Why you need a 223 trainer / varmit rig

[coyotekilla]

So... it's winter bordrum season, so I was looking in reloading books, studying energy and drops, looking at component costs and so forth... and it's really hard not to see the value in a good 223.

A 22-250 w/ a 55gr launched at 3650 looses to a 75gr 223 launched at 2835 literally at 200yds.

Barrel wear, 22-250's are known throat burners, 223's are not, generally have 3x the barrel life of 22-250.

Case costs, you can scrounge range brass for literally free at most ranges. I just bought starline for 30 cents a car cause I hate prepping range brass and I can get 10 loadings outa good brass making my brass cost 3 cents each.

Bullets, off the shelf 55 soft points are 18 to 20 cents each, midsouth is running a sale for 10 cents. No the 77tmk's and bergers arnt free, but they are as cheap or cheaper than their 6mm or 6.5 counterparts.

Powder, tac is cheap and you can get about 280 shots per pound outa it. I barely get 110 shots to the pound with my 6.5 prc

Performance, you don't need a cannon to kill a coyote, coon, or other varmit, even a whitetail will drop to a proper 223 hit. I'm not gonna lie, I like the fireworks in my thermal of a fox & my 243, but when the goal is predator controll and your shooting a box of shells a week, cheap counts.

All said and done, im loading a 1/2 moa, 55sp @ about 3k fps for less than $6 per box of 20... that's cheap hunting.

BTW, eurooptic.com is about giving tikka 223 ranahans away, and if you don't like them a savage 110 trailhunter is a good choice as well.

 

[Krumfola]

Been debating whether to get one or not. With any new cartridge, I tend to go all in with a build/reloading setup but would like the ability to just buy bulk factory ammo that would give 1-1.5MOA accuracy and go play.

My current go-to is my 6GT and it’s great. Hard to say I’d be better off spending ~$1500 on a 223 prefit and new bolt for my current rifle (Kelbly) instead of just spending that money on components for the GT.

 

[coyotekilla]

Well the 75gr hornady group was a factory loading, i was impressed to say the least. Can't speak on differences to the 6gt, but it's 1/3 the cost of 243 loads.

 

[kswaterfowl]

My 223 is my favorite rifle, but 99% of the time I grab my 22-250 for calling coyotes. It smokes a 223 in drop all day long, no comparison.

 

[Krumfola]

@coyotekilla What’s your barrel length? I figured you’d be over 2800fps even with the 75gr ELDMs.

 

[coyotekilla]

@coyotekilla What’s your barrel length? I figured you’d be over 2800fps even with the 75gr ELDMs.

20 brand new tikka barrel. Those aren't eldm's they are older 75 bthp customs that were in the brown cardboard. Ive worked a handload of tac + 75gr berger vld's as high as low 29's but the accuracy is at 2835 ish.

 

[PC356]

Amen. Have slowly but surely gained a real appreciation for a simple, well built, bolt action .223 shooting heavies. Finally got a hold of a Gen 2 SWFA 6X to try out on one. Absolutely love the combo after spendin an afternoon behind it. Ran AAC bulk 77s, BH TMKs, and Hornady Black 75s thru it. All pretty well same dope to 600ish.

 

[Castle Rock]

That scope is way back, I would reevaluate your technique if that is where it suits you

 

[PC356]

That scope is way back, I would reevaluate your technique if that is where it suits you

Interesting. One of the things I enjoyed most about that scope is how easy/comfortable it was to get behind in various positions. Shot it off the bench, prone, and sitting in the dirt off a long bipod yesterday. I’m sure my “technique” needs all kindsa improvement but the eye relief and neck position felt great there.

 

[coyotekilla]

Interesting. One of the things I enjoyed most about that scope is how easy/comfortable it was to get behind in various positions. Shot it off the bench, prone, and sitting in the dirt off a long bipod yesterday. I’m sure my “technique” needs all kindsa improvement but the eye relief and neck position felt great there.

I wouldn't let someone who only saw 1 Pic of my rifle critique my position too hard. They never even saw you shoulder it. If it hits what you aim at, and didn't cut your face, go with it.

 

[Q_Sertorius]

Interesting. One of the things I enjoyed most about that scope is how easy/comfortable it was to get behind in various positions. Shot it off the bench, prone, and sitting in the dirt off a long bipod yesterday. I’m sure my “technique” needs all kindsa improvement but the eye relief and neck position felt great there.

If it works for you and naturally gives you the clear view through the scope, that’s the most important thing.

Edit - not everyone’s body is the same.

 

[PC356]

It’s all good man. Did make me a little curious honestly so I googled around a bit. Fairly popular scope to mount on a Tikka. Especially on the Slide. See plenty of pics with them mounted similarly without too much diggin. I am a bit vertically challenged, sure that factors. Mine is stayin put.

 

[Krumfola]

@Q_Sertorius thats a great looking rig. What’s the barrel length? What kind of velocity are you getting?

 

[Q_Sertorius]

@Q_Sertorius thats a great looking rig. What’s the barrel length? What kind of velocity are you getting?

Thanks. It is in line to get a wooden RokStok lite once I save up enough discretionary funds for another wooden RokStok.

The barrel is 16.5” long. I get 2981 with ADI 55-grain, 2754 with ADI 69-grain, and 3160 with Frontier 5.56 62-grain. The 69-grain is my usual practice ammo.