Whats up guys, Buds has remington 700 sps tacticals in .223 for 580 and im thinking about picking one up. What do yall think of the .223 for a first precision rifle. The way I look at it I can still learn the fundementals and practice more seeing as ammo is cheaper than .308. Just wondering what yalls thoughts on this were
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.223 as a starter rifle?
- Thread starter CSAKing
- Start date
Re: .223 as a starter rifle?
I say go for it. I started off with a .223 AR before getting my AI. I think it was a good way to go.
I say go for it. I started off with a .223 AR before getting my AI. I think it was a good way to go.
Re: .223 as a starter rifle?
I started with a precision AR in .223, then built a .223 bolt. I think it's a good idea. No recoil to deal with and cheap ammo so you can shoot a ton.
I started with a precision AR in .223, then built a .223 bolt. I think it's a good idea. No recoil to deal with and cheap ammo so you can shoot a ton.
Re: .223 as a starter rifle?
Whats some good factory ammo I should be looking at seeing as im not reloading as of now
Whats some good factory ammo I should be looking at seeing as im not reloading as of now
Re: .223 as a starter rifle?
I run a .223 as my only precision rifle because the longest range I have access to is 300 yards.
I think .223 is great rifle caliber to have and may be the one that makes the most sense depending on the situation.
I run a .223 as my only precision rifle because the longest range I have access to is 300 yards.
I think .223 is great rifle caliber to have and may be the one that makes the most sense depending on the situation.
Re: .223 as a starter rifle?
That rifle is a great choice. Love mine.
Factory ammo, since you have a 1/9 twist, at least mine is, you should be looking at 65-75g projectiles. Mine runs really well with 69 smks and 70 VLDs.
Black hills is good stuff. They have quite a few to choose from that would shoot well.
Federal gold medal makes a 69g loading I bet would work well.
That rifle is a great choice. Love mine.
Factory ammo, since you have a 1/9 twist, at least mine is, you should be looking at 65-75g projectiles. Mine runs really well with 69 smks and 70 VLDs.
Black hills is good stuff. They have quite a few to choose from that would shoot well.
Federal gold medal makes a 69g loading I bet would work well.
Re: .223 as a starter rifle?
I would consider the tikka in 223 - I have a couple of rem .223 and feel the tikka is well worth the difference in price:
comes with a trigger that does not need replacing, unlike Rem - comes with a stock that is usable, unlike Rem - more preferable twist rate than Rem varmint - better quality barrel than Rem SPS - better metal finish than the EZ rust basic Rem/Savage finish - side bolt release is nicer than the Rem bottom release - upgrade to asic mag DBM is the same effort/$$ as Rem
main advantage for Rem is if you do want a different stock there is a wide selection new and used
I would consider the tikka in 223 - I have a couple of rem .223 and feel the tikka is well worth the difference in price:
comes with a trigger that does not need replacing, unlike Rem - comes with a stock that is usable, unlike Rem - more preferable twist rate than Rem varmint - better quality barrel than Rem SPS - better metal finish than the EZ rust basic Rem/Savage finish - side bolt release is nicer than the Rem bottom release - upgrade to asic mag DBM is the same effort/$$ as Rem
main advantage for Rem is if you do want a different stock there is a wide selection new and used
Re: .223 as a starter rifle?
George has a point with the Tikka Varmint (Cabelas just had them on sale...599.00...of course a couple of Hiders stole them before I could get to one).
I say that as an avid Savage Model 10 shooter (in .223). Although my rifle shoots half MOA regularly, I still wanted a Tikka...there's just something about that butter-smooth bolt and glass rod trigger that I want to try. Not to mention, it comes with an 8 twist barrel over the Rem 9 twist.
George has a point with the Tikka Varmint (Cabelas just had them on sale...599.00...of course a couple of Hiders stole them before I could get to one).
I say that as an avid Savage Model 10 shooter (in .223). Although my rifle shoots half MOA regularly, I still wanted a Tikka...there's just something about that butter-smooth bolt and glass rod trigger that I want to try. Not to mention, it comes with an 8 twist barrel over the Rem 9 twist.
