223s for F class standard

[RDavies]

How many people out there are using a 223 for F standard? I am thinking about building up a 223 on my little Sako for myself or any new shooters to have a go with at club shoots. How do the 223s compare with the 308s when using the 80gn sierras?

[bjld]

If my memory serves me correctly, I think I read an article in the Target Rifle magazine where the ballistics of the 155 and the 80 grain bullets were compared and found to be very similar at similar muzzle velocities. The figure published by Sierra for the 80gr was lower because it applied to a lower velocity than that achieved in 30" barrels. So in rifles of the same weight a 223 could in fact be better than a 308 due to the lower recoil.

My memory could be wrong, though. I invite correction.

Regards
Ben

[Paul Janzso]

I have been using a Tikka Tactical 20 inch barrel in 223.The first time I used it in a club shoot at 800m. I won my class.

I use Sierra 80gn with 25.5 gn of 2206h, velocity is 2,950fps.

At the last opm I tied score for first place at 700m but came second on the count back. I was shooting against 308's. The first 2 ranges I did'nt do so well, it's my wind reading that is at fault, the rifle works superbly.

Cheers
PJ

[Daniel]

Have heard quite a bit about 223s @ distances lately. Bill Hallam shot one @ the Warrnambool marathon, driving 80gn SMKs close to 3000 fps, it shot like stink. The only way he could manage that was to run the new Lapua match brass. This seems to have particulalry thin walls as it is easily possible to pour in plenty of powder. 26gn 2208 seems to ring a bell.
A lot of shooters around here are using them, with no changes whatsoever to ammunition, from 200 to 900 yards. Using both 80gn Sierras and 75gn AMAX.
Personal experience with 80gn SMKs and 26.5gn 748 made vrey acceptable groups and scores @ 900 yards. When 748 can be found, that is.
Daniel.

[Chopper]

I have been shooting a 223 for over the past twelve months or more, Raptor 26 inch Barrel, 8 twist on a Shilen Action, fitted by Geoff Grenfell and shot with Lapua Cases,80 grain Sierras and have scored 50.10 or should I say 60 (forgive me) at all ranges, including 1000 yards. The rifle has since been rechambered and is now back to 24 1/2 inches and the last time I shot it, during State Team Training, at 300 yards, scored 50.10 (60) and 15 shot match at 1000 yards, scored 75.13. I have since put it away in the cupboard due to State Team Commitments, but am anxious to get it out again later this year. Believe me, The State Team Members that witnessed this were amazed!! Especially after seeing the barrel chambered back to 24 1/2 inches. My iron sights will also be put back on it for a bit of fun too, so don't be scared go for it. CHOP

[RDavies]

I have just found out that the club rifle being built will be in 223 ,so I wont have to lend mine out when it gets built. I have decided I will get a true-flite barrel to turn the Sako into a 223. I have some other freinds I would like to get into F class ,so they can have a go with the 223 since it wont kick as much as the 308s. Come to think of it. The last two F class standard shoots I went to were won by 223s? HHMMMM.