223 barrel length

[timl]

What do you guys consider optimum barrel length for a 223? I'll be shooting factory ammo, 55 or 69 grain depending on what it likes. I'll mainly be using it on groundhogs out to 400 yds, maybe fox and turkeys. It's currently 26", but I like a shorter/handier rifle. Any thoughts?

 

[Longshot38]

18 inches is ample plenty for 223. It is a round without much case capacity and it generally uses fast burning powder.

 

[James Jones]

Yea I would say 18" , you will probably lose 100-200fps max between that and 26" with factory ammo.

I lose right at 250fps shooting Black Hills loaded 50gr V-max's out of a 11.5" AR compaired to a 25" Encore barrel

 

[acloco]

22 to 23 if using heavier bullets (55 gr & up).

H4895 and Benchmark will be your new friends.

 

[shooterpunk2]

I use a 20 inch RRA with 69 smk's and really like it.