223 bolt gun - barrel length?

BoilerUP

BoilerUP

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Jan 16, 2011
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Floyd Co, IN
#1
Currently running a Savage 12FV with factory 26" 9 twist barrel. Shoots the 75gr Hornady HPBT very well @ 2875fps with 24.0gr Varget, but I'm thinking about rebarreling in the future to accommodate 80gr bullets.

I think my next barrel will be an 8 twist (500'-1000' MSL elevation), but I'm uncertain on length although I know I want less than my current 26".

So...what length should I go with?
 
#2
Re: 223 bolt gun - barrel length?

I like 24 inches on my Remington but I may change that. I won a Mann Accuracy device from a CMP auction. I'll try it out and see how it goes. It only has a 19 inch barrel.

In reality the longer barrel comes in mainly when using iron sights (which I do) because it gives you a longer sight radius.

All my ARs are 20 inch. I doubt I go shorter, again its the sight radius for me, I don't use scopes on ARs.
 
#4
Re: 223 bolt gun - barrel length?

I have a 20" (rem tact) and a 21.75" custom 7twist. I voted 22" but it really depends... To answer this question, are you going to be carrying this in the field or looking at range use mostly?

If it's a range rifle go long.

If you’re carrying it in the field, depending on the contour, I wouldn’t go over 22".

I will be facing the same question soon with my next barrel and will likely go 21-23" and in a AI chamber. I am hoping to push 80g A-max to around 2900 out of the 7.5 twist rock creek.
 
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#5
Re: 223 bolt gun - barrel length?

I would either go 20" or 22": - I have a 18" Remington 700 and I wish I had gone 20 or 22 for the velocity. I have a 18" AR and a 18" bolt gun and for some reason the gas gun is 125 fps faster than the bolt gun with the exact same loads. I have seen the same phenomena in my 308's too. So, if I had gone 20 or 22 I would have approximately the same speed as a 18" theoretically.

I would like to know if anyone else has seen this before? So, if my guns are normal that would mean that you would have to add 2 inches t buo a bolt gun barrel to stay up in velocity with an AR that is two inches shorter.

Just something to think of.

Remington 700 - 223 - 1:8 Bartlein - shoots Sierra and Nosler 77 Match Kings very well. I have not tried the 80 Sierra's yet but I do have some just have not gotten that far.

IMG_20120430_072859.jpg
 
#6
Re: 223 bolt gun - barrel length?

My existing 26" barrel is Savage varmint contour; I'm thinking its replacement will be a Savage Light Varmint (similar to a Shilen #5) or Savage Varmint (similar to Light Palma) contour.

Difference between the two contours is 1.0lb @ 26" length. Losing a little weight would be nice, but more looking for better balance & handling.

A 20 inch light varmint barrel has a muzzle diameter of .803" and .759" for a 22 inch barrel...should be enough to thread for a suppressor.

I'm curious what those who run 20" barrels with a standard chamber are seeing for velocities with 75 & 80gr bullets (yes, I've checked reloading depot).
 
#7
Re: 223 bolt gun - barrel length?

with 24.7 grains of AA 2460 out of 18" barrels I am getting 2850 out of the AR and 2725 out of the Bolt rifle. I am sure I can push it more but I have not felt the need. The accuracy is there on both rifles. I am sure you can get 2850-2900 with a 77 out of a 20 or 22" barrel with some load development.
 
#10
Re: 223 bolt gun - barrel length?

Primary use will be 600yd or less, on steel and paper targets. The ability to go beyond 600yd with 75-80gr bullets would be nice, but right now I don't have access to that distance. I'd also like the ability to use 52gr A-Max/53gr V-Max for varmint work but that is a secondary desire.

95% of my shooting to this point has been from a bench, but I want to learn and refine practical shooting skills. 26" is fine with a rest and rear bag, but feels a bit long & front-heavy for that kind of shooting.

I could chop & thread my factory barrel to desired length and continue to use the 75gr HPBT I currently shoot, but figure a new built-to-spec Criterion barrel is the 'smart buy'.
 
#11
Re: 223 bolt gun - barrel length?

Don't be afraid to go short. Especially if you get a fast twist and shoot the heavies. 75+gr. I take this out to 500 yards all the time on steel. 80 amaxs at 2470. Nothing I've shot with it could tell it has only an 11" barrel
photo2-8.jpg

photo3-7.jpg
 
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#14
Re: 223 bolt gun - barrel length?

I miss the balance of my 26" Rem. varmint. Currently shooting a 24" 5r and have another being re barreled right now with another 24" tube. The smith recommended the 24" as well.
 
#15
Re: 223 bolt gun - barrel length?

Experiences I shared on loading my 20" 700 tactical for 1000y.
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthre...886#Post3031886

I have since revisited 80 grain bullets (nosler CC’s) loaded to the lands (AI mag system), a stout load of Varget in LC brass. I am getting around 2800 fps with the 80’s and 2850 with the 75 VLD in the above post. Only down side on the 80’s is they are slower in this rifle and have a BC of roughly the same as the 75 vlds. But I got a deal on the 80’s that put them at ~ 50% off the bergers price. So I smile with each pull of the trigger. And they have thus far been stable out of my 9 twist at 40 degrees and ~700 ASL.
 
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