223 carbine - range report

[Nate C]

Today was a good day  :grin:

Finally got a chance to shoot my 21" 223 carbine bbl at the local gravel pit / public shooting range.   Highlight of the day was a on ragged hole 3/4" for 10 shots at 50yards.

I know that isn't up there with the BR guys, but for me it was a personal best.   I don't think I could've held the scope much steadier than that but now I know I have a bbl that will be worth putting in the practice time with.

Now for the odd part, the group above was shot with a factory load - UMC 45g HP's.   My handloads (which were 53's) didn't shoot as well.  I think my bbl likes the lighter bullets, and thats ok with me.   Now to load up some 40's and 45's and see how they work.

[Nate C]

Got to try on the 100yd range.   Had a 2x7 Redfield (set at 7x) and the regular wooden 'rests' w/carpet stapled to them.

Tried 2 groups 5 shots each, with a few minutes between to rest my eyes.

25g 4895 w/ 53g Hornady Match hollowpoint went 1-1/2, then 1-1/8
27g 4895 w/ 40g Hornady Vmax went 1-1/16, then 7/8"
UMC factory 45g HP went 1-1/4", 1-1/4"

There were some flyers in the 53g Match groups, but I think they may actually have the best potential of all.  Time will tell.

I am very pleased.   I think this is about as well as I could do with any rifle at this point, and feel like this TC will give me something to grow into.

I also ordered a gunstocks inc, rollover stock set and will be finishing that up over the next few weeks.  Interested to see if it will be any difference compared to the factory stock.

Nate C

[lakota]

I ordered the same stock from them. I love it! It is about an inch or so longer than my old factory stock, which feels much better to me. And the rollover check piece puts my eye in line with scope. It is a nice set, but a lot of sanding. If I wasnt so computer illiterate I would figure out how to put a pic up here.

Enjoy,

Scott.

[Wesley]

Hey Nate C
     You need to try IMR4198 with those 40 gr V-Maxes. Doesn't meter worth a hoot, but an excellent combo in my 21" carbine barrel.
                                                          Wesley