Barrel length for .223 Ackley Improved??

[40X Guy]

I have on hand a new 8 twist Brux barrel 30 inch blank and Rem. 700 action, I am wanting to build a .223 Ackley Improved and need to know what finished length is the best? Will be set up strictly for 75 grain bullets. I understand that most are built less than 28 inches finished, what seems to be the consensus?

Thanks!
Frank

 

[alf]

If weight, balance, and portability isn't a concern, I'd cut the normal inch off the muzzle end and finish it at 29".

Every bit of length helps for velocity.........

 

[HillbillySniper]

My 223 ackley is set up for the 75 grain Amax slugs with a finished barrel length at 26 inchs. Using varget I'm pushing my slug at every bit of 3050fps.

Hillbilly

 

[alf]

And I'm running the 75 A-Maxes outta my 22-204 at 3150 in 26"......

 

[40X Guy]

OK, looks like 26 minimum, I was looking at around 27.5 finished, as I am thinking that the velocity gains with anything longer may not be there?

Hillbilly, how does your rifle group with the 75's and Varget? I have been reading that the .223 AI is very easy on barrels and easy on powder consumption and ultra accurate. I don't need another barrel burner.

 

[HillbillySniper]

It shoots great for me I've shot groups well in the .2s at a hundred yards and have shot it out to 900 yards with ease. As far as powder it doesn't foul up on me bad with the varget as I thought it might. I'm running 26 grains on a slight compressed load but have still gotten 8+ loads out of my win brass so far. I built the gun a year ago april and I'm well into 600 rounds with not a sign of wear on the barrel.


Hillbilly

 

[Bowman44]

Sounds like an awesome setup, I was thinking a rebarreling a sporter savage to 223ai for a walking prarie dog gun.

 

[kelbro]

Sounds like an awesome setup, I was thinking a rebarreling a sporter savage to 223ai for a walking prarie dog gun.

I re-chambered my sporter barrel (1:9) to 223AI and it is a great walking around gun. Coyotes do not like it.

You might have to do just a little tweaking on the mag lips for consistent feeding.

 

[HillbillySniper]

Sounds like an awesome setup, I was thinking a rebarreling a sporter savage to 223ai for a walking prarie dog gun.

Mine started as a sporter as well I picked up at a gunshow for cheap.

Hillbilly

 

[40X Guy]

It shoots great for me I've shot groups well in the .2s at a hundred yards and have shot it out to 900 yards with ease. As far as powder it doesn't foul up on me bad with the varget as I thought it might. I'm running 26 grains on a slight compressed load but have still gotten 8+ loads out of my win brass so far. I built the gun a year ago april and I'm well into 600 rounds with not a sign of wear on the barrel.


Hillbilly

Hillbilly, thats what I wanted to hear, no barrel wear and ultra accurate! I believe i am gonna go with 27.5 inch finished barrel on this HV profile barrel, and go with a .252 neck set up for Lapua brass and 75 A-Max. I need something mellow on barrel wear. Thanks everyone!

Frank

 

[acloco]

26" barrel with 69 gr Sierra or Nosler HPBT = 3300 fps. 75 AMax = 3150. I use H4895 or RL15.

 

[FroggyOne2]

I am running a standard .223 with the 75 AMax with 24 grs of H4895 and getting 3100 in a 30" bbl.