#3 .223 How does yours group?

[trapperon]

It's on its way to my local Cabelas from another location. Beautiful unmolested condition. Just wondering what the verdict is from those who have them, on this platform/caliber combination? Accuracy, preferred bullet weight etc.

Thanks!

Ron

 

[stevelutah]

I had one that was superb. It had a good scope on it when I bought it. First shot I took with it was at 200 yards using a nozler bt 55 gr factory ammo. It was dead on then the next two shots were the same. My buddy duplicated it. I never should have sold it. I have had others tell me they were "Not number one rifles and not near as accurate". Well mine was outstanding with nozlers bt bullets.

 

[Heliman]

Mine was about 2" @100yds. That was with bulk ammo I use in my AR. Probably be respectable with hunting loads.

 

[WAYNO]

The #3 was my very first non-semi auto rifle chambered in .223/5.56 . It made me a forever believer in the cartridge for economical varminting. My #3 shot 3/4"~7/8"groups at 100 yds. And back then, I shot almost exclusively, commercial reloads with unidentified hollow points and soft points. And while they were still cheap, I also shot a bunch of the Winchester white-box 40 gr hollow points.

WAYNO.

 

[trapperon]

Thanks for the feedback. I will be picking it up on Sunday and get it cleaned up good and ready for the range. From the information I have found, I believe it is a 1:10 twist. I plan on sticking with the old standard 55 grainers. Seems like a heavy barrel for the caliber, as I think it is the identical contour as the 45/70 used. Pretty nice bonus for range shooting!

I know 223 is somewhat rare in the Number 3. Anyone know estimated production quantity or years of production for this caliber?

Thanks again

Ron

 

[tacotime]

I had one with a corroded/rough/pitted bore with damage to rifling visible when I got it, probably unknown to the elderly seller.

I assumed it was ruined but instead it shot 3/4 inch at 100y with Federal Tactical Tru 55gr.