Author Topic: T/C 223 Ammo? (Read 583 times)

MarkA · « **on:** March 16, 2005, 03:39:01 PM »

Went to shoot my T/C, 14", 223 Rem today, it is topped w/ 2X Nikon scope. Wanted to shoot my all time favorite, never fail, killer king kong accurate BH Blue Box 50 gr V Max, the 'one ragged hole' round. Several questions now result.

1. Do y'all ever have one of them days. Like you could throw clods more accurately? Wow, it was ugly!

2. T/C best/most accurate cartridge. Hard to tell I was so bad today. I had shoot some Federal 40 gr that were better shooters, the Winny Whites were OK but nothing special. I was expecting great things and was extremely dissapointed!

Handgunr · « **Reply #1 on:** March 19, 2005, 04:03:10 PM »

Just a humble suggestion Mark,

I've got the same rig, but I topped my gun with an older Simmon's 2X8. It makes things much clearer, and even on bad days my friend, the groups are acceptible.....somewhat.

Your gun will outshoot that 2 power...and like they always say, "you can only shoot as good as you can see".

I'm 99% sure that it's far more the scope than you....

Take care,
Bob

BCB · « **Reply #2 on:** March 20, 2005, 04:35:41 AM »

Mark A,
I don't know if your 223 barrel is new or used, but what I have found from the new 223 barrels that I have gotten and used is the fact that they copper foul amazingly!!! Most new barrels that I start shooting will shoot very acceptable groups in the beginning and then all of a sudden--no good! My 223 barrels showed this more than the others, maybe more speed? I could actually see copper-colored streaks (rifling) in mine when observed with a bore light. Clean the barrel thoroughly. I used Sweet's 7.62 and J&B Bore Cleaner. You choose the brush to use--I use steel brushes. Some people won't allow a steel brush within 1 mile of their house! Regardless, fouling could be part of your sudden loss of accuracy. These barrels are very rough, and that ain't a secret!!!
A higher powder 'scope will also help with better groups, but not if your barrel is copper fouled. Good-luck...BCB

22popnsplat · « **Reply #3 on:** March 20, 2005, 05:22:03 AM »

Are you new to shooting a T/C ? There is a learning curve . It took me probally 8-10 trips to the range to break the MOA mark with my super 14 .223 when I first got it and I cant do it all the time , also if I dont shoot it for a while I need a couple of trips to the range to get my hold steady enough . It wore a 3x scope at first I have since moved up to a 3x9 . There great fun though .

BCB · « **Reply #4 on:** March 20, 2005, 07:04:39 AM »

MarkA.
Just got back from my range with my newest 223 barrel. Today I shot a box (20 rounds) of 40 grain V-Max bullets using WC-844 powder for a velocity of approximately 3299 fps. My groups at 200 yards were running right at the 2" mark--it generally stays closer to 1.5" at that range. My groups at 100 yards were running right at the 1.0" mark--they generally stay between 1/2" and 3/4". This barrel has not had many rounds fired through it yet--several hundred at most. I took a picture of the bore, but the site that I download them to has restrictions of file size so I was unable to show the fouling very well. Yet the picture at the posted URL listed below shows a gray streak on one of the rifling. This is actually closer to copper/gray color than gray. Still, that is what you should look for, especially at the muzzle end of the barrel. Be certain you T/C is unloaded with the action open and look at the muzzle from an angle above the barrel and with good light at the bore.
Even though groups opened a bit today, I was still able to smash 24 oz. plastic pop bottles filled with water at 200 yards--that's good enough for groundhogs for sure. Good-luck...BCB

http://www.hunt101.com/img/265980.JPG

MarkA · « **Reply #5 on:** March 21, 2005, 03:31:27 AM »

Wow! Thanks guys, I am amazed by how information and experience work on the the net. Both points that y'all brought up came into play this weekend. Also, Gun Folks are SO much nicer than the fishing forums to share infromation.

1. Shooting this weekend found that the 40 grainers were more accurate. Not sure how much yet, cuz I am somewhat retarded by the 2X scope, but much better than the 50 grainers.

2. BCB, cleaning on Sunday, ran a patch w/ Blue Wonder through, waited 30 min and ran another and HOLY COW! it was solid blue. Lots 'o copper in there. Did the Wipe Out thing and think I got it, I will sure be on the look out from now on. Thanks for heads up!

Anyother specific load data is welcomed!