u/pm_thine_chesticles

factory tikka ace 223 with an 8" twist running sierra 69 smk is an absolute tackdriver at 600 but bullets are keyholing through the target at 800.

i don't have a lot of experience with 223, but with larger cartridges (308 and creedmoors) i havent had these issues going through trans into subsonic. Have shot both to a mile.

barrel is good, clean and has around 700 rounds on it.

is a heavier projectile likely to improve this issue, or make it worse? do i need a faster twist barrel?