman]

I would take it down a notch. I would keep your groups down to 5 shots with time between each shot instead of all 5 at once.The way you are shooting,you are probably going to get heat cracks. Slow down and enjoy your rifle.

 

[BinhThuyUSN]

Jon, thank you for the info. I thought that I was shooting too many rounds in row and I did listen somewhat to the voice in my head that said take it easy. When I got to the range, I use a single shot adapter for my 223 and my 22's (all CZ's) and I am shooting off front bag. You suggested some time between each shot; I would assume that the time to load between shots using a single shot adapter would be sufficient.

Bob

 

[Beau]

I wouldn't worry about the pace, I'd worry about the ammo.

Save the PMC brass and load it with decent bullets. Shooting junk like Wolf is a waste of a good barrel.

 

[K22]

If you don't reload, try the Federal Premium or Hornady V-max loaded ammo in 50 or 55 grain bullets if you have a 12" twist. This is about as good as it gets for factory ammo. Most likely you'll never acheive the maximum accuracy that the rifle is capable of without reloading and tuning the loads to your specific rifle. However, I've seen so very fine groups shot with the aforementioned ammo.

I allow five minutes between shots even out of my heavy varmint rifles which simulates most of my field shooting. The faster you shoot the more heat is generated and the barrel will wear quicker. It all depends what your game is, if it's competition, then simulate that shooting sequence, if it's hunting then there is no need to shoot that fast although I imagine some prarie dog hunters might despute that advice.

The other positive aspect of shooting slower is it allows you to concentrate on your shooting technique, calling your shots and trying to learn from each shot to become a better marksman. Your practice sessions will have more meaning than just making noise. Good Luck and Good Shooting.

 

[BinhThuyUSN]

Beau, K22 and Jon, Thank you very much for your comments and advice. I started shooting PMC initially and I picked 40 rounds of the WPA to try the heavier grain bullet. When I found they were steel casings, I was tempted not shoot any the rounds thru my rifle but I did. I have about twenty rounds left but I will not be shooting them.

I am saving my PMC brass casings and have picked up a book at the bookstore on reloading. So far what I have learned is that I have a lot to learn about doing the reloading process.

My pace of firing was fairly rapid and I will slow down the next time I am at the range or plinking out at my son-in-law's place.

Again to you all a big THANK YOU

 

[markm87]

Those are both garbage loads for what you're doing. PMC is very mild ammo. Agreed on saving that PMC brass. It's pretty good. The flash holes aren't the most concentric in the world, but we've loaded some good shooting ammo out of it anyway.

For that ammo, rate of fire is irrelevant. It'll never perform. The 52 grain Amax I think??? Those have shown to be a really good factory load in our guns.