Which barrel: .204 or .223?

[BillinOregon]

Just bought an Encore rifle frame and for the first barrel I am considering both the .204 Ruger and the .223. Which is likely to be the more accurate chambering in a TC barrel? I'm looking for half-inch five-shot groups at 100 yards with good handloads.

[skb2706]

I have both on a Contender format. I wouldn't even suggest one is inherently more accurate than the other. I do prefer the .204 and it will shoot along side nearly any bolt rifle. It is my first choice in prairie dog shooting.

[Ladobe]

Lots of factors involved in shooting very small groups, and even more so with a slow action like the TC's.   But they can be overcome with technique and lots of practice.

All else being equal, the 204 will shoot flatter than the .223 giving it a slight edge for better possible precision.   However either is possible to get 1/2" groups out of with a custom barrel, well tuned loads, a tuned frame/trigger AND good shooting technique with this style of action.  It's also possible with factory barrels, although you'd have an easiler chance with custom barrels IMO.

I no longer own/shoot the Encores, but many of my tuned Contenders with premium barrels and tuned loads will easily average sub MOA, some 1/2 MOA or better more often than not.

IMO-YMMV

 

[BillinOregon]

Thanks guys.
Say, does anyone know what twist rate TC uses in its .223 and .204 barrels? Can't find it in their catalog. I want nothing slower than 1:9 in a .223.

[JustaShooter]

http://www.eabco.com/TwistRate.htm says that to the best of their knowledge, the TC factory barrels in 223 Rem have a 1:12 twist, as do the 204 Ruger barrels.

Just a Shooter

[encore3006]

 

[BillinOregon]

Thanks again guys. I had checked a TC catalog and their Web site and somehow managed not to find that twist chart.Guess I will be going to a custom barrel in .223, as I like shooting the 69-grain Match King and 75-grain A-Max for long-range work.

[Ladobe]

... as I like shooting the 69-grain Match King and 75-grain A-Max for long-range work.

If you had provided that info up front you would have seen entirely different responses Bill.   Half a question - half an answer.   

[BillinOregon]

Ladobe:
Point well taken.
After all this, I went out to the "office" this morning and bought a Pro Hunter stainless 28-inch .204 barrel, as I have not played with this round yet and have heard glowing reports of its mild behavior and excellent performance. Might just leave the .223 to a heavy-barreled Savage, as I know what those rifles can do at 600 yards.
Anyway, picked up WW brass, RCBS dies and some Hornady 32-grain V-Maxes. I think we all have a date with some Win 748 ...

[JustaShooter]

I had checked a TC catalog and their Web site and somehow managed not to find that twist chart.

Don't feel bad - I missed the twist rate chart on TC's site too, which is why I used the EABCo chart...

Just a Shooter