what barrel for 223

[cornhusker]

I got a good deal on a stevens 200 rifle and it is 22-250...I want to rebarrel it to 223 and thought you guys on here would have some ideas on what would be the best to get..It will be used for target shooting out to 500 yards..I was thinking of a bull barrel,but a few guys said that a heavy varmint would be all I need....

What would be a good length and twist to get for it...I was thinking 1 in 8 ? Any thoughts on this will be appreciated...Thanks

 

[Bronco]

Re: what barrel for 223

Used a Brux 1 in 7 med. Palma for mine. Wanted to shoot 90 gr. Bergers. 1 in 8 will be fine for 80gr. Mine is a 26" but a 24" will work fine for the distances you have mentioned.

 

[popeye089]

Re: what barrel for 223

Before you decide twist decide on what bullet you will be using. A 1/8 is a happy medium for heavier rounds but if you use the lighter rounds sometimes you can destabilize a round by having to fast of a twist for them. Also on the weight, if you are humping it should also be a deciding factor. I myself have no problem with a #14 Bartlein all day but some guys can't do it or just won't. As for length 20-22" for a 223/5.56 is fine. Also I would look at the 223 wylde chamer if mk262 is a possibility for you to shoot

 

[Mike0341]

Re: what barrel for 223

just wondering but why are you swapping to the 223. the 22-250 is a pretty good round and will hold better groups out to 500.

i have a stevens 200 in 223 i just picked up and was actually thinking of swapping to 22-250 and from all the research i did before i decided to just build 2 rifles was that a 1 in 8 is a pretty good twist rate. i was even considering a 1 in 7 out of a 20 inch barrel so i can shoot the heavier bullets better than than the 223 will be capable of.

i decided to keep the 223 due to cheap bullets. then use the 22-250 for longer range. i will be reloading so the cost isn't that much different between them.

what bullets are you planning on shooting?

 

[MitchK]

Re: what barrel for 223

The 22-250 and the 223 have different bolt faces. You're going to need more than just a barrel to do the switch.

 

[BoilerUP]

Re: what barrel for 223

You'll need a SA .378 (204/223) bolt face and a barrel. You can get the bolt head from Midway (currently sold out), Brownells, SharpShooterSupply, or any number of other sources...just not directly from Savage.

I *highly* recommend calling Jim Briggs @ Northland Shooter Supply and buying a Criteron barrel. I think he has 26" 1:8 varmint contour 223 Wylde in stock.

This summer I ordered a 22" 1:7 light varmint contour 223AI Criterion, and it has proven to be a fantastic tube.

I also had a 26" 1:9 varmint contour Savage takeoff barrel from a 12FV and it was an honest 0.5MOA barrel over multiple 5-shot groups using 75gr HPBT and Varget. 2860fps and easy to make hits on an 8" plate at 650yd.

 

[cornhusker]

Re: what barrel for 223

I have a 223 bolt face to swap out.And the bullets will be the 69 gr SMK...Don't need the 22 250 barrel as I already have one on another rifle.I found a barrel for sale on the web,but I tend to shy away from the used ones as you never know for sure what your getting....Beside the guy never got back in touch with me..Of course I guess that doesn't make any difference..Maybe he never got my e mail...

 

[BoilerUP]

Re: what barrel for 223

If all you want to shoot is the 69gr SMK, a 1:9 barrel would be just fine; the same twist should shoot 75 HPBT/77 SMK as well.

75 A-Max/VLD or 80gr anything and you'll want at least a 1:8 twist.

 

[MitchK]

Re: what barrel for 223

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: havefaith</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have a 223 bolt face to swap out.And the bullets will be the 69 gr SMK...Don't need the 22 250 barrel as I already have one on another rifle.I found a barrel for sale on the web,but I tend to shy away from the used ones as you never know for sure what your getting....Beside the guy never got back in touch with me..Of course I guess that doesn't make any difference..Maybe he never got my e mail... </div></div>

I didn't catch that you had a Stevens. Another good design advantage to the savage/ Stevens.