Our range holds F class at 300 yards for both open and TR. I am building a .223 for this distance. Would it be an advantage to have a 7 twist for the heavier bullets over the 9 twist? I will also want to shoot gong matches at 600 yards. The winds can run up to 15-18 MPH at this range. Heavy bullets, yes or no?
F T/R Competition F/TR at 300 yards
- Thread starter WSmitty01
- Start date
Re: F/TR at 300 yards
I'm in exactly the same situation as you. I have a GAP .223 bolt gun being built as a "trainer". However, I also plan to use it for 300/600 yd F-T/R competitions on occasion. I just ordered some Berger 80.5 gr .224 pills yesterday. Main reason I went with those over the Berger 80 gr or 82 gr .224 projectiles is simply the OAL is slightly shorter and I think they'll work a little better with the chamber specs I have. This rifle will have a 26" 7-twist barrel for using these heavier (longer) projectiles. Although you may well have no issues using an 8-twist for projectiles up to that length, a 7-twist is not going to hurt your ability to shoot factory 77 gr match ammo in any way, so I would recommend going with the 7-twist. Then you can use longer (heavier) projectiles if you want. My understanding is that with the 90 grainers, it is much more difficult to obtain a good load. Either way, if you run the numbers you will find that out to 600 yd or so, the 80-82 gr Berger projectiles are only giving up a small amount in terms of windage to a typical .308 match round. I think over the long run, practicing and competing with a .223 will help improve my wind reading skills.
I'm in exactly the same situation as you. I have a GAP .223 bolt gun being built as a "trainer". However, I also plan to use it for 300/600 yd F-T/R competitions on occasion. I just ordered some Berger 80.5 gr .224 pills yesterday. Main reason I went with those over the Berger 80 gr or 82 gr .224 projectiles is simply the OAL is slightly shorter and I think they'll work a little better with the chamber specs I have. This rifle will have a 26" 7-twist barrel for using these heavier (longer) projectiles. Although you may well have no issues using an 8-twist for projectiles up to that length, a 7-twist is not going to hurt your ability to shoot factory 77 gr match ammo in any way, so I would recommend going with the 7-twist. Then you can use longer (heavier) projectiles if you want. My understanding is that with the 90 grainers, it is much more difficult to obtain a good load. Either way, if you run the numbers you will find that out to 600 yd or so, the 80-82 gr Berger projectiles are only giving up a small amount in terms of windage to a typical .308 match round. I think over the long run, practicing and competing with a .223 will help improve my wind reading skills.
Re: F/TR at 300 yards
I like the 8 twist.
My Broughton shoots knots and can get 1/2" at 300.
I like the 8 twist.
My Broughton shoots knots and can get 1/2" at 300.
Re: F/TR at 300 yards
a 9 is all you need i shoot 73gr in mine all the time...and you can still shoot the lighter bullets with an 8 you can not
a 9 is all you need i shoot 73gr in mine all the time...and you can still shoot the lighter bullets with an 8 you can not
Re: F/TR at 300 yards
I don't have photos of all the groups I've shot at range with my 8 twist but I disagree about an 8 being less accurate with light bullets than a 9 twist.
This is fireforming in my 223AI:
I think that the fact that it's over an inch is all due to me.
I don't have photos of all the groups I've shot at range with my 8 twist but I disagree about an 8 being less accurate with light bullets than a 9 twist.
This is fireforming in my 223AI:
I think that the fact that it's over an inch is all due to me.
Re: F/TR at 300 yards
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MLC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I like the 8 twist.
My Broughton shoots knots and can get 1/2" at 300.</div></div>
I like an 8 twist also. I shoot 80gr VLD's.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MLC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I like the 8 twist.
My Broughton shoots knots and can get 1/2" at 300.</div></div>
I like an 8 twist also. I shoot 80gr VLD's.
Re: F/TR at 300 yards
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: havefaith</div><div class="ubbcode-body">a 9 is all you need i shoot 73gr in mine all the time...and you can still shoot the lighter bullets with an 8 you can not </div></div>
Why can't you shoot lighter bullets in an 8 twist barrel?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: havefaith</div><div class="ubbcode-body">a 9 is all you need i shoot 73gr in mine all the time...and you can still shoot the lighter bullets with an 8 you can not </div></div>
Why can't you shoot lighter bullets in an 8 twist barrel?
Re: F/TR at 300 yards
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MLC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I like the 8 twist.