Re: .223 as a starter rifle?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: George63</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would consider the tikka in 223 - I have a couple of rem .223 and feel the tikka is well worth the difference in price:
comes with a trigger that does not need replacing, unlike Rem - comes with a stock that is usable, unlike Rem - more preferable twist rate than Rem varmint - better quality barrel than Rem SPS - better metal finish than the EZ rust basic Rem/Savage finish - side bolt release is nicer than the Rem bottom release - upgrade to asic mag DBM is the same effort/$$ as Rem
main advantage for Rem is if you do want a different stock there is a wide selection new and used </div></div>
^^ THIS IS VERY SOUND ADVICE!! ^^
I'll throw in another vote for a .223 being a solid rifle to learn on and grow from...especially if you aren't at a point where you need/want to stretch out beyond 600yds or so. Plus, the 1:8 twist of the Tikka is a step in the right direction for longer range applications versus the slower Remy twist as it will allow you to run the longer, heavier projos better (such as the 77gr SMKs and 75gr Match VLDs.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: George63</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would consider the tikka in 223 - I have a couple of rem .223 and feel the tikka is well worth the difference in price:
comes with a trigger that does not need replacing, unlike Rem - comes with a stock that is usable, unlike Rem - more preferable twist rate than Rem varmint - better quality barrel than Rem SPS - better metal finish than the EZ rust basic Rem/Savage finish - side bolt release is nicer than the Rem bottom release - upgrade to asic mag DBM is the same effort/$$ as Rem
main advantage for Rem is if you do want a different stock there is a wide selection new and used </div></div>
^^ THIS IS VERY SOUND ADVICE!! ^^
I'll throw in another vote for a .223 being a solid rifle to learn on and grow from...especially if you aren't at a point where you need/want to stretch out beyond 600yds or so. Plus, the 1:8 twist of the Tikka is a step in the right direction for longer range applications versus the slower Remy twist as it will allow you to run the longer, heavier projos better (such as the 77gr SMKs and 75gr Match VLDs.
Re: .223 as a starter rifle?
One more for the .223 as a starter. I got my .223 last, and wish I had done it first. It's a plus in every way, as you already know. You will be very happy. Best of luck.
One more for the .223 as a starter. I got my .223 last, and wish I had done it first. It's a plus in every way, as you already know. You will be very happy. Best of luck.
Re: .223 as a starter rifle?
I've got an older 700 VSSF that is probably my favorite rifle. Has a 12 twist and with 53 gr flat base Hornandy match (handloads) I keep it within 2" at 400 pretty easily if there aint much wind (just did it yesterday with 10 rounds)
. Dont think a savage or tikka would embarace me much. 223 is a great cartrage and if you get a faster twist and can shoot the heavies, 600+ is completely doable. Some people are taking the 78's and 80's to 1K.
okie
I've got an older 700 VSSF that is probably my favorite rifle. Has a 12 twist and with 53 gr flat base Hornandy match (handloads) I keep it within 2" at 400 pretty easily if there aint much wind (just did it yesterday with 10 rounds)
okie
Re: .223 as a starter rifle?
I wish I would have started with a good 223 bolt gun. I have an SPS tactical that I had reamed to 223 AI which is currently my favorite rifle. It is a cheap way to hone skills on a full size centerfire platform.
I wish I would have started with a good 223 bolt gun. I have an SPS tactical that I had reamed to 223 AI which is currently my favorite rifle. It is a cheap way to hone skills on a full size centerfire platform.
Re: .223 as a starter rifle?
a .223 is such a good way to start. Ammo is so much cheaper than most .308 and you will get the same learning experience. Bolt action .223's are very underrated in my book. Good luck!
a .223 is such a good way to start. Ammo is so much cheaper than most .308 and you will get the same learning experience. Bolt action .223's are very underrated in my book. Good luck!
Re: .223 as a starter rifle?
Add me to the list of 223 bolt action fans; I shoot mine (well, its a 223AI now) about 4x as much as I shoot my 260.
Hornady 75gr Steel Match ammo is fairly inexpensive at <$25 per 50 rounds and shot very well out of a 26" 1:9 Savage 223 barrel...other good choices are Federal Gold Metal Match 69/77gr and Black Hills 68/69/75/77gr offerings.
Add me to the list of 223 bolt action fans; I shoot mine (well, its a 223AI now) about 4x as much as I shoot my 260.
Hornady 75gr Steel Match ammo is fairly inexpensive at <$25 per 50 rounds and shot very well out of a 26" 1:9 Savage 223 barrel...other good choices are Federal Gold Metal Match 69/77gr and Black Hills 68/69/75/77gr offerings.
Re: .223 as a starter rifle?
.223 for precision shooting is awesome. ammo's decently cheap, and it's accurate within it's range. Even PMC plinking ammo grouped sub-moa with a 700 tac for me.
.223 for precision shooting is awesome. ammo's decently cheap, and it's accurate within it's range. Even PMC plinking ammo grouped sub-moa with a 700 tac for me.
Re: .223 as a starter rifle?
Be careful with the sps tactical. 1:12 twist will not stablize the heavier rounds so you will be handcuffed with the lighter boolitz. Not a terrible thing, but don't think about shooting the 75 grain amax or anything like that
Be careful with the sps tactical. 1:12 twist will not stablize the heavier rounds so you will be handcuffed with the lighter boolitz. Not a terrible thing, but don't think about shooting the 75 grain amax or anything like that
Re: .223 as a starter rifle?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: quacktastic</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Be careful with the sps tactical. 1:12 twist will