Your most versatile round from 223 parent case and why?

[acloco]

223 AI - after the ACCURATE fireforming of the brass, load and go find the load for the barrel.

Prepping brass is completed after the fireform, trim, and load. Very little growth with the Ackley shoulder.

 

[spaniel]

6X45, in terms of what it can do in the field. Prairie dogs to deer. But I also love my 20 Practical and have an action set aside to build a 223AI.

 

[Homerange]

223 AI - after the ACCURATE fireforming of the brass, load and go find the load for the barrel.

The OP is using the 223AI for pro Roo shooting....headshots only. Check out some of his recent threads.

 

[AWS]

Right now I'm down to two 222 Rem(subject to more soon) three 20P, one 223 and one 6x45s. The 223 is my least favorite as I have a 22-204 does everything the 223 but on steroids.

 

[acloco]

Imagine, one could make a GREAT argument of the 222 Magnum is the parent cartridge of the 223....as "The Mag" arrived before the 223.

So, I am changing my choice.

222 Magnum AI...and DEEP! 22/250 velocity with 222 Magnum case with the Ackley reamer ran DEEPER than a standard 222 Mag AI.

I call mine, "Super Duece".

Neck up 204 Ruger cases (parent case is 222 Magnum) and fireform while practicing or in the field.

 

[Whiskey4]

.277 Wolverine, 6 mm TCU,6x45,20 Practical,300 BO,,,The Wolverine in my go to for Coyote

 

[JSH]

Another vote for 6TCU, speed and accuracy. I have had all the popular three6,6.5 and 7TCU. For me the 6mm performs over and above for its size. 6-223/6x45 a close second as it is an easy one step process.

 

[Oso]

I might need to acquire a 20-222 to round out all of the 222 based cartridges. My small calibers get used to punch paper out to 300 yards and for shooting gumballs. Wish I was in prairie dog country.

I spotted a drainage ditch/creek in a area being developed for new master planned community that had "South American Water Rats"... Nutria... every 20 feet for a couple of miles. I got several rifles perfect for this work. Now who do I call to get a city permit and permission from the developer? I'm here to help protect our shorelines...

 

[boltfluter]

A .223 Ack and an 8 twist barrel. Lots of fun and deadly on most any varmint!

Paul

 

[Ozshot]

By the sound of it the 20 prac is coming out in front so far lotta people running at least one of them!!!! Sounds like it’s the rifle everyone uses for a bit of fun! 6 x 45 is pretty damn popular too!

 

[Ozshot]

A .223 Ack and an 8 twist barrel. Lots of fun and deadly on most any varmint!

Paul

That’s what I’m running now paul, 2 x howa 26” SS 1in8 223 AI, I don’t think I’ve loaded a standard 223 round since I got my first one!!

 

[nakneker]

So many cartridges based on that case, opinions abound. I’ve always held the 222 as my sentimental favorite. I see the 6x45 getting mentioned which is cool since I have one being built right with Old Dominion rifles. The 223AI is probably my favorite based on the 223 case for getting the job done, at least out of the cartridges I’ve had. The 22-204 seems to be the latest and greatest, lots of threads on it here by guys with lots of experience and I only see very positive comments. All the 20 caliber options just muddies the water, more fun!

 

[jasophil1]

7 TCU.

 

[B23]

Most popular in a wildcat version the 20 Practical or 223AI would likely win followed closely by the 6x45 and in non wildcat, obviously, the 223 is going to win as I don't know anyone that doesn't have at least one 223 if not multiple but since the OP stated most "versatile" I'd have to give it to the 6x45.

My 223AI shoots about the smallest groups of any rifle I own. But, a 6x45 upper for one of my AR15's would be a lot of fun and also make for a great coyote slayer.

 

[nmkid]

The 20 Practical for me. Never had as much fun shooting a rifle as I did with the 20 P. Also, the easiest wildcat to form. Cases, a couple of bushings to get the right neck tension, and you are shooting.

 

[IA_shooter]

20 Practical hands down for me. I have 2 of them built on Savage actions right now. One has a 20" BHW barrel and the other has a 26" Criterion. It is my go to caliber for shooting up a Prairie Dog town and the ones I have are insanely accurate. Here's some typical 100 and 200 yard groups with my 20 Practicals.

 

[PracticalTactical]

My current 223 has a tight 0.190" free bore and eats 90 grainers seated to an OAL of 2.650". Neck is 0.247" and I turn brass.

I run AccurateMags and MDT steel 223 mags that have been modified to feed rounds that long.

I get 1/4 MOA accuracy and run 2900 FPS with fire formed cases. Typical velocity spreads are single digit or sometimes low double digits.

 

[DGP4]

That 20 Practical sure looks tempting to me. I think that will be my next build!

 

[HandgunHTR]

Most versatile for me is a toss-up between the 6X45 and 7TCU. Both can be loaded light for varmints, work well for target or steel use, and loaded up for bigger game, such as deer and smaller black bears.

The buck in my avatar fell to a 7TCU.

The 20 practical and 223AI are ok, but they don’t really have the “range” of the ones I mentioned above, so that removes them from the “versatile” discussion.

 

[ebb]

I think i am with you on this question. I would love to find something to make from my vast supply of 223 brass that has some sex appeal. I don't know how close it is to the Wilson 7.62 X40, but someone on this board a few years ago showed a cartridge that he had made a rifle for that was a 223 case that was necked up to a 30 caliber bullet. Not a cut down case like a 300 whisper or a 300 BO.