Need new build 223 input

[SDWhirlwind]

Don't ever think I have posted a 'what should I do, need help deciding' post as I always thought if I don't know what to do or what I want why would I want advice from some stranger on the net?

Well folks, I am on my knees humbly asking for comments.

Decided to build a nice 223 to leave to son, nephew or someone. Dug out and sold chit I have never used or hadn't used for some time. Bought a new Rem Hunter McM stock early summer, sold more expensive stuff and got a Stiller Predator(wanted a nice 223 ) and finally bought a Bartlein 3B 8twist.

First I debated, debated, tossed and turned a night or two in my sleep whether to go like 12 twist or faster. Would have went 9 if I could have found a Krieger #5 or Bartlein 3B as I wanted some meat but no intentions of going more than 70gr or so and I had ordered stock inlet for #4 Krieger. Well no 9's ever surfaced in those contours so a nice gent led me to Butch's Reloading who had 8's on hand so that was where I went. So now, vanilla 223 or AI? Son nor nephew reload so that made things easy with the vanilla drink,it is chambered for the 223!!!! So one end done, just trying to get an idea on where to cut the other end now?

Tinkered last couple of days and everything went great so the 2 pieces join somewhat straight and headspace is within 1/4"! (just kiddin there) Now, what length? Have built a 22/250AI and a 6XC over the last couple yrs with 24" and #5 Kriegers.(kind of a set I guess,lol) So do I go 24" to match the others or shorter? Other 2 are not threaded but thinking maybe I should thread this just because it is a 223 and it would be done with if down the road future owner decided on a can?

So I am curious as to what the majority of 223's built by smith's for customers or hobbyist have been building for themselves as for barrel length? Is the trend for bolt gun 223's leaning more to shorter barrels or many still going 22" or 24"?

I have 16,18 and 20" AR's, a cut down beat up Varmint Special to 20" because of severe SD ranch truck carpet rash, a near new Varmint Special with 24" and a 223AI 14tw @ 22". Yea, didn't need another 223 really but my other collection of small bolt faced rigs are mainly 'you must reload' items, like Fireball, 222 mag.

Thanks for reading my 'short story' and appreciate civil comments to help push me to a decision. Hacksaw is on standby!!!!!!




Respectfully,
Dennis

 

[Sniper338]

Id do a 24 inch barrel just to keep the velocity up. But if you want it for future can use a 20 or 22 inch would be better.

 

[SecondsCount]

With a 75 Amax in my 22" 7.5 twist Krieger barreled 223 AI, I am getting 3050 conservatively with 8208XBR. Straight 223 is going to give you about 150 FPS less so it isn't a huge difference but I really like not having to trim brass.

If it were me and the gun was going to be chambered in straight 223, I would choose the 24.

 

[mac86951]

Agreed. 24" is excellent for a 1:8 twist. 223 standard is far easier for someone learning to reload first; I'd stick with that.

Good all around cartridge and available ammo for years to come too.

-Mac

 

[yukonal]

23". I think you'll like it...

 

[CharlieNC]

I love the performance, balance, and handling of my 22in heavy varmint.

 

[MrBottleneck]

I think you will find that about the only obvious return with the 24" will be a slight velocity gain but, you will loose in accuracy unless the barrel diameter is kept up.
There comes a point of diminishing return on length when other factors are involved.
Personally I would build it 20" with a threaded can brake so, its ready to go down that road in the future. TEHO I suppose.

 

[Shynloco]

Dennis,
FWIT, I'm old school and believe the longer a bullet is in the barrel, the better the stability and accuracy, especially .22 cal/.223. If it were my rifle, I'd go 25"-26" as you can always take some more off, but you can't make that baby grow if you cut too much off. BTW, sounds like that'll be a pretty nice rig when you get done. And quite loosing sleep....figure it out and do it. Been there myself and it all turned out fine in the end.

Alex