Accuracy from 223?

[Patos]

What kind of accuracy should I expect from a 223.......shooting 80 grain Sierra MatchKings loaded with Varget or Reloader 15? Rifle has 26" Hart 8 twist varmint barrel, Borden action, Jewel trigger, bedded stock...

Our range is limited to 300 yards, so what group size should I expect at that range, provided that I do my part in loading good ammo, shooting technique, etc?

I realize that this is an open ended question, but thought I would ask anyway. Advice is appreciated.

 

[OldManTA]

Shooting prone that combination should be capable of achieving a possible or "clean" on an NRA Highpower target.

TA

 

[skiutah02]

I shoot/compete in FTR with the gentleman who has handle boltman223 on this site. He shoots a rig very similar to the one you describe 223, 80SMK over varget, Rem 700 action, Bartlein 1:8 28" (I think the barrel is right) in a bedded stock. He sent me a 300 yd test group to use in OnTarget when he got a new varget lot to verify his prior load still worked. His 10 shot-group had 1.1" vertical. He can get below 1". He shot against me with that load at 600 and won the match with a 582-25x. The x-ring at 600 yds is 3 inches. One string was a 194-11x and another 195-9x. In short, the rig you describe has the potential to shoot IMHO if you put in the work. I can post the 300 yd group, but feel I should get his OK first.

 

[Terry]

My wife's Savage LRPV shoots 1/2" at 200 yards.

 

[MrMajestic]

Nice shooting gstaylorg.

 

[Patos]

gstaylorg.......is the solid red circle 2.95 OD, or the red line circle? Sorry, not familiar with the targets.

Thanks to all for the info.

 

[Patos]

Course if I had measured, I would find that the "10 ring" is the 2.95" dia......sorry

 

[Eric Leonard]

that is an awesome idea on the targets so you can spot your shots and then score on the NRA target,,

 

[jbpmidas]

I shoot an LRPV, 7 twist, 26" factory barrel in a McRee chassis. I'm using the Berger 80.5 over Varget at about 2800fps. This rifle will put 5 indeed 3/4" at. 200 yards with 1/4" vertical fairly reliably. My best has been 200-9x at 600 yards. Now, that was the first relay of the day. When, the wind picks up and lets off, hang on for dear life!

 

[Lazer]

I don't know at 300 but, Here's 30 at 100yds w a front and rear bag, from a kreiger min spec .223. The avg was under .375. My buddy just got a bad *** rest I'm gonna put it on in hopes of kissing a high .200. Iv handloaded close to 2000 .223's the best thing you can do is get rid of those matchkings and go with Berger or custom!

 

[fm1947]

All of you who have posted how your 223 shoots, are you chambered in 223 match or 223 AI, I'm in the process of putting a rifle together for F/tr and trying to decide if I want to go AI.

 

[jbpmidas]

AI is not allowed in F-T/r.

 

[fm1947]

Boy am I glad I asked that question before I had it chambered, THANKS!

 

[stinnett1981]

The .223 can be very accurate. My smith did a great job and I got a hummin barrel! I shoot the exact same load. Lapua brass, 80g SMK's, Varget and Federal 205M primers. I shot many 1.5" 5 shot groups at 400 yards with mine. No thats not a typO! I only have 250 rounds down my .223 and im starting to think it will out shoot my .308. Im gonna try it out next year in FTR. My .308 will be jealous! Detailed reloading is the key for my accuracy in all my rifles. My .223 is a trued Rem 700, 8 twist Bartlein barrel, Manners T4 and topped with a Nightforce F1. Here is a pic of my rifle and the best group so far. I shot this 1.371" 5 shot group at 400 yards.

 

[Lazer]

Stinnet , very cool rifle we have the same taste! Manners, rem, nightforce, 8 twist kreiger. What will she do at 100 for 5 shot groups? (My target on pg1)

 

[stinnett1981]

Well crap it is a 6 shot group! Lol. That's what happens when you shoot from a 10 round mag. At 100 it shoots .25". That was when I did load development. Like I said I only have 250 down the tube.

 

[stinnett1981]

Hi Stinnett,That is a good looking rifle.The target looks like a 6 shot group??? I am looking for a good out of the box 223 and am seriously considering a Tikka T-3 tactical. If anyone out there has one,I'd be glad to hear comments. Thanks,Tom.

Don't buy a factory rifle. Save your $ and have one built.

 

[manitou210]

Group of fellows shoot the 223, at range I go to. Three of use have Ether Krieger, Hart, Tru Flite, & Broughton barrels all at 30" 1/7 twist Barnard, Rem 700 & Pierce actions
We have tested many bullets 80 & 90gr. I have seen the 80gr Sierras shoot .600 540 VT Lapua neckturned brass and less at 300 yards.ON A GOOD DAY
The best bullet we have found are the 80.5 Bergers at 2950fps and the 90 gr Bergers at 2750 fps being the most accurate.
The 90 gr pointed will have the same wind drift as Berger .308win 185 Hybrids at 900 m
Varget has been powder of choice, only because its stable in the heat of summer.some other powders work very well VT 150,IMR 4895,H 4895 lost E/S was VT powders 8 fps 10 shots over a Ohler 35
Hope this may help you and others.

 

[Phil G]

Stinette and Manitou-
Outstandind groups. I have a Bartlein 1:7.7 twist that I am about to have chambered. I want to shoot bullets in the 69 grain range up to the 80 SMK. What chamber/reamer are you using? Any suggestion on how much freebore works best for the heavy bullets.
Thanks
Phil G

 

[SooStan]

Remington 700 223 1x8 twist 80 bergers and varget. 300 f-class club match 15 rd. strings. Best score 450-33x. Several 450 cleans at 300. The little 223 can shoot with that combination. It took me to high master.