Ultra Varmint Fluted 223

[tjf76]

Need help on this choice. Looking at a Ultra Varmint Fluted 223 or a Stevens 200 223. Can I get some feedback on the ultra varmint. I is worth the $ ect...

[PHATINJUN]

The H&R is worth every penny ya pay for it hands down no questions asked buy it. kurt

[tjf76]

I have read the twist rate is 1/12 is this true. I need 1/9. I emailed them and was told the newer ultras are 1/9. Are the barrels marked so I know for sure?

[quickdtoo]

See the FAQs twist rate info.

Tim

[MTGlass]

I just picked one up last week, purportedly unfired by the original owner.  It's an '05 S/N, 1/12" twist.  I checked the twist before deciding to buy it anyways.  Local Sportsman's Warehouse has an identical '05 in the the rack.  You might to watch S/Ns if you're set on 1/9" although that isn't a real good indicator of what twist was installed on a particular frame.

 

[quickdtoo]

Nope, they switched back and forth in 2005 and 2006, the ONLY way to know what the twist is for sure is to check it with a rod. 

Tim

[McLernon]

I think it was a mistake to go to the faster twist on the 223 as it won't stabilize the VLD's it was meant to, and it over-stabilizes the 40 gr bullets. The fast twist rate is a 'half-measure' as the rifling does not appear to be deep enough to do the job right. JMHO.

Mc

[quickdtoo]

I agree, but the late production 1:9" barrels made by Marlin have been reported to shoot the longer, heavier .224" bullets better than the early production, so maybe Marlin has a handle on the issue, remember H&R/Marlin has eyes on this forum, where do you think the recommendation for the 1:20" .444 and 26" Handi-mag barrels came from!!   From the FAQs:

Current production .223 Rem barrels are being made by Marlin with a 1:9" right-hand twist, lands are .219"-.221" and groove is .2240"-.2255". 

Tim

I load 55gr FMJ Rem bulk with a 1/2 moa or better over 26gr of Varget and a 75gr Hornady HPBT over 24gr of Varget with recent 1/2 groups at 150yds.
1&9 Twist Ultra.

http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,118807.msg1098396392.html#msg1098396392

[McLernon]

Thanks Tim for setting us right on the 223! Any news yet on the Marlin produced 45-70 barrels being cut Ballard?

Mc

[quickdtoo]

Dunno yet, have to wait for the SHOT show attendees to return, it was still up in the air last I heard, last word was H&R will make them,  if they do, they'll be buttoned, but Marlin can cut them or broach them I think.

Tim

[SM Bob]

I used to have a Stevens 200 223. I didn't like it at all. I would get the H&R 223
Ultra Fluted Varmint without even thinking twice about it.

                                 Robert