What is Most Efficient 22 cal in 12 inch Barrel ???

[Husker]

I want to buy a 12 inch 22 cal centerfire barrel for my new G2 Contender.  Primary use will be prairie dogs and coyotes to 300 yds.  

I don't have the resources to do the proper testing to determine the most efficient round for this barrel length.  By efficient, I mean most/all powder is burned before the bullet leaves the barrel (low/no muzzle flash) with minimal sacrifice to velocity.  

There are many rounds to consider, more than I probably know about.  Common rounds include the 22 Hornet, 22-K Hornet, 221 Fireball & 223.  I think there are a couple or more in the JDJ line, as well.  What are some of the others?

What are your thoughts?  Anybody know of past studies or discussion on this subject?  Let me know.

[xphunter]

Don't know about the most efficient, but the 221 Fireball will easily get you to 300+ yards w/PD's in a 12 inch barrel.  I used 40 grain NBT's out past 400 yards on PD's with 10.5 221 Fireball XP-100.

[jhalcott]

Remington did quite a bit of R&D before coming out with the 221 fireball in the 10" barrel.Even the 222 has problems in the short 10 & 12" barrels, requiring faster powders to maintain accuracy levels.IF (big if) it just has to be a 12" barrel get a 221FB.If using a 14" barrel a 223 and 52 grain bullets CAN be pushed around 28/2900 fps.Again faster powders are required.

[poncaguy]

Very pleased with mt 223 15" Contender, shoots MOA at 100 yards, lot of cheap ammo available............

[BCB]

300 yards is a far piece out there!!!  Extremely good rests are required without a doubt.  Optics are another key factor, and a shooter with very good shooting skills and eye sight.  I use a 3x-12x Burris.

Now to your question...I have two 223 barrels and BOTH are M.O.A. shooters out to 200 yards.  A few weeks ago, I wacked a groundhog at 273 yards (range finder verification).  I have shot quite a few at the 250 yard mark.  These hits are all under the best of conditions, both with the weather and the rest situation.  Again, 300 yards is a far piece out there!!!

I think if you compare the 221 to the 223, the 223 will out do the Fireball.  Plus, brass and reloading data is plentiful.  And, if you don't reload, factory ammo is dang cheap.  Good-luck...BCB

[xphunter]

BCB,
I'm talking about "good" shooting conditions.  We also you use a portable table, so we are off the ground, comfortable & solid.  Also use tripod front rest with bags.  Also, the further shots took more than one or two times to hit the dog.

[Lone Star]

If you are wedded to the 12" barrel and handload, then by all means get the .223.   300 yards is on the long side for a .221 although it can and will work.  The .223 loaded with 40-grain bullets and BlueDot powder will equal or exceed .221 ballistics with less report; the fast powder takes care of that by providing a lower muzzle pressure.  Even in my 10" .223 Contender, BlueDot loads are relatively quiet.  Velocities around 2900 fps in your 12" barrel will give you good results at 300 yards - considering the restrictions you impose.  I'm not certain how the 40 will perform on long range coyotes, they may work fine.  The .223 gives you the option to use higher powered loads as needed.

Another plus is accuracy; many report sub-moa performance as typical with BD loads, and even my 10" T/C averages 0.9 moa at 100 yards with 40grain V-Max bullets and 13.0 grains of BD powder.