My Broughton shoots knots and can get 1/2" at 300.
</div></div>
May I ask about the load recipe to get 1/2" at 300?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MLC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I like the 8 twist.
My Broughton shoots knots and can get 1/2" at 300.
</div></div>
May I ask about the load recipe to get 1/2" at 300?
Re: F/TR at 300 yards
Between 24-24.5 grains IMR 4064, Lapua brass 205M & 75 AMAX w/ hBN in a 223 AI.
I don't recall exactly as I've been using RE15 for killing stuff
under 200 lately.
I'd use a little less powder in a straight 223.
This is the only documented group I have and it's not 1/2" due to a flub on my part, but indicative of the accuracy of that node.
I really can't say enough positive stuff about IMR 4064.
Between 24-24.5 grains IMR 4064, Lapua brass 205M & 75 AMAX w/ hBN in a 223 AI.
I don't recall exactly as I've been using RE15 for killing stuff
under 200 lately.
I'd use a little less powder in a straight 223.
This is the only documented group I have and it's not 1/2" due to a flub on my part, but indicative of the accuracy of that node.
I really can't say enough positive stuff about IMR 4064.
Re: F/TR at 300 yards
The above gentleman asked about the load data.
The example given was to indicate that I'm not just talking out my ass and offering copy and paste internet advice based on 100 yard groups.
I don't think it is a stretch of the imagination to say my recommendation of twist rate, bullet and powder are applicable to the original topic.
The above gentleman asked about the load data.
The example given was to indicate that I'm not just talking out my ass and offering copy and paste internet advice based on 100 yard groups.
I don't think it is a stretch of the imagination to say my recommendation of twist rate, bullet and powder are applicable to the original topic.
Re: F/TR at 300 yards
Are you serious?
The OP (a week ago,) asked about F-TR and twist rates at 300 yards and you answer with .223 AI (not legal for F-TR) info and a small group?
I have lots of information to share with the OP about true .223 in F-TR, but since (s)he has not been back since that first and only post, I don't think (s)he was serious.
Are you serious?
The OP (a week ago,) asked about F-TR and twist rates at 300 yards and you answer with .223 AI (not legal for F-TR) info and a small group?
I have lots of information to share with the OP about true .223 in F-TR, but since (s)he has not been back since that first and only post, I don't think (s)he was serious.
Re: F/TR at 300 yards
7 is the way to go
7 is the way to go
Re: F/TR at 300 yards
i started with a 9tw and could'nt get anything above 75gr to stablize 2years ago i went with a 8tw and have never looked back i can shoot 69-80 gr (if i want to shoot anything lighter i'll play with the ar-15) for 300yrd most any gr from 69-80 will work with ease. when you get out past that i prefer the 80's for the extra weight and bc.for the wind. my next barrel i may go 7t just for the hell of it but for now an 8t has worked fine my son used it to shoot an across the course f class match shot 100,200,300,400 then 700 he read the wind good and shot a 47 out of 50 @ 700 not to bad .
i started with a 9tw and could'nt get anything above 75gr to stablize 2years ago i went with a 8tw and have never looked back i can shoot 69-80 gr (if i want to shoot anything lighter i'll play with the ar-15) for 300yrd most any gr from 69-80 will work with ease. when you get out past that i prefer the 80's for the extra weight and bc.for the wind. my next barrel i may go 7t just for the hell of it but for now an 8t has worked fine my son used it to shoot an across the course f class match shot 100,200,300,400 then 700 he read the wind good and shot a 47 out of 50 @ 700 not to bad .
Re: F/TR at 300 yards
I just got out of the hospital from surgery, sorry I haven't responded. Lots of information you all have given me. Instead of building, I'll propably go with the Savage FT/R or the 12 Long range varmint,,these are both 7 twist.
I just got out of the hospital from surgery, sorry I haven't responded. Lots of information you all have given me. Instead of building, I'll propably go with the Savage FT/R or the 12 Long range varmint,,these are both 7 twist.
Re: F/TR at 300 yards
Glad to see you are back.
Given a choice between 1:9 and 1:7, I would pick the 1:7. For good performance to 600 yards (and beyond), look to 80gr bullets. Offerings from JLK, Berger, Sierra and others should do a great job for you.
Glad to see you are back.
Given a choice between 1:9 and 1:7, I would pick the 1:7. For good performance to 600 yards (and beyond), look to 80gr bullets. Offerings from JLK, Berger, Sierra and others should do a great job for you.
