what to expect with ,223 @ 1000 yards.

[2500yards]

I'm building a new setup. would like to know what type of groupings are possible w/77 gr. .223's at 1000 yards.

 

[Wild_Bill]

Re: what to expect with ,223 @ 1000 yards.

Hi with the 77ge projectiles it is possible to get to 1000 yards but in a long barreled rifle a 26" barrel with warm loads would get you close. we shoot 1000 yards here a lot in F Class with 223's the rifle barrels are usualy 28-30" and are long throated the powders to use are Varger and H4895 with Varget best with the heavy projectiles. If you are using an AR mag fed it will be a chore to make 1000 yards but if it is a 26" barrel with an 8 twist and nato length throat i would single load the 75 or 80gr A Max or 80gr Sierra for your 1000 yard shooting if it is a 7 twist the 90gr Sierra is realy hard to beat with a stout load of Varget.

Need to know what rifle platform and twist you have to give you a better answer but the 75gr Hornady HPBT shoots well at 3100fps from a 30" barrel and so does the 77gr but you need the velocity to make those projectiles effective at 1000 yards the A Max's or heavier sierrias are better.

 

[1shot2kill]

Re: what to expect with ,223 @ 1000 yards.

I have done it with a 24" barrel and if you hold your mouth just right you should be able to hit a man sized target 10 times out of 10 however i shoot at 7k elevation you need to have a very good scale when reloading in a case like 223 being off by 4/10ths of a grain may not mean anything at 100 yards with varget but it makes a world of difference out at 1000 just be sure to re zero after every charge.

 

[2500yards]

Re: what to expect with ,223 @ 1000 yards.

It is an AR platform. but I just ordered a new barrel. 26" 1 in 7.7 twist. I plan on shooting 77-80gr. I just bought 600 rounds of dirrent manufactured 77gr Sierra MatchKing's to test out. gonna be a month or more before I get the barrel. Its a kreiger barrel, and the guy there I spoke with thought I shouldnt go longer than 26" and that they have had the best results with the 77-80 grains with their 1 in 7.7 twist.

I'd like to be really accurate out to 800 yards with this setup, but will be messing around at 1000 - 1200 for fun. Just wondering what type of grouping to expect with this round out there.

Thanks

 

[TEAMSENDIT]

Re: what to expect with ,223 @ 1000 yards.

well at least you will get good at reading the wind since it will blow like a mother when shot past 600yds it will make it but not optimal. i am currently building a 24" 223ai 8 twist but i am not planning on shooting past about 700-800yds with it with 75gr amax.

 

[Sig685]

Re: what to expect with ,223 @ 1000 yards.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 2500yards</div><div class="ubbcode-body">It is an AR platform. but I just ordered a new barrel. 26" 1 in 7.7 twist. I plan on shooting 77-80gr. I just bought 600 rounds of dirrent manufactured 77gr Sierra MatchKing's to test out. gonna be a month or more before I get the barrel. Its a kreiger barrel, and the guy there I spoke with thought I shouldnt go longer than 26" and that they have had the best results with the 77-80 grains with their 1 in 7.7 twist.

I'd like to be really accurate out to 800 yards with this setup, but will be messing around at 1000 - 1200 for fun. Just wondering what type of grouping to expect with this round out there.

Thanks </div></div>

I have the same barrel in my match AR. Don't even bother with the 77SMK much past 600 yards. I use 80gr JLKs with (lots of) Varget. I moly coat the bullets and use a CWS to help tame the load. I sure hope you specified their 5.56 NATO Match chamber. It makes for one heck of a rifle, let me tell you.

 

[2500yards]

Re: what to expect with ,223 @ 1000 yards.

The guy I spoke to reccomended I used the 223 wyled. Said I would be more flex. on ammo that way. Should I change that? What are the advantages/disadvantages of the 5.56 nato match?

Im looking forward to it. Im just wondering if I should contact them and change the barrel length to 28"

 

[laylowlong]

Re: what to expect with ,223 @ 1000 yards.

What kind of grouping would you expect? In my opinion it is better so set the goal
then ask what is needed to get there. That way you do not spend money looking for unrealistic expectations. If good groups are what you want at 1000, or to maximize the performance of your cartridge and gear at 1000. It is amazing what can be wrung out by a talented shooter. You would be facing many limitations though that are better overcome with more suitable LR cartidges.

