223 Barrel length suggestions for hunting out to 150 yards.

[KYwhitetail606]

Hello everyone,

I found a NIB Howa Mini Stainless sporter 22” 223. 1:8 twist barrel at my LGS last week for like 500 bucks and jumped on it. I ordered a factory second Stockys stock for 199 last night and am signed up for the Jefferson hinged floor plate notification, so I can jump on one when time comes.

I want to chop the barrel to accommodate a blind or tree stand once I can piece the rifle together. I plan to shoot black hills 5.56 77tmk for deer next year. My shots are anywhere from 10 yard to 150 where I plan on using this rifle. Anywhere else I’ll use my tikka 6.5 creed.

What barrel length do you guys recommend I chop it to? I was thinking 18” but I’d be open to 17 or 16 as well. Also will the sporter style barrel have enough meat to chop this low? The barrel profile seems thin.

If my calculations are correct the rifle with a scope will be around 5lbs once I get my rings and trijicon 3-9 Accupoint on it. Also any ring recommendations?

 

[Formidilosus]

Hello everyone,

I found a NIB Howa Mini Stainless sporter 22” 223. 1:8 twist barrel at my LGS last week for like 500 bucks and jumped on it. I ordered a factory second Stockys stock for 199 last night and am signed up for the Jefferson hinged floor plate notification, so I can jump on one when time comes.

I want to chop the barrel to accommodate a blind or tree stand once I can piece the rifle together. I plan to shoot black hills 5.56 77tmk for deer next year. My shots are anywhere from 10 yard to 150 where I plan on using this rifle. Anywhere else I’ll use my tikka 6.5 creed.

What barrel length do you guys recommend I chop it to? I was thinking 18” but I’d be open to 17 or 16 as well. Also will the sporter style barrel have enough meat to chop this low? The barrel profile seems thin.

If my calculations are correct the rifle with a scope will be around 5lbs once I get my rings and trijicon 3-9 Accupoint on it. Also any ring recommendations?

SBR it. I for sure wouldn’t go longer than 16”.

 

[pods8 (Rugged Stitching)]

Chop it as short as you prefer, you'll still have enough velocity out to 150yd. Shorter will have more muzzle blast though.

If you aren't threading contour doesn't matter when you chop it, in terms of threading you can easily thread it 1/2" or if you want it 5/8" they can install a collar to do it (its been discussed numerous times on the forum if you look).

 

[rbutcher1234]

My 16” has 77 tmk velocity at sea level to be terminally effective to almost 450 yards. For what you described, 16” should be the maximum number.

 

[dårlig jeger]

SBR it. I for sure wouldn’t go longer than 16”.

This. Once you go short, there's no going back. Or something like that.

 

[Steve300xcw]

150yrds? It's not going to matter.

Somewhere in the 16-18" range is about right for most things IMO. I have learned that it is a lot easier to make a barrel shorter, than it is longer........... So whack it at 18 and see how you like it, then whittle it back as you see fit.

Also will the sporter style barrel have enough meat to chop this low? The barrel profile seems thin.

what?

 

[Kaleb]

My 11.5" barrel shoots 75's 2450fps. That's a AR load. 16" bolt guns get a little stouter load and run 2750 plus with a 75 amax. Either will hammer deer at double the distance you're looking at.

Balance is something worth mentioning here for me anyway. If a can is not being added back I'd be careful not to go too short and end up with it being butt heavy. Those stocks are light. No can I would be thinking 17-18" is as short as it would balance. If adding a suppressor 12-16" depending on if you want to SBR or not.

 

[goalie]

My 16" is more than enough for that intended use. Getting this with AAC 77g OTM

 

[Thegman]

If my calculations are correct the rifle with a scope will be around 5lbs once I get my rings and trijicon 3-9 Accupoint on it. Also any ring recommendations?

That's pretty light. What does the barreled action weigh as it sits now?

And like others have said, for 150 yards, pretty much any length you think is most functional.

 

[KYwhitetail606]

That's pretty light. What does the barreled action weigh as it sits now?

And like others have said, for 150 yards, pretty much any length you think is most functional.

Little under 4lbs, the stock I ordered is 20 oz and the Jefferson hinged floor plate is like 2 oz. I may throw my SWFA 2.5-10 on it which is 9oz and some talleys. This gun won’t be getting abused. Just for heading into the Appalachians.

If I cut 6” off the barrel I should be around 5.5 lbs ready to walk, maybe less.

 

[KYwhitetail606]

SBR it. I for sure wouldn’t go longer than 16”.

16 it is, thank you form.