tracer 223 and 308 questions

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All handloading data posted on Full-Bore UK from 23/2/2021 must reference the published pressure tested data it was sourced from, posts without such verification will be removed.
Any existing data without such a reference should be treated as suspect and not used.

Use reloading information posted here at your own risk. This forum (http://www.full-bore.co.uk) is not responsible for any property damage or personal injury as a consequence of using reloading data posted here, the information is individual members findings and observations only. Always verify the load data and be absolutely sure your firearm can handle the load, especially older ones. If in doubt start low and work your way up.
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shotgun sam
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tracer 223 and 308 questions

#1 Post by shotgun sam »

I am looking to pick some brains about tracer bullets.
I have seen some 308 tracer bullets for sale but so far have not seen any 223 in the UK any suggestions where I could get some?
Is it safe to fire tracers through a moderator?
I have Vit N140 is that a suitable powder to use
Any other useful information would be appreciated.

Thanks

Sam
mossberg 500
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smk 19 (0.22)
ruger 12/22 stainless synthetic 22lr
cz 452 style 16 inch 22lr
tikka t3 lite stainless 223
308 howa 1500 varmint
BSA Lightning XL (0.22)
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Mattnall
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Re: tracer 223 and 308 questions

#2 Post by Mattnall »

Apart from load adjustment, you may find your twist rate is not fast enough to stabilise tracer. IIRC A 223 Tikka comes in 14", 12" and 8" (or is it 9"?), and the 8" will be the one you'll most likely need to shoot tracer successfully. If your Howa has a 1:10" twist barrel then it should be OK with tracer too.
Arming the Country, one gun at a time.

Good deals with Paul101, Charlotte the flyer, majordisorder, Charlie Muggins, among others. Thanks everybody.
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shotgun sam
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Re: tracer 223 and 308 questions

#3 Post by shotgun sam »

Mattnall,

Thanks, the Tikka (223) is a 1 in 12 twist and the Howa (1 in 10) is a 1 in 10 twist
mossberg 500
meteor mk2
smk 19 (0.22)
ruger 12/22 stainless synthetic 22lr
cz 452 style 16 inch 22lr
tikka t3 lite stainless 223
308 howa 1500 varmint
BSA Lightning XL (0.22)
Lanber Over and Under
Baikal mp153
AYA Cosmos 410
1917 BSA SMLE 303
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WelshShooter
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Re: tracer 223 and 308 questions

#4 Post by WelshShooter »

Mattnall wrote:Apart from load adjustment, you may find your twist rate is not fast enough to stabilise tracer. IIRC A 223 Tikka comes in 14", 12" and 8" (or is it 9"?), and the 8" will be the one you'll most likely need to shoot tracer successfully. If your Howa has a 1:10" twist barrel then it should be OK with tracer too.
I believe the Tikka would be a 1:8" twist. I have a CZ 527 which is a 1:9" twist and can confirm that a 62gr tracer stabilises fine, with a typical 223 trajectory out to around 1,000 yards.
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shotgun sam
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Re: tracer 223 and 308 questions

#5 Post by shotgun sam »

WelshShooter wrote:
Mattnall wrote:Apart from load adjustment, you may find your twist rate is not fast enough to stabilise tracer. IIRC A 223 Tikka comes in 14", 12" and 8" (or is it 9"?), and the 8" will be the one you'll most likely need to shoot tracer successfully. If your Howa has a 1:10" twist barrel then it should be OK with tracer too.
I believe the Tikka would be a 1:8" twist. I have a CZ 527 which is a 1:9" twist and can confirm that a 62gr tracer stabilises fine, with a typical 223 trajectory out to around 1,000 yards.
The model I have is definitely a 1 in 12 twist
mossberg 500
meteor mk2
smk 19 (0.22)
ruger 12/22 stainless synthetic 22lr
cz 452 style 16 inch 22lr
tikka t3 lite stainless 223
308 howa 1500 varmint
BSA Lightning XL (0.22)
Lanber Over and Under
Baikal mp153
AYA Cosmos 410
1917 BSA SMLE 303
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Mattnall
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Re: tracer 223 and 308 questions

#6 Post by Mattnall »

I think Tikka made it in a 1:8", 1:12" and a 1:14" version.
The 1:8" may have been a 1:9" but I seem to think it was 8" - I had to buy one for a customer a while back and I seem to remember there was a small range of twists available as standard from Tikka (he opted for a 1:12").

1:12" will most likely struggle to stabilise tracer.
Arming the Country, one gun at a time.

Good deals with Paul101, Charlotte the flyer, majordisorder, Charlie Muggins, among others. Thanks everybody.
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WelshShooter
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Re: tracer 223 and 308 questions

#7 Post by WelshShooter »

shotgun sam wrote:
WelshShooter wrote:
Mattnall wrote:Apart from load adjustment, you may find your twist rate is not fast enough to stabilise tracer. IIRC A 223 Tikka comes in 14", 12" and 8" (or is it 9"?), and the 8" will be the one you'll most likely need to shoot tracer successfully. If your Howa has a 1:10" twist barrel then it should be OK with tracer too.
I believe the Tikka would be a 1:8" twist. I have a CZ 527 which is a 1:9" twist and can confirm that a 62gr tracer stabilises fine, with a typical 223 trajectory out to around 1,000 yards.
The model I have is definitely a 1 in 12 twist
Yes, I know they also come in 1:12". My comment regarding 1:8" twist was to confirm Mattnall's statement as he wasn't sure if it were 1:9" on 1:8". I almost bought one of these a few years ago but the 1:8" twist versions were like rocking horse poo so I went with the CZ.
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Mattnall
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Re: tracer 223 and 308 questions

#8 Post by Mattnall »

WelshShooter wrote:
Yes, I know they also come in 1:12". My comment regarding 1:8" twist was to confirm Mattnall's statement as he wasn't sure if it were 1:9" on 1:8". I almost bought one of these a few years ago but the 1:8" twist versions were like rocking horse poo so I went with the CZ.
Thanks.
When we looked there was one that I thought was more desirable with a faster twist suitable for my shooting needs, but the guy buying was a sports shooter and just wanted to shoot 55gn and lighter bullets at furry stuff so opted for the 1:12".
Arming the Country, one gun at a time.

Good deals with Paul101, Charlotte the flyer, majordisorder, Charlie Muggins, among others. Thanks everybody.
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Blackstuff
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Re: tracer 223 and 308 questions

#9 Post by Blackstuff »

I've found the main problem is getting the right weather conditions to actually see/make use of them!! Unless your range permits night shoots the best you'll get unless its REALLY overcast is a faint glow through your scope 8-)

FYI I bought my .308 bullets from ITL at the Northern Shooting Show last year and complete .223 rounds from York Guns at least 5 years ago. I've only ever used them on the Otterburn field firing ranges in Northumberland
DVC
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