MVP .223

[Alton1]

I finally found a MVP after keeping my eyes open for over a year. 1-9, 24" barrel. I have been away from 22 cal. for a while but want to get my grandson used to shooting something affordable that won't knock his shoulder out of socket. I am shooting PMC 55 grain rounds right now. I am looking for the lightest bullets that will shoot well in this rifle. These 55 have shot pretty well, 1-1/2" groups at 100 yards, but will be reloading when I get a pile of brass.

 

[mao0720]

I have a 20" barreled MVP and it shoots fantastic for a factory rifle. With my varmint/predator load of a 60gr Nosler Balistic tip over 24.5gr of varget and Federal SR primers, I shot a 3 shot group at 100yds that measured .3" center to center and a five shot group at 200yds that measure .65" center to center. This was last weekend, both groups in the same session, so not just a fluke.

As far as the lightest bullet possible, your just going to have to test and see. A 9 twist is more geared towards lighter bullets so try the 40-50 grain range. 55gr Hornady Amaxs have always shot well in my AR15s.

 

[watercam]

A 9" barrel works very well with Berger 70 gr. FLDS for me...

 

[Roarke]

I was hoping they'd set this rifle up with at least a 1:8 twist.

Such is not the case...

 

[boltgunluvr]

Take full advantage of that 1 in 9. Most will shoot the 69 SMK.....basically up to 70 grain bullets. For reference, my 1 in 12 loves 55 gr pills. Please beware....you'll need to discover if your rifle prefers flat base or boattail bullets. Have fun.

 

[Roarke]

I disagree with the premise of a rifle preferring either "flat base bullets or boat tail bullets." Quality rifles will generally print good groups with BOTH types of bullets given quality components and quality reloading practices.

 

[boltgunluvr]

I disagree with the premise of a rifle preferring either "flat base bullets or boat tail bullets." Quality rifles will generally print good groups with BOTH types of bullets given quality components and quality reloading practices.

My small cartridge rifles....223 Rem (bolt or AR)...will not shoot BTs well at all. Use a plain jane unsexy flatbase and...bingo. Of course, every rifle is different. Chamber/throat dimensions are the defining issue. My 243s will shoot either/or. A few of reputable bullet manufacturer reps and I have had some down to earth, heart to heart talks and they've experienced the same phenomena. However, MARKETING sells. Granted, with a high quality custom chamber/barrel...the game changes drastically on any cartridge.

For the original poster.....that 1 in 9 should really give you plenty of options. If you want to know if you have a keeper, start with flatbase and venture out from there. That may keep $ in your pocket.

 

[DOGCAPPER]

I had a 1:9 twist Savage that shot well with Nosler 40, Hornady 50, Sierra 69 with a wide range of powder, brass and primers. Good luck..LT

 

[drover]

Try the 40 gr Nosler Ballistic Tips in your 223, IMO the 223 and 40 gr bullets are a match made in heaven. I have found the Nosler ballistic tips to shoot as well as most match bullets, about the only thing out there that beats them in my 223 is the Berger 40 gr but the Nosler is a better varmint bullet if you plan on some varmint shooting with it.
There was a piece of misinformation posted by mao7020 though - actually the tighter the twist the more it is geared to heavier bullets, not lighter bullets. Actually a 1-12 or 1-14 is better for lighter bullets. But chances are your MVP will shoot the 40's just fine.
His quote - "As far as the lightest bullet possible, your just going to have to test and see. A 9 twist is more geared towards lighter bullets so try the 40-50 grain range."

drover

 

[mao0720]

Sorry, guess I'm used to 9 being a slow twist and 7-8 being a fast twist for 223. But you are correct the 12-14 twist 223s are slower twisted and geared more toward the lightest bullets available .