Remington BDL 223 Max OAL

[BigBlueandGoldie]

I've tried searching, but I can't come up with the answer (probably using wrong terms); what is the max OAL that will work in standard 223 BDL bottom metal? I'm trying to figure out what twist rate I want to go with for a rifle I'm having built, but I don't want to go with too fast of a twist rate if I'll have to single feed them.

 

[bheadboy]

if I read the spec sheet correctly 2.260" max oal

 

[BigBlueandGoldie]

I'm talking regular BDL bottom metal, not a detachable mag system like AICS.

 

[fredo]

I wouldn't use factory BDL c.o.a.l. constraints as a limiting factor for building a rifle/bullet combo around! There is a spacer in the rear of the mag box that can be removed, replaced, or otherwise modified to accommodate longer rounds.

Whomever is building your rifle should be able to do that work, if needed. If not, there are prolly some DIY threads online that could guide you along?

I like that you're determining what bullet you want to shoot, and building your rifle around it, smart move! Settle on your bullet choice(s) and match the barrel's twist & chamber's freebore to suit. With a little time & effort, you should be able to run long c.o.a.l. rounds from a modified BDL mag box. Or, switch to an AICS based DBM, and you can run 2.520" c.o.a.l. rounds from an AI .223 magazine...

 

[fredo]

Just found this DIY thread, with a quick search...
http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/2740655/page/1/fpart/1

And some more pics...

 

[BigBlueandGoldie]

I wouldn't use factory BDL c.o.a.l. constraints as a limiting factor for building a rifle/bullet combo around! There is a spacer in the rear of the mag box that can be removed, replaced, or otherwise modified to accommodate longer rounds.

Whomever is building your rifle should be able to do that work, if needed. If not, there are prolly some DIY threads online that could guide you along?

I like that you're determining what bullet you want to shoot, and building your rifle around it, smart move! Settle on your bullet choice(s) and match the barrel's twist & chamber's freebore to suit. With a little time & effort, you should be able to run long c.o.a.l. rounds from a modified BDL mag box. Or, switch to an AICS based DBM, and you can run 2.520" c.o.a.l. rounds from an AI .223 magazine...

Thanks, I was hoping the mag box would allow longer seating as is, but that doesn't appear to be the case. I really don't want to run detachable mags on this rifle, so I think I'm going to modify the BDL components to make it work as pictured by fredo above. I'm trying to decide if I want to stick with 77smk's and 1:7 twist or if I want to be able to shoot the 80+gr bullets. I'm really just building a fancy looking range toy (walnut stock, Williams bottom metal, etc.), so I'm leaning towards the 77gr or 80gr smk's. I'd like to be able to shoot out to about 500yds (as long as our range is), so I think I can get away just fine with the smaller stuff.