.22 or .223 for target shooting

[gunnerjacky]

Hello guys,

Please let me know which bullet is better for target practicing... .22 or .223
Thanks in advance.

[North East]

A .45-70 or a .30-06....less recoil.

[Oldbloke]

Depend over what distances you would like to shoot. The 22 lr is limited in use to about 100 mtrs, where the 223 is good to about 300mtrs, but some people even shoot them out to 500mtrs

[Noisydad]

What North East said!

[brett1868]

Noisy & N.E you're too kind on the gent, .375 H&H or a .460 Weatherby both without brakes is the way to go

Seriously, get both as the 22LR as you can shoot all day for peanuts. It'll teach you all the basics of shooting without a big investment and once you have a gaing some experience then move up to the .223 or bigger to learn about reloading and shooting to longer ranges.

[bigfellascott]

Why limit yourself - get both!

[handofcod]

Since you seem to be new to the idea of shooting target I recommend you get a 22lr to start off. You will learn the fundamentals, get experience with rifles in general and it will be MUCH cheaper than shooting 223.

50 rounds of 223 - $55-65
50 rounds of 22lr - $8-12

[Gwion]

Yep. Start with a 22lr. Try to wear it out by shooting it a lot. 25m, 50m, 100m and further. From 100m out you really start to push your shooting with a 22lr. Teaches you about wind and drop, etc.

I've shot club target out to 600yards with a 223. At 500yd i could stay in and near the bull, at 600yd it was starting to lose too much velocity. Mind you, my rifle and ammo isn't set up for that sort of shooting. With a longer barrel, faster twist rate and heavier bullets people shoot 223 out to 900yd.

If that last bit was too confusing, definitely get a 22lr. Learn your basics of shooting and take your time choosing your first centerfire.

[Hercl]

Hi gunnerjacky,

The .22lr and .223 Rem are apples and oranges really.

.22lr is used for target shooting at 50m.
.223 Rem is will comfortably reach out to 300m. 400m or 500, if you're shooting heavy pills. (fast twist barrel required for that, which is another topic)

Where you can shoot it will also be a factor. I don't know where you're located or what your local ranges are. But .22lr can be fired an small and indoor ranges, usually meaning there are more options available. .223 can only be fired at outdoor ranges so may mean more travel for you.

Cost of ammunition, handofcod covered that.

Is there any chance you will get into hunting?
If so, .22lr will cover you for foxes, cats and rabbits at 50m.
.223 will let you take small game out to a few hundred metres. All the above plus small goats etc.

[Apollo]

A .22LR is a great deal of fun target shooting at 200 Yards/Metres and not that difficult to produce sub 50mm 5 shot groups with standard/sub velocity ammo which the rifle likes. It will teach you a lot about reading conditions. Ideally you should be using some sort of wind flags to show conditions at different distances.

You will however really need a decent Scope of about 30X or better like a Weaver T-36. I am using a 25X Leupold on my 1965 Brno Model 2 using Lapua Center-X Ammo and it is difficult seeing the bullet holes in a yellow target unless the light is perfect at 200 yards. A mate is using a 12X Zeiss and really is guessing where his bullet holes are located, mostly can't make them out at all. Someone spotting with a high power scope is the way to go.

You will learn a lot when you shoot all day and the conditions vary from morning to afternoon.

[gunnerjacky]

Thank you all for your replies.

I'll be shooting targets out to 370 metres, so I guess I should better get .223 as .22 won't be effective for that longer range.

Thanks again for clearing the doubt.

[Apollo]

Where are you located...????

370m or 400 Yards is a fair way to practise target shooting. If you really want to achieve at that distance and be accurate then I'd suggest something much different to the calibres mentioned. Like a designated target calibre.

[Herdsman]

I'll be shooting targets out to 370 metres, so I guess I should better get .223 as .22 won't be effective for that longer range.

You definitely want a .223 and not a .22lr if it's for shooting out to that distance.

[VICHunter]

370m or 400 Yards is a fair way to practise target shooting.

Agreed. About 300m and onwards is where it starts to get tough I'd say, especially for a new shooter.