The members of this forum have a ton of really useful experience and knowledge with predator hunting, rifles, reloading, etc. and that is what this reference sub-forum is all about--sharing the knowledge and experience.

The 223 is a versatile caliber for varmint and predator hunting with lots of choices by ammo manufacturers and even more options if you reload. Bullet weights can run from 30-something grains all the way up to 90 grains or more (manufacturers seem to keep bringing out bigger/longer bullets). Gun makers sell bolt 223's with twist rates from 1:9 (1 twist in 9") all the way up to 1:14. Most AR15 type rifles have faster twist rates of 1:7 or 1:8.

There's a lot of information on the net about how barrel length and twist rates can determine which bullet weights will work best in a 223 barrel. There's some information that suggests the length of the bullet determines which bullets work best in which twist rate and barrel length. Some people suggest the bullet's core (copper, lead, steel or a combination) helps determine which barrel and twist rate works best.

For the sake of hunters getting into predator hunting with a 223 and helping them not over-think rifle, barrel length and barrel twist rate choices, what is your PERSONAL experience with different 223 guns, barrel lengths, twist rates and bullet weights/types? Your personal experience will be invaluable in helping new predator hunters make these choices.

Personally, I don't own a 223 bolt rifle yet (hope to remedy that soon) but I do own or have owned and shot several AR15's in 223 and M-16's in 5.56mm. The Ar15's had 1:7 twist in 20" and 12.5" barrels and a 1:9 in a 16" barrel. They were tack drivers with manufacturers' 55 grn FMJ ammo (usually 1 MOA with a 4X scope) and did similar with 62 and 69 grain FMJ bullets. I tried Winchester 55 grn soft point ammo in my Colt HBar (20" barrel with 1:7 twist) but that ammo widened a 100-yard group to 2-4". All target punching, no predators. All 125 yards or less (with the exception of M-16's).

In passing that hard earned knowledge (aka experience) along to newer predator hunters, what individual rifles, barrel lengths and twist rates, bullet sizes/types/lengths, etc. have you used and how well has it worked? If you were going to buy a new 223 rifle for predator hunting, what would you recommend for a hunter who does reload and for one who doesn't?