 

[2500yards]

Re: what to expect with ,223 @ 1000 yards.

I really dont know what to expect from a .223 at that range. I have other rifles that make the trip fine. Im just in the mood to play around with smaller guns and see what they can do. I dont know, an 6-8 inch group at 1000 would be nice, but again Im not sure what to expect. I have always shot with stock factory rifles and my longterm goal is to be shooting a .408 at 2500+ yards. I just feel shooting with the smaller rounds will teach me alot and get me to my goal the way I want to get there.

 

[Sig685]

Re: what to expect with ,223 @ 1000 yards.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 2500yards</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The guy I spoke to reccomended I used the 223 wyled. Said I would be more flex. on ammo that way. Should I change that? What are the advantages/disadvantages of the 5.56 nato match?

Im looking forward to it. Im just wondering if I should contact them and change the barrel length to 28"

</div></div>

I suspect you meant the Wylde chamber. That may well be but for mypurposes, I wanted a tight chamber with a long leade to shoot 80gr bullets so I chose differently. If you go for a 28 inch barrel, the gas system will require a longer tube because they position it differently. It's not a bad thing. you just need to be aware of it.

As for groups, I don't know. I don't shoot for groups except during load development; I shoot for score. I use the rifle in F-TR LR competition. A lot will depend on the ammo (especially the bullet) you will be using and then most of all, it will depend on you as a shooter. What kind fo scope and mount are you considering?

 

[KYS]

Re: what to expect with ,223 @ 1000 yards.

a 223 at 1000 yards will not get you ready for a 408CT at 2500 yards. If you want to be practicing for that round at that range then you need to do something a little more practical. Look into a bigger caliber. You need to simulate ballistics, felt recoil, and so on. I would look into a 338 Lapua Mag or 338 Norma Mag.

You will have to do a LOT more to get a 223 hitting accurately at 1000. And then with the 408 you will be doing almost nothing but working on learning adjustments for your scope (dope in other words). Even a 300 Win mag would be a better option.

just my 2 cents

 

[Louis Corkern]

Re: what to expect with ,223 @ 1000 yards.

Sorry to take this thread kinda off topic but man if your goal is 2500+ yards with a 408 then you barking up wrong tree in a couple different aspects.

1. Wasting your time with ANYTHING at 1K yards because no combination of caliber, components, etc can prepare you for the environmental applications, exterior ballistics and internal ballistics you will need to familiarize yourself with for getting past 1600m.

2. The 408 shooting the 419gr solid at 2900fps and 3" sight height goes subsonic at 2200 yards.

Thanks

 

[2500yards]

Re: what to expect with ,223 @ 1000 yards.

Yes Sig685, I meant Wylde. typo. anyhow. I am 90% sure I am going to go with the nightforce 12-42 x 56 NXS as the scope. As far as the mount goes, I am not sure yet. but I have wanted to give this one a try: http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=617607

Ofcourse I realize the grouping has as much to do with my capability as the gun setup. I would just like to get a reasonable range from someone on here as to what I should expect.

 

[2500yards]

Re: what to expect with ,223 @ 1000 yards.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kyshooter338</div><div class="ubbcode-body">a 223 at 1000 yards will not get you ready for a 408CT at 2500 yards. If you want to be practicing for that round at that range then you need to do something a little more practical. Look into a bigger caliber. You need to simulate ballistics, felt recoil, and so on. I would look into a 338 Lapua Mag or 338 Norma Mag.

You will have to do a LOT more to get a 223 hitting accurately at 1000. And then with the 408 you will be doing almost nothing but working on learning adjustments for your scope (dope in other words). Even a 300 Win mag would be a better option.

just my 2 cents </div></div>

I have a 338 lapua mag. I just bought the barrett 98 bravo, but I havnt played with it yet. I dont want to just throw away money on ammo right now. I was told to go this route (for me) to get more familiar with settings as posted above and get more familiar with alot of things I need to work on. Im not the man at long range shooting. I have always sat around and spent whatever amount of time to dial in my scope for different ranges. I have shot out to 1500 yards but its not something I 100% grasp the full knowledge of yet.

I appreciate your input to go to a larger round. Im not trying in any way to compare it to a .408. I was simply stating that is my long term goal. like 4-5 years from now. I have alot to learn before I will drop the coin on one.

