The reason i dont get larger calibers for target shooting.......223 is forever

[tmd16556]

I like it too. That was the logic to getting a 223. Costs half as much as other centerfire per round but still has more range and power than 22 lr. Plus it gives you a limited hunting capability.

I‘ve added an old 222 in that role as well. Not much more economical when you account for actually having to buy brass vs having it literally tossed into your bag by the guy to your left‘s AR. I still like to take something with some kick to the range too. Yesterday it was 55 through the 223 and 20 in the Mosin Nagant. 10 were light reloads, and the slip-on recoil pad helps (both taming the M38 and getting the LoP to something reasonable for someone who isn a malnourished peasant).

 

[Speedo66]

When I was about 11, a friend’s father took us to an outdoor range.

We shot his ‘03 Springfield, more recoil than I liked. Next was a Garand, somewhat better. Finally, a M-1 Carbine, yes, much better.

Since then I’ve never subjected myself to more recoil than I have to.

 

[Necessary_Nutrient]

I just sighted in a 300 weatherby I got from gunbroker with factory ammo. Brass is expensive, factory ammo is relatively affordable So I’ll reload those cases.

it doesn’t have a brake but is so heavy, think a little north of 10 pounds with scope, that it’s not terrible in the recoil dept. I think .223 is a little repetitive if that’s ALL you target shoot with

 

[Palladan44]

I guess not only is .223 the best bang for buck [centerfire rifle cartridge] but the recoil thing too. One can shoot it all day long and not feel a tiny bit of a sore shoulder.
Currently my cost of handloading it is:
.07 c/ bullet (ball) or .14c/ bullet (match). .06/ primer and .12c/ powder. Brass- let's call it free.
So .25 c/ round (.32 c/ match).... not too bad.
Wish it were better like the old days, but it is what it is.
The powder being the most expensive part just surprised me, think I'm used to pistol reloads where the powder is the least expensive part.....

 

[DMW1116]

I guess not only is .223 the best bang for buck [centerfire rifle cartridge] but the recoil thing too. One can shoot it all day long and not feel a tiny bit of a sore shoulder.
Currently my cost of handloading it is:
.07 c/ bullet (ball) or .14c/ bullet (match). .06/ primer and .12c/ powder. Brass- let's call it free.
So .25 c/ round (.32 c/ match).... not too bad.
Wish it were better like the old days, but it is what it is.
The powder being the most expensive part just surprised me, think I'm used to pistol reloads where the powder is the least expensive part.....

Depending on your performance needs and function requirements, you might be able to shave a little off the powder end of the price.

If you’re running a manual action, like a bolt gun or single shot, you might be able to find a cast bullet load that works with the 55 or 62 grain ball projectiles. These use low charges of fast rifle powder or charges of magnum pistol powder in the 10-20 grain range. Velocity is lower but still adequate for 100 yards or maybe even 200.

If you’re running an AR, some rifle powders work with less than 20 grains. My 20” A4 clone works with 17.5 grains of SW Tactical Rifle and has a velocity in the 2450 fps neighborhood. My mid-length 16” takes a shade less than 19 grains. Those loads are good to 100 yards for sure and brass just barely clears my right shoulder (lefty shooter) and lands in a pile about 4’ behind me. The loads are accurate enough that at 100 yards with the carry handle sight, I won’t be hampered by the load.

 

[DMW1116]

Never mind all that @Palladan44 . I forgot you reach to 300 yards. I had to go back and read the first post to remind me what your ranges were. The reduced velocities might not be something you can still use.

For anyone else who might be interested in spreading your powder thinner, Lyman has cast loads with various powders as low as 5.6 grains and 1750 fps. A word of caution: many of these loads are reduced velocity only. Pressure is still pretty high. Don’t get crazy.

 

[lightman]

You gotta love a 223! Its the caliber that I shoot most on our Prairie Dog Hunts.

 

[savagelover]

I'm looking for a good cast bullet for my 223 with a 7 twist. I have a 60 gr mold with gas checks. Not much luck so far.. any suggestions?? thanks

 

[DMW1116]

Does the 60 grain bullet work? Hunters Supply is the only place I’ve found selling 0.225” cast and coated bullets. They use a clear coat. I have not tried them. I prefer either traditionally lubed or C&C lead bullets. Unless I start casting them myself, adding a gas check makes them more than jacketed bullets cost wise.

 

[dranrab]

If I were limited to one centerfire chambering, it'd be the 223. They tend to be accurate. Ammo is widely available and inexpensive as are reloading components. It's low fuss in terms of noise and recoil. The on game performance is very good. In my experience it'll give as many DRT deer kills as a 243, 257 Roberts or 30-06.

 

[S.Crockett]

Target shooting? ….. Depends on the ‘targets.’

 

[Chuck R.]

My backyard range goes out to 760yds, but .223 out to 547 is without a doubt what I shoot the most (mostly due to 547 being off my back deck).

Combination of cost, recoil, and it's more challenging due to wind. Brass is everywhere and usually free.

I've got a Precision .223 setup, an AR15 SPR (in addition to 3 other .223AR15s) and a standard bolt action .223 that I use for a trainer for hunting practice. I could see my self parting with a bunch of other rifles before I gave up my .223s.