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Return to “.223 vs 5.56 accuracy beyond 500 yards”

by threoh8
Sat Jan 02, 2016 2:15 pm
Forum: General Gun, Shooting & Equipment Discussion
Topic: .223 vs 5.56 accuracy beyond 500 yards
Replies: 23
Views: 14988

Re: .223 vs 5.56 accuracy beyond 500 yards

The Service Rifle competitors do well out to 600 yards, with AR's chambered for either 5.56 or .223. Most handload, so the difference is minimal in their loads. They tend to use faster twist barrels across the course (7" to 8" twist), and many switch to single-loaded (too long for the magazine) 75 or 80 grain match bullet loads for 600.

Either is legal for Palma matches (800, 900, and 1000 yards, prone with iron sights), but those tend to be very specialized rifles and loads. 5.56/.223 is not the favored cartridge. Reading the wind becomes even more critical.

If I wanted to reach out with a .223, I'd see what it could do with heavier bullets at intermediate ranges. If it did OK, I'd try longer ranges until it didn't.

Return to “.223 vs 5.56 accuracy beyond 500 yards”