 

[coldboremiracle]

Re: what to expect with ,223 @ 1000 yards.

I shoot at 1k all the time with my outfit. RRA 24" varminter 1-8 twist. I single load 75 gr Amax's with 26.0 gr of BLC, and as long as the wind doesn't get out of hand, I can hit man size targets all day.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: what to expect with ,223 @ 1000 yards.

I think that the .308 can be marginal at 1Kyd and the .223 is probably moreso.

Will they get ontarget at 1000yd? Sure.

Are there better chamberings for this? Lots.

After having found something that works better (.260 Rem), I have <span style="font-style: italic">NO</span> motivation to go back.

 

[Sig685]

Re: what to expect with ,223 @ 1000 yards.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 2500yards</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Yes Sig685, I meant Wylde. typo. anyhow. I am 90% sure I am going to go with the nightforce 12-42 x 56 NXS as the scope. As far as the mount goes, I am not sure yet. but I have wanted to give this one a try: http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=617607

Ofcourse I realize the grouping has as much to do with my capability as the gun setup. I would just like to get a reasonable range from someone on here as to what I should expect. </div></div>

That is one expensive mount. I have simpler tastes and needs. I use the Brownells mount here. I use their rings also, and the whole thing cost me $100. You will need a minimum of 20MOA to get to 1k with the NXS scope.

I reached Sharshooter status in F-T/R LR with my AR-15 and 80gr JLKs. This means I could reliably stay within 2 MOAs for 60 rounds, with perhaps one or 2 rounds escaping in the 8-ring.

 

[2500yards]

Re: what to expect with ,223 @ 1000 yards.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sig685</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> That is one expensive mount. I have simpler tastes and needs. I use the Brownells mount here. I use their rings also, and the whole thing cost me $100. You will need a minimum of 20MOA to get to 1k with the NXS scope.

I reached Sharshooter status in F-T/R LR with my AR-15 and 80gr JLKs. This means I could reliably stay within 2 MOAs for 60 rounds, with perhaps one or 2 rounds escaping in the 8-ring.</div></div>

I have a similar mount on it right now. I wasnt too concerned with the mount, but that is the scope I am going to buy.

Sounds like your a bad dude. I appreciate the input. How big is the target you are shooting at?

 

[2500yards]

Re: what to expect with ,223 @ 1000 yards.

coldboremiracle, nice looking setup. and thanks.

 

[Sig685]

Re: what to expect with ,223 @ 1000 yards.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 2500yards</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

I have a similar mount on it right now. I wasnt too concerned with the mount, but that is the scope I am going to buy.

Sounds like your a bad dude. I appreciate the input. How big is the target you are shooting at? </div></div>

I don't know, I was kind of proud of bein able to accomplish that with an AR-15 and some handloads.

The F-class target is a center pasted on the regular LR-1 target. The target is 6 feet by 6 feed with a series of concentric circles of increasing value and decreasing size. The X-ring is 5 inches in diameter, the 10-ring is 10 inches, the 9 ring is 20 inches, and so on.


BTW, this is what the rifle looks like with that 26 inch Krieger and the Brownells mount.

 

[laylowlong]

Re: what to expect with ,223 @ 1000 yards.

Shooting at 1K with .223 is akin to running a 440 carrying rocks in your hands....Yes, a good runner will still do well. Beyond a thousand it would be akin to carrying a bowling ball. Even an olympic runner aint gonna beat you.

 

[coldboremiracle]

Re: what to expect with ,223 @ 1000 yards.

Thank you, it's been a great stick for alotta rounds now.

 

[jedwards]

Re: what to expect with ,223 @ 1000 yards.

wildbill i have a 223wssm built by kevin grinter it was actually the first 223 wssm in aus it did have a hot pink 1970 alluminium target stock it is now in a hs presision adjustable stock it has a 6-24x50il swarovski in warne rings and mounts it will hit in the 9 ring all day

 

[2500yards]

Re: what to expect with ,223 @ 1000 yards.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sig685</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 2500yards</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

I have a similar mount on it right now. I wasnt too concerned with the mount, but that is the scope I am going to buy.

Sounds like your a bad dude. I appreciate the input. How big is the target you are shooting at? </div></div>

I don't know, I was kind of proud of bein able to accomplish that with an AR-15 and some handloads.

The F-class target is a center pasted on the regular LR-1 target. The target is 6 feet by 6 feed with a series of concentric circles of increasing value and decreasing size. The X-ring is 5 inches in diameter, the 10-ring is 10 inches, the 9 ring is 20 inches, and so on.


BTW, this is what the rifle looks like with that 26 inch Krieger and the Brownells mount.

</div></div>


good looking gun there. thx. for sharing. thx. for the target info as well. I appreciate the input from everyone on this.

 

[Supersubes]

Re: what to expect with ,223 @ 1000 yards.

I am shooting 77smk's out of a 20" lilja at 2800 fps(bolt gun). The gun is fairly new to me but i finally got out to do some unknown distance shooting with it. I was stunned how accurate the thing is. The furthest I have gotten with it is 990yds and it groups just like my .308 does, but takes 11.7 mils to get there.

600 yards

720 yards

 

[2500yards]

Re: what to expect with ,223 @ 1000 yards.

Thats awesome. I would be very happy with that.

 

[Wild_Bill]

Re: what to expect with ,223 @ 1000 yards.

2500 the barrel you have will work for your use but for past 600 yards single load with a 75A MAx, or 80gr A Amax, Sierra, Berger jlk or 90gr Sierra or Berger and you will get to 1000 yards without to much trouble also with heavy loads in your AR get a CWS from david Tubb it will tame the heavy target loads a lot and make the whole rifle work better.

I know Kevin and i also shoot F Class i dont know anyone in the country that can shoot 9's at 1000 yards all day every day with anything and i try to shoot 10's. also this is not a 223WSSM it is a 223 so welcome but the things you mentioned dont have anything to do with this guys thread.

I think you will have a rifle capable of shooting 1000 yards well but it has nothing to do with shooting your 408 i would also look at a 375 Snipe Tac over the 408 Chey Tac they just work better for the sourt of things most need.

 

[2500yards]

Re: what to expect with ,223 @ 1000 yards.

great. thanks wild_bill. I will check into a 375. I figure im at least a few years off from getting into the 2000 yard arena.

 

[coldboremiracle]

Re: what to expect with ,223 @ 1000 yards.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 2500yards</div><div class="ubbcode-body">great. thanks wild_bill. I will check into a 375. I figure im at least a few years off from getting into the 2000 yard arena. </div></div>

? what about 2500 yds?

 

[RayDog]

Re: what to expect with ,223 @ 1000 yards.

I shoot my 20" AR out to 1k sometimes. Most of the time I can't even tell if I hit the steel or not there is so little energy out there. The wind is harsh on the little 77smk bullet. I get about 3.35 mils of wind at 1k for a 10 at full. That's like 12MOA.
You better be on your wind calls...not that easy out here with the 77s at 1k

 

[2500yards]

Re: what to expect with ,223 @ 1000 yards.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: coldboremiracle</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 2500yards</div><div class="ubbcode-body">great. thanks wild_bill. I will check into a 375. I figure im at least a few years off from getting into the 2000 yard arena. </div></div>

? what about 2500 yds?</div></div>

haha. Well, thats my goal for sure.

 

[2500yards]

Re: what to expect with ,223 @ 1000 yards.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RayDog</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I shoot my 20" AR out to 1k sometimes. Most of the time I can't even tell if I hit the steel or not there is so little energy out there. The wind is harsh on the little 77smk bullet. I get about 3.35 mils of wind at 1k for a 10 at full. That's like 12MOA.
You better be on your wind calls...not that easy out here with the 77s at 1k</div></div>

thx. good to know. It is always windy where I live/shoot, so I am getting pretty good with that stuff. I figure it will definitly be a challenge at 1000 with the .223

 

[culdee]

Re: what to expect with ,223 @ 1000 yards.

can anyone direct me to a thread or link for loading the heavier bullets for single loading a 223 AR platform? I have a Colt HBAR and want to experiment with heavier bullets. Good luck with your 1K practice.

 

[Sig685]

Re: what to expect with ,223 @ 1000 yards.

If you want, you can start your own thread, which will make it simpler to link to in the future.

I have been using longer bullets (up to 80gr) and single loading them in ARs for several years and I may be able to answer some of your questions. I do shoot to 1000 yards in F-class with the combo.

So, what would you like to talk about?