Author Topic: .223 barrel diameter (Read 563 times)

Jim B. · « **on:** December 15, 2004, 05:21:59 AM »

I am going to get a .223 barrel for my Encore for Coyote hunting and general shooing. I like the versatility of the cartridge and the large amount of surplus ammo available for reasonable prices.

I was thinking of buying a TC factory barrel but was unsure wether to get the 24" sporter contour or the 26" bull barrel. The 24" would be nicer to carry but I am concerned about accuracy. If the 26" bull barrel gave noticably better accuracy I would not mind the extra weight.

Does the longer/heavier barrel generally give better accuracy?

Jim B. in Indiana

skb2706 · « **Reply #1 on:** December 15, 2004, 07:35:16 AM »

Curious why you would think a 24" barrel would be any less accurate than a 26". There is absolutely no fact based reason this would be so. Answer = NO.
Accuracy is borne of quality barrels, ammo, shooter and gun action. It has little if anything to do with barrel length.
There are several members on this forum and others that shoot rifle caliber ammo from pistol length barrels to distances greater than 500 yds. with extreme accuracy.

Jim B. · « **Reply #2 on:** December 15, 2004, 07:38:39 AM »

It was not actually the length but the difference between the sporting contour of the factory 24" and the bull barrel of the 26". I thought I had read in the past something about barrel "stiffness" influencing accuracy. Just was wondering if the additional weight of the bull barrel paid off in noticably increased accuracy.

Jim B in Indiana

skb2706 · « **Reply #3 on:** December 15, 2004, 08:06:13 AM »

I like bull barrels esspecially for guns most often shot off a bench....and primarily at pds. Makes for a better "show" so to speak. I really think ...luck will have to do more with which one you get that is more accurate than the other. If it were me I would go for 24" full bull. Handy length, plenty of weight to watch the hits and nice balance.

TnEncore · « **Reply #4 on:** December 16, 2004, 03:21:55 AM »

I use a factory heavy barrel .223 on my Encore for Coyote hunting. It will shoot 1/2 inch groups all day it is the best shooting barrel I have. Carrying it has not been a problem.

Jim B. · « **Reply #5 on:** December 16, 2004, 03:24:43 AM »

TnEncore,

What do you consider the maximum range for this barrel/rifle combination on coyotes?

Jim B. in Indiana

TnEncore · « **Reply #6 on:** December 16, 2004, 09:54:18 PM »

Quote from: Jim B.

TnEncore,

What do you consider the maximum range for this barrel/rifle combination on coyotes?

Jim B. in Indiana

I would shoot one at 300 yards and expect to kill it. I shoot 50gr ballistic Tips, but 55's would be better for the longer ranges.

Jim B. · « **Reply #7 on:** December 17, 2004, 12:56:14 AM »

What is the maximum bullet weight which will stabilize in the standard rifling twist of the .223?

skb2706 · « **Reply #8 on:** December 17, 2004, 07:38:37 AM »

not sure what the standard factory barrel twist rate is for a TC barrel. Either 1-14 or 1-12" ......both will shoot a 55 vmax quite well.