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Offline ballistx

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NEF 223 Accuracy
« on: March 31, 2010, 09:41:03 AM »
I purchased a NEF, 223 with the light barrel with 1:9 twist.  What has been the accuracy results?  I have tried several reloads with 50, 52, 55 & 60 grain bullets.  The 60's (only tried 10) are about 1"@50 yards.  The rest would push up to 4" @ 50 yards.  Really disappointing.  Was wondering if it was me or if maybe it needed to have the heavier bullets?

Any input would be welcome.   Thanks.
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Offline bikerbeans

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Re: NEF 223 Accuracy
« Reply #1 on: March 31, 2010, 09:57:43 AM »
Ballistix,

I have a 22" 223 1:9 Ultra with the same problems.  I have been shooting 36 grain up to 55 grain handloads.  Sometimes good groups and sometimes it looks like I am shooting buckshot.  These same reloads shoot sub MOA in my kids AR15.

Here is what I have tried and am going to try to help the gun out.

The crown appears to need a touch up, doesn't pass the Q tip test.  I have to find the grinding paste and do this.

The lug for the forend on mine is a tad to close to the receiver.  Fixed this problem by removing the plastic pivot from the foreend and sanding it down with 50 grit.

Had to slam the gun shut for good lockup.  I stoned the latch shelf so the gun closes real nice & easy.

Next step is to remove the scope rail and clean that up and bed it per the FAQs.

Regarding heavy bullets I have a bunch of plastic tipped 75 and 80 grain bullets that I loaded for my kids AR 15.  He doesn't like to shoot single shot so I got them back.  Shot about 25 of them this morning and the groups where in the 1.5 to 2" range at 100 yards.  The bullet holes where all round, no keyholes.  I did not have the gun sand bagged so the group would probably improve with a properly rested gun.  I  have a lot more of the these heavy 223 bullets so I am going to finish the other items on my list and try them again.  I'll let you know if the heavies shoot okay of if this morning was a fluke. 

There is more stuff in the FAQs regarding improving accuracy that you probably should read.

BB
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Offline quickdtoo

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Re: NEF 223 Accuracy
« Reply #2 on: March 31, 2010, 10:04:03 AM »
The biggest problem with the 20" Superlight barrels is barrel heat, don't shoot it warm and accuracy will improve, allow it to cool between three shot strings.  ;) As BB suggested, read the Handi Basics 101 and the accuracy tips in the FAQs first.

Tim
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Offline 1NEFsofar

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Re: NEF 223 Accuracy
« Reply #3 on: March 31, 2010, 10:06:06 AM »
Definintely hit the FAQ's for accurizing tips.  Also as you will read it takes up to 100 shots to smooth out the bore on some rifles.  I didn't see improvement until I started hitting the 60 - 70 mark.  I used 55 grain FMJ inexpensive ammo.  Mine now shoots approx. 3/4" at 100 yards if I do everything I'm supposed to do.  I use factory Winchester 50 gr HP ammo. I am not a huge shooter but feel that this is excellent accuracy. Mine is the bull barrel
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Offline dieselman

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Re: NEF 223 Accuracy
« Reply #4 on: March 31, 2010, 04:56:52 PM »
Although I don't have the .223 I do have a .204 Handi and mine would shoot good with fac ammo and hand loads were "OK" in the 1"-2" @ 100yds. I played with loading up and down with the 3 rifle powders I had on hand same group size, I ran out of my fav powder and found one close at a gun show started playing with it and now I'm sub .50" at 100yds. Keep trying everthing and one day you'll find the right combo, If it was easy everyone would do it. 
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Offline Oldshooter

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Re: NEF 223 Accuracy
« Reply #5 on: March 31, 2010, 05:18:38 PM »
Quote
a NEF, 223 with the light barrel with 1:9 twist.


I bought one from a fella here and slapped it on a frame from my 270 and put a 3x9 nikon scope I had laying around and checked fit and started shootn it! It shot lights out at 100 yds with some  223's I had laying around. two went in the same hole! To tell you the truth, it shoots better than the 270, or 243 I have.  I dunno some times you are the bug sometimes you are the windshield.
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Offline briannmilewis

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Re: NEF 223 Accuracy
« Reply #6 on: April 01, 2010, 03:27:18 AM »
Quote from: 1NEFsofar on March 31, 2010, 10:06:06 AM
Definintely hit the FAQ's for accurizing tips.  Also as you will read it takes up to 100 shots to smooth out the bore on some rifles.  I didn't see improvement until I started hitting the 60 - 70 mark.  I used 55 grain FMJ inexpensive ammo.  Mine now shoots approx. 3/4" at 100 yards if I do everything I'm supposed to do.  I use factory Winchester 50 gr HP ammo. I am not a huge shooter but feel that this is excellent accuracy. Mine is the bull barrel

I  like what he said...also, don't clean it!!!! You should start with factory ammo and find a round it likes, then try and duplicate it. Good luck.
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Offline bobg

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Re: NEF 223 Accuracy
« Reply #7 on: April 01, 2010, 08:39:49 AM »
   jackg has a bull barreled 223. I have shot it alot. It shoots great. I don't like his ideas on reloading. I think if i could get my hands on it i could make it shoot better yet.
     bobg
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Offline ballistx

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Re: NEF 223 Accuracy
« Reply #8 on: April 01, 2010, 09:45:39 AM »
I should be able to find some time to play over the next few weekends.  I just picked up a Savage Edge in 223 so will be trying both of them along with the 700/222.  I have about 7,000 custom, 52 grain, 22 hp that I will be shooting up.  Picked up some 60 grain sierra to try also.  Mainly, I want it to shoot into about 1" reliably at 100 yd on the 1st 1 or 2 shots.  It is to be a truck gun to just have, just in case.  But no good if it won't do under 1 1/2" @ 100 reliably. 

My main bullet will be the 60 grain due to the availability of the Nosler Partition in 60 grain. But hate to use those for rough load development.  Just a tad expensive for that.

Thanks for all the input and I will check out the references.
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