.223 is very popular obviously, with in the top few calibres I would guess. Looking at some bullet weights got me wondering if some weren't trying to squeeze more out of it than it's intended for because of this to get extra sales.
Looking at load data for the .223 from ADI the lightest pill is 35gr, the heaviest 90gr. About triple the lightest. Other calibres have nothing like this range.
Listing a few...
.308 is 110gr - 200gr.
.270 is 90gr - 180gr
.257 Roberts is 60gr - 115gr.
7mm Rem Mag is 100gr - 180gr
6mm BR is 55gr - 110gr
And so on... You get the idea. All about double.
Fast loads and light pills seem right at home in the .223 to me. 55gr shooting fast through a 1:12 twist. I think the AR platform is 1:9 and usually loaded with 70gr pills, close enough.
The 22-250 stops at 70gr which seems like a good balance of velocity and pill weight. Same for 220 Swift. Once you're getting to the 1:8 and 1:7 twist so you can shoot the 90gr pills seems to me like you're making the .223 struggle to do something a different/slightly larger cartridge might be a lot better suited for?
I know it's a target cartridge with the heavier pills, but then if you're getting a dedicated target rifle wouldn't it make more sense to go for something... Else? 6mm BR (55gr - 110gr while I'm here)? I just picked that one example off the top of my head but you get the idea.
I dunno, just thinking out loud here.
Opinions?