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.