223 Barrel Length?
Which barrel length would you pick for a 223 bolt gun? 20" or 24" or will I see much difference between the 2? Use for target & coyotes out to 400yds? Both are 1:9 twist.
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Doubtful you will see any usable difference in muzzle velocity with the lighter bullets; I would pick the barrel length and countour that will provide the best ergonomics for your intended style of shooting.
Something in a varmint contour 24" handles nicely in my opinion.0 -
I like a sporter or Remington Light Varmint contour at 22" rifle that is going to be dual purpose. Between your two choices I would go 20". 0 -
Extra 4" is worth about 100 fps
That may help at 400 yds
Purely personal preference0 -
I would go with a 20" barrel for several reasons. First, velocity wise, unless you are using real slow burning powder, you will not see much velocity difference. Secondly, usually, shorter is stiffer, and stiffer most of the time means better accuracy. third, the shorter is easier to lug around.
On one last note, with a 1:9 twist, that is not just a varmint/predator gun. That is a deer rifle. With he heavier, bullets of stout expanding construction, like my favorite being the Barnes 62 grain TSX, or TTSX, it is capable of breaking both front shoulders on a mature whitetail, standing broad side, out to at least 200 yards.
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what is the twist of a 21" contender bbl?
That is a 1 in 12 twist.
Barnes does make a 45 grain TSX that works well in that, but it is too slow for the 62 grainer.
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We put a 24" Douglas on mine. Went 1/8 twist for 69gr bullets [;)] 0 -
what is the twist of a 21" contender bbl? 0 -
I have 2 bolt guns in .223 both with the older 1-12" twist. A Sako with 24" barrel, and a CZ527 with a 22". I checked my notes and compared 7 identical loads fired in each gun. Bullet weights of 40 gr. to 60 gr. The longer barrel varied from 54 fps faster to 79 fps slower depending on the load. So it appears that other factors than barrel length are at work.
Incidently, 60 gr. Vmax shot pretty well in the Sako but not in the CZ. I think they are right on the edge of being too long for a 1-12".
With the choice between 20" or 24" for your purposes, I'd go with 24".0 -
I would prefer a 24" barrel. In addition to a slight increase in MV it also makes for a more stable hold and puts the muzzle blast 4 more inches away from your ears. 0 -
For a gun that's going to be sitting mostly on a bench (not carried much) and shooting at things far away, I'd go for 24", and for the reasons already mentioned.
More velocity can help against things further away and provide a slightly flatter trajectory. Admittedly, you're not talking much difference here, but if you're going out to 400 yards, it certainly can't hurt. Note that not every load will take advantage of the longer barrel to give you more velocity, but you may be able to tailor specific ones that will.
Longer barrel is quieter and reduces muzzle flash (if you're shooting in dim light).
You're probably not using iron sights, but if you were, longer barrel helps with sight radius. Longer barrel *can* help make the gun more stable due to more weight up front, but the effect is somewhat muted from a rested (rather than offhand) position.
In terms of accuracy, longer barrel is typically LESS accurate due to decreased stiffness/length ratio and longer bullet dwell time, but I think in practice if you're using a good barrel, installed right, with good ammo, you're not going to see a measurable difference in accuracy.0 -
D@D,
For your intended uses, the 24" barrel will do a superb job. I also like the slightly faster twist rate for the potential of being able to use the slightly heavier (read longer) bullets.
If this is a re-barrel or semi-custom, be sure to select the appropriate reamer necessary to accommodate the longer bullets.
The longer barrel will also give you the opportunity of trying a wider range of powders for your testing.
Best.0
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