Build decisions

[jbpmidas]

I'm looking into a new build. I am trying to decide between a 223Ai and a 6x45. It will be on a Rem 700 action and I want an 18-20" barrel.

Can anyone give me an idea of what velocity I might reasonably expect from an 80.5 Berger in an 18" 223AI or a 107SMK in an 18" 6x45?

Thanks!

 

[jonbearman]

What are you going to be doing with this rifle? Why such a short barrel? Hunting or target? This will help us help you if you can give a better description of its use sir.

 

[jbpmidas]

Just a fun handy rifle. I'm just asking for reasonable velocity expectations so I can run the numbers.

Thanks!

 

[Steve3]

Why not a 243 with a 22 inch barrel.

 

[jbpmidas]

Barrel life would be the main reason.

Cheap loading would be a close second.

 

[jvw2008]

I know this is a build thread but I couldn't resist this little plug!

I used to say if it doesn't have a bolt I'm not interested. Got caught up in the craze two years ago and bought a Rock River AR-15 (ATH) just to say I had one. It's not a bolt rifle and its not a 223AI but - it's absolutely the most fun "handy" rifle I have. With a little bit of load work, the match 18" barrel gives me 1.5 " groups at 300 yards (off the bench) with a 65 gr Sierra at 2850 fps. I'm sure you think I'm fudging on the group size - I'm not - it's just a exceptionally good marriage between load and rifle. I have data on three other ATHs (2 in Georgia and another in CO) - they are not quite as accurate as mine but very close.

So if you are looking for a "handy" rifle and don't want to get into a build check out the RRA ATH.

Jerry

 

[mikegaiz]

Plain old 6BR would be great,

 

[jbpmidas]

The two cartridges I am interested in are 223AI and 6x45.

 

[Jdne5b]

I've seen 3050 out of a straight 223 with 80's in a 28 inch barrel, and 3050 out of a 24 inch barrel in a 223AI. So.. maybe 2700 or so in the 18-20inch ?

 

[mstrophyhunter]

416 ribgy with 20 inch barrel should be fun and handy.

 

[jbpmidas]

Might be handy, but fun doesn't come to mind!

 

[Down South]

Might be handy, but fun doesn't come to mind!

;D

 

[Changeling]

If you want a handy/accurate rifle the PPC or BR would be hard to beat.

I see dies and other equipment for sale on the classifieds here fairly often, especially for the PPC.

Not trying to Change your mind just giving you a couple options.

You never said Sir if this was to be a repeater or single shot rifle (just 700 action), that would make a big difference to everyone trying to help.
By the way the 222 (6 x 43) = 28.7gr of h20.
" " 222 M (6 x47) = 32.3gr of h20.
" " 223 (6 x 45) = 31.8gr of h20.
" " 6PPC = 33.5gr of h20.

I don't know case capacity h20 of the 223 AI.
I also don't know velocity of an 80 gr bullet in any of these calibers, but believe it would take it from a fun gun to somewhat of a dud. Where as the lighter bullets would make it a fun gun. Just my opinion.

Good luck.

 

[jbpmidas]

I do want a repeater in 6x45 or 223AI.

 

[jbpmidas]

I'm trying to figure out which will be better ballistically at "long" distance. I realize there are far better cartridges, but this will be a fun gun.

 

[jbpmidas]

ALL I AM LOOKING FOR IS A REASONABLE EXPECTED VELOCITY FROM EACH CARTRIDGE IN MY DESIRED CONFIGURATION! My definition of long range or the effectiveness of either do not matter to the question. I will decide which is better for me. I do not want to pick one based on unrealistic velocities. I want a 223AI or 6x45 and am curious to reasonable velocities from an 18-20" barrel with target bullets of 80.5 or 107 weights. That's it. No other cartridge recommendations are requested.

 

[mstrophyhunter]

both rounds you mention are really fun rounds to shoot. i have had both those and others close to them and would rebarrel in 223 ai are 6x47 (6x223) when the barrels wear out. the barrel on 223 ai will go first but not sure if you can wear out a 6x47 barrel. 7mmx223 on a ar plateform with can screwed on now your talking fun little plinker

 

[Changeling]

You already seem to know what you are doing, I think.

Sorry I couldn't help.

 

[DanS]

I have a 223AI with a 22" barrel shooting 75gr Hornady AMAx bullets and Sierra MK's 77 gr at 3000FPS, that is my accuracy load with RL-15. 11 inches of drop at 300 with a 100 zero. Closest info I can provide to you. My 6x45 is a 1-12 twist sh I don't shoot above 65gr bullets out of it.

 

[snert]

Look up the average speeds listed for a 24 inch barrel in load data (most load data are for 24 inch barrels).

My experience with 222 at 19 inches was a loss of 50-55FPS per inch shorter, no matter the bullet or powder. However, i was using lighter bullets, and faster powder. You may lose more with slower powder as you shorten up.

Best place to get an idea on this is to look up some of the studies done on shortening TC contender barrels. Mike Bellm has some good info if I recall correctly...search him up.

Snert