223, 223AI, or 22 ARC? Which one?

[Marbles]

If you’re leaning 22 ARC, I’d probably go 22 BR.

Or, go long throat 223, with .100” FB at minimum if you’re shootings heavies. 7.5 twist. You can run 5.56 brass and get more velocity. Then, if you want more, run NAS3 cases and get an extra 200 fps

Yeah, if it was for me I would be looking at 22 BR vs GT vs Creed.

The recoil difference is noticable, even using the same bullet, due to the increased powder charge and velocity. The rifle will only be about 7 lbs total and she is only about 50 pounds.

I was thinking 223 with 0.115" FB, 1:7.5 twist. Will primarily shoot 75 BTHPs and 77 TMKs as that is what I already stock, but was thinking that would give me more options while still working for the lighter stuff.

Any reason to go a different twist or FB?

 

[Schmo]

Yeah, if it was for me I would be looking at 22 BR vs GT vs Creed.

Is not the 22 BR and ARC very similar?

 

[Marbles]

Is not the 22 BR and ARC very similar?

You are correct. I thought the BR had a larger case capacity.

So, why BR over ARC?

 

[nm.otter]

BR has a .473" bolt face and 11% more case capacity.

 

[Schmo]

You are correct. I thought the BR had a larger case capacity.

So, why BR over ARC?

In an Encore, it’s not as big of a deal, but better brass availability for BR, and you can neck down 6 BR brass. BR brass comes from Lapua, Alpha, etc. Hornady is the main manufacturer of ARC brass. I think Alpha does ARC brass.

 

[Schmo]

BR has a .473" bolt face.

This is a nice benefit, just not much of a factor in the case of an Encore

 

[Marbles]

Well, now the question becomes 223 in the Encore, or use the Tikka action with standard bolt I have sitting in a drawer and build a 22 BR.

The BR is cooler and what I want, but:

With the current sale a PVA prefit will cost about $75 more than the Encore.

Scope mounting in on hand for both, so no cost there.

Would need dies and brass for the BR, I don't even shoot nice brass in my rifles right now.

The Encore will be lighter and shorter, which for a small kid is huge.

The single shot will keep her shooting slower and rebuilding positions more, so somewhat better on fundamentals.

The Tikka has much better stock options.

The Tikka will be easier for her to handle safety (don't have small hands trying to lower a hammer to unload if a shot is not taken).

I could make the 223 Tikka hers and I could train with the BR.

 

[Marbles]

Well, looks like 6 BR brass is about 130¢ a case. So, add powder and brass cost and it will be an extra 22¢ a shot.

That's $220 per thousand rounds. I should probably shelve the idea.

If I want the bolt gun, probably better to be boring and just pick up another 223 Tikka. Only down side is it would be blued.

Ok, I'll stop thread jacking.