88 ELD-M’s 8” .223ai

[Walker6]

Thinking about a .223ai 8” twist. Probably 19-20” barrel. Deer and steel at 1000-4000’ altitude. Would like to shoot 88’s eldm’s.

Who’s got experience with this twist/bullet combo at .223ai velocities (and what were those velocities?)

I reckon 7” would work better or 77tmk’s w/ 8” twist, but how about 88’s and 1:8?

I know they’ll kill. Concern is stability.

Thanks!

 

[KHntr]

You are probably hamstrung for 88’s with a 1:8. Not sure why you would go that slow if you are wanting to use 88’s? They *might* stabilize, but you are giving up some of the goodness by going 8 twist.

77’s will work just fine with a 1:7 as well….

 

[Walker6]

Said rifle already exists in 1:8” twist. Thats the only reason.

 

[ddowning]

I tried 80 eldm in an 8 twist button rifled barrel (probably really 8.3 or 8.4 twist). It was 26" and I was pushing them pretty hard. They did not stabilize. I tried a bunch of stuff and couldn't get a group smaller than 2" at 100 yards. I switched to 75 bthp and it went to shooting under an inch for 10 shot groups. I am about 1000' ASL. I'm not sure what altitude your at, but I would think 88s in an 8 twist is marginal at best.

 

[KHntr]

Figured you already had it in hand. Punching it AI (if it’s a standard 223 currently) won’t gain you much velocity. With 88’s from a 20” you won’t be far from 2700, but you certainly won’t exceed it by much, if at all.

 

[Deere_Man]

Get it rebarreled 1:7 if you have space in the mag for that over all length.

What rifle?

 

[Walker6]

Rem 700. Come to find out it’s a 7.5” twist.

How about 88’s in a 7.5T?

 

[ddowning]

Hornady recommends 1:7". It might work, but probably not as well as something else.

 

[Deere_Man]

If 7.5”, it’s worth a try.

 

[waspocrew]

I’d give it a try. 88s aren’t crazy expensive- if they don’t work, sell or trade the rest away.

 

[Walker6]

Couldn’t resist. I am going to give it a try. Will report back once I get my hands on it.

 

[Tanner]

They should be groovy at AI velocities in a 1-7.5”. They fly like a dirty bastard out of my 1-8” 22-250, and your AI shouldn’t be too far behind that.

 

[KHntr]

In a 7.5, you might have some luck.

 

[Walker6]

Let’s hope so. Now if I could find some Lapua brass…

 

[waspocrew]

Let’s hope so. Now if I could find some Lapua brass…

Word on the street is that it should be hitting shelves soon.