In my opinion, and it's just that, speed is cool but drift resistance is a product of bc. Speed affects it some, bc effects it alot. Speed helps alot with terminal effect. Something about hitting a target with speed that amplifies the hydrostatic shock effect.
You mentioned up to 800 yards in one post so I was trying to give you more than the minimum. If you are sub-500 yards 100% of the time and not trying to use a 16" barrel 223/5.56 (my 16" is 200 fps slower than my 22") you "should" be fine with a 223 and the 77tmk but the 22 ARC and the 75 ELDM/80 ELDX/88 ELDM would allow you to do the same thing in a shorter package. Whichever you choose, make sure you practice to your desired max range and past it and hold yourself accountable for not shooting past your self set limit.
I'm short barrel junky now, probably be 16-18", suppressed. I may pick one of the gen 2 ranch rifles with the 16.1" barrel.
Hecky yeah, My first point is to get the rifle that is mechanically capable... then start practicing. I do the 500 yard line being sort of a max for me, but who knows where this goes over time. I have a good 500 yard range scoped out and looking forward to getting up there in June and shooting. Prior to that, lots of 100 yard shooting. Never gonna go lobbing bullets.
Yeah so that muzzle velocity with a 77TMK hits the 1800fps minimum terminal impact velocity at 475 yards at my current conditions. Distance will vary based on your conditions. That kind of sets your hunting distance for guaranteed bullet expansion. 800 yards would be well below 1800fps with a .223.
Do it! I have one in in 6 ARC with a can and its quickly becoming my favorite hunting rifle. Killed a Bull and buck with it this year here in CO.
What's your barrel length on it? Also, where you hitting the 1800 fps mark? I keep mulling over a 6 ARC as well.
That this is the only difference in any cartridge of the same caliber and bullet completely escapes most people.I have a 16” 5.56 RAR and a 20” RA GEN2 22 ARC.
Ranch is 2563 MV @1k’ of elevation shooting a 77 TMK. That puts it at 1802 FPS at 415 yards. That is its effective range.
22 ARC is 2913 MV @1k’ of elevation shooting a 75 ELDM. That puts it at 1803 at 645 yards. That is its effective range.
A 22 ARC won’t provide greater death. It will provide the same death as the 223, just farther away.
Hope that helps.
. It is crazy to see his 22 arc basically performing the same as my .243 8 twist with 108 eldm’s with less recoil. I might have to make the switch when it is time to rebarrel.
This is why if I build one (a fast 22) it will be a 22GT. I think it’s the sweet spot for me personally. My 6gt is so money right now that’s all I want to shoot though
It's the 16" short boy. Using Hornady's bolt gun max of Varget for the 103 eld-x, with 2620 MV it stays above 1800 fps out to 450-500y depending on environmental conditions (mainly elevation, 8-10k ft) . I think with a different powder like CFE223 or LVR I could get out to 550 with the same environmentals.
You’ll like it. Mine is real shooter. Easy to adjust the trigger too if needed.
Notice the moose kill took more than one shot. If a lot of your hunting is in timber there are many better cartridges to carry than the 223 or 22 ARC. None of the newest plastic tipped wonder bullets give the penetration say a 7-08 or 308 can give with properly constructed cup and core bullets. Also at virtually any range the 223 and 22 ARC do not make as wide or as deep a wound channel as similarly constructed bullets from 7-08/308 class cartridges. Shot placement is very important, meaning placed perfectly through the lung/heart area from broadside. I am a big fan of both the 223 and 22 ARC but they have limitations.
