Author Topic: effective range with a 223 contender (Read 1286 times)

bdog · « **on:** June 23, 2005, 07:31:08 AM »

I am looking at buying a TC with a 14" 223 bbl to shoot prairie dogs. I am going to put a scope on it but am unsure of power, brand, etc.

I consider myself to be a decent shot, not a champion match shooter or anything like that but decent. I have no experience with these guns or any scoped handgun for that matter so I was wondering what range, using a benchrest in light wind could expect to consistently shoot prairie dogs at. With a rifle 2-300yds I can do pretty good on them but 400yds+ I can hit them but not all the time. I probably miss more than I hit. I know there is a lot of variables in this but what would be a good max effective range for a 14" scoped 223 TC pistol? 100yds, 200yds, 300yds??

BCB · « **Reply #1 on:** June 23, 2005, 08:21:25 AM »

bdog,

I don't know how to post a picture here (never has been easy for me) but I am posting a link to a picture of a target I shoot at all the time at my shooting range. That piece of steel was hit 3 times with my T/C 16" Contender in 223 Remington cartridge. The group was shot at 200 yards and it measures about 1.25". It is my opinion that 300 yards is pushing it, at least for me. I use a 4x-12x Burris 'scope. Hope this link works. You may have to copy and paste it in the address part of your browser (I think!), if it doesn't come through a blue color! Good-luck...BCB

http://www.hunt101.com/img/257842.jpg

Robert · « **Reply #2 on:** June 23, 2005, 10:02:19 AM »

Hmmm...we are talking Prairie Dogs here, pests, vermin, not meat for the freezer. I think it depends on the scope and the marksman. If you can SEE it, shoot it. The .223 has a lot of reach-out-and-touch...it probably wouldn't have enough oomph for a deer at 400 yds, but you don't need much for prairie dogs.
I had a 14" that was a real tack driver, but I replaced it with a 21" Carbine with a rifle scope that is even better.

skb2706 · « **Reply #3 on:** June 23, 2005, 10:07:57 AM »

As I said in your other post...beyond 200 yds. with a decent scope and shooter. I have a .221 16" barrel that has poked them out at 300 yds. but it is set up with a rifle scope.

KN · « **Reply #4 on:** June 23, 2005, 11:19:56 AM »

300yds is about my max. The biggest obstacle you will run into is that you won't be able to see where your shot hit most of the time. The pistol will jump too much to keep it in the scope. For me seeing the hits is most of the fun. I limit my p-dog pistol to a 17HMR and about 200yds. Farther than that and I'll use a rifle. KN

poncaguy · « **Reply #5 on:** June 23, 2005, 02:03:08 PM »

I would think 200 yards, up to 250. Just scoped my 223 15" G2, will let you know........

Big Gun · « **Reply #6 on:** June 24, 2005, 02:14:54 AM »

I use my 14" 223 Contender for PDs, it has a 4x Leupold scope on it, works great out to about 200 yds, then the scope becomes a limitation as the cross hairs cover too much and shot placement becomes a guessing game. I am thinking about chaning over to a Burris 3-12 x B.Plex, I think that would make me effective out to 300 yds. My gun is in the 290,000 serial number range - old model contender, Ez open, blue, the barrel is of the same vintage - high gloss blue. I only have 1 G2 so far but have several of the old models - in my limited experience the trigger on the old contenders is much better - especially for bench rest shooting and long range varmits.

Special Ed · « **Reply #7 on:** June 24, 2005, 02:30:29 AM »

Quote from: Big Gun

I use my 14" 223 Contender for PDs, it has a 4x Leupold scope on it, works great out to about 200 yds, then the scope becomes a limitation as the cross hairs cover too much and shot placement becomes a guessing game.

I couldn't agree more. Mine is set up the same way, with the 4x Leupold.
I do have the target elevation knob on mine which helps out on longer shots. Personal best is about 250 yards on a Woodchuck.

TC Shooter · « **Reply #8 on:** June 25, 2005, 07:19:24 AM »

I once owned a Super 14 in .223. Had a 7X Burris IER with PA. At 100 yards it shot exceptionally well - easily sub MOA with my reloads. Although I never tried it at 200 yds - the accuracy it displayed at 100yards makes me believe that it would deilver the necessary accuracy needed for 200 yard varminting. Although the 7X scope is probably the limiting factor in real precise shooting at that distance.

BCB · « **Reply #9 on:** June 25, 2005, 09:11:18 AM »

They are certainly 200-250 yard shooters for sure. The limiting factor is having a very good rest while using the Contender in the field. Where I hunt 'chucks, there are many of those round hay bales. Sandbags set nicely on them and they are high enough to allow shooting while standing.

I just got my trigger assembly back this morning from having a trigger job. I breaks very nicely at about 28 ounces. I am posting a link to a site where that latest group I fired this morning can be seen. The light trigger and the 12x 'scope are paramount to 250 'chuck shooting...BCB

http://www.hunt101.com/img/300133.JPG

poncaguy · « **Reply #10 on:** June 25, 2005, 03:45:40 PM »

Shot my 14" 223 on my new G2 frame yesterday with a Burris 2X scope. Sweet, so sweet, 1" at 100 yards. The barrel is about 30 years old, but I hadn't shot it much over the years, I sure will now! :grin:

jdsilwones · « **Reply #11 on:** June 26, 2005, 07:24:41 PM »

Bdog,
I've been working up loads for my new 22-250 encore. Unbelievable! Get one and skip the .223. It will shoot further then you can see with any scope.... :-)