Author Topic: .223 barrel is a shooter! (Read 996 times)

DaddyPaul · « **on:** February 05, 2005, 12:50:22 PM »

I took my new 24" tapered .223 barrel out for a quick test drive this afternoon. Ammo was 55 grain FMJ fodder from the prison, distance was 100 yards. After some fine tuning of my zero I fired two 3 shot groups. The first went into 11/16"s and the second 7/16"s. 2lb trigger pull, no O-rings or spacers. Ever since they (TC) fitted my firing pin bushing for me every barrel I stick on her shoots real good! Now what barrel is next?

Buffalogun · « **Reply #1 on:** February 07, 2005, 02:31:27 PM »

DaddyPaul,

I have the T/C .223 bull barrel on my contender and with my ammo using Sierra 55 grainers it has turned in groups of .25". With the CT 55g. Ballistic Silver Tip it has grouped as small as .40".

Last Saturday, it layed claim to its first predator. A Racoon that was sneaking down the side of my corn field was looking like he had just stolen something. Well, the .223 Ballistic Silver Tip put him to sleep very quickly!

Buffalogun

DaddyPaul · « **Reply #2 on:** February 08, 2005, 04:16:43 PM »

That is a sweet shooter you got there for sure Buffalo! I been looking for a yote to sic mine on but haven't had any takers yet. I ain't quitting though!

Handgunr · « **Reply #3 on:** February 15, 2005, 07:59:22 AM »

Paul,

I've got the same rig.
What really makes mine cook is homebrewed stuff using 55gr. Hornady VMax's in military LC87 brass..
At 3025fps, I get those nice little 5 shot dime sized groups. I also use a V16 Weaver too, so it helps me see better.
Most groups I get out of the gun, if all else is done right, will group between a 1/2 to 3/4" at 100yds.

It carries great too. A lot lighter than my Rem VSSF.

Take care,
Bob

Greenhunter · « **Reply #4 on:** May 17, 2005, 05:36:34 PM »

My .223 contender rifle accuracy never satisfied me. I tried 40gr. 45gr. 50gr. 53gr. 55gr. 60gr. 64gr. 69gr. 70gr. 75gr. 77gr. ammo with nothing coming in under 1 1/2 inches at 100 yards. I then found a 62gr. BTHP Remington Match load that prints three shot groups of .75 inches at 150 yards! That is all I shoot from my .223 now! I wish my barrel could digest a variety of loads, however I'm grateful that I finally found one load that really rocks!

Handgunr · « **Reply #5 on:** May 18, 2005, 02:04:47 AM »

Hey GH,

Welcome............

Try some IMR 4198 in that TC. I went through several accepted powders for the .223, W748, BLC2, 4895, etc., etc.
Although they weren't terrible or nothing, I knew that the gun was capable of better.
I tried 4198 at 20.5grs and a 55gr Vmax, which was below maximum, and worked up from there to settle on 21.2grs.
I'm using military brass and Winchester SR primers. My accuracy went from over an inch, to a tight little cluster of 5 shots at 100yds.
If I do my part at the bench. I can keep them all in a 1/2" or so at the same range.

Hope this helps.....

Take care,
Bob

Greenhunter · « **Reply #6 on:** May 18, 2005, 05:35:48 PM »

Handgunr,
You are so right! I apologize for not stating that I was trying all factory ammo to see what would work right off the store shelf. Reloading my own ammo is absolutely the right way to go with any of those bullet weights to make them work.
Sometimes it's comforting to know what will and won't work in the realm of factory ammo.

Thanks for the input.
GH