.223 for bear, mountain goat, deer, elk, and moose.

[YukonCorneliusAurelius]

If they’re still standing, I’m still shooting.

Exactly

 

[HighUintas]

Im relatively disappointed in the velocity I get from my 16" 223 barrel. What's the cure?

 

[Schmo]

Im relatively disappointed in the velocity I get from my 16" 223 barrel. What's the cure?

What velocity with what bullet?

 

[HighUintas]

What velocity with what bullet?

That's mostly a rhetorical question because I had some beer and then got on the Internet. But here are the speeds just for some extra data.

75gr Hornady black, 2703avg first out of barrel
Blackarc 77otm 2633avg
Aac 77 otm 2526avg
Aac 75bthp Avg 2643
AAC 75bthp Avg 2680 (probably post speed up)

I haven't handloaded anything yet. I've got some 77tmks and some aa2520 to try but haven't done so yet. I'm allergic to reloading now and will probably hunt with either my 223 or flintlock next season to avoid having to load for my 243.

 

[sierracharlie338]

That's mostly a rhetorical question because I had some beer and then got on the Internet. But here are the speeds just for some extra data.

75gr Hornady black, 2703avg first out of barrel
Blackarc 77otm 2633avg
Aac 77 otm 2526avg
Aac 75bthp Avg 2643
AAC 75bthp Avg 2680 (probably post speed up)

I haven't handloaded anything yet. I've got some 77tmks and some aa2520 to try but haven't done so yet. I'm allergic to reloading now and will probably hunt with either my 223 or flintlock next season to avoid having to load for my 243.

You can go 22cm/GT if you just really need more speed. I’d try the handloads and see what you get out of that. Maybe try to source some XBR or other favorite powders. You can also send your rifle to a good smith and get you a little more freebore (like +p chamber)

 

[YukonCorneliusAurelius]

75gr Hornady black, 2703avg first out of barrel
Blackarc 77otm 2633avg
Aac 77 otm 2526avg
Aac 75bthp Avg 2643
AAC 75bthp Avg 2680 (probably post speed up)

That’s plenty fast for a 16” barrel. My handloads using XBR, Fed match primers, and loaded to 2.260 coal average 2769 fps out of my 20” barrel. That same load in my brother’s damn near identical barrel get 2800 fps.

What is the maximum range you need your shooting system to be capable of hitting at 1800 fps or above?

 

[Deere_Man]

That’s plenty fast for a 16” barrel. My handloads using XBR, Fed match primers, and loaded to 2.260 coal average 2769 fps out of my 20” barrel. That same load in my brother’s damn near identical barrel get 2800 fps.

What is the maximum range you need your shooting system to be capable of hitting at 1800 fps or above?

I agree. Get a longer barrel or shoot a lighter bullet. If you are just shooting deer and the ranges are under 300 yards, maybe a 55gr soft point could work. Academy Sports sells an exclusive Hornady American Whitetail 60gr ammo that some friends locally say works great. Hornady’s packaging claims it’s an Interlock bullet.

Hornady American Whitetail .223 60-Grain Centerfire Rifle Ammunition - 20 Rounds | Academy

Outdoors, Shooting, Ammunition, Centerfire Rifle Ammo

www.academy.com

 

[ShootOkHuntWorse]

I agree. Get a longer barrel or shoot a lighter bullet. If you are just shooting deer and the ranges are under 300 yards, maybe a 55gr soft point could work. Academy Sports sells an exclusive Hornady American Whitetail 60gr ammo that some friends locally say works great. Hornady’s packaging claims it’s an Interlock bullet.

Hornady American Whitetail .223 60-Grain Centerfire Rifle Ammunition - 20 Rounds | Academy

Outdoors, Shooting, Ammunition, Centerfire Rifle Ammo

www.academy.com

View attachment 957766

I thought the whole idea behind the tmk working so well is it ISNT locked copper and core.

 

[Schmo]

That's mostly a rhetorical question because I had some beer and then got on the Internet. But here are the speeds just for some extra data.

75gr Hornady black, 2703avg first out of barrel
Blackarc 77otm 2633avg
Aac 77 otm 2526avg
Aac 75bthp Avg 2643
AAC 75bthp Avg 2680 (probably post speed up)

I haven't handloaded anything yet. I've got some 77tmks and some aa2520 to try but haven't done so yet. I'm allergic to reloading now and will probably hunt with either my 223 or flintlock next season to avoid having to load for my 243.

Try some Bone Frog 77TMK or Black Hills 77TMK. Might be a little faster. 2750ish gets you to 500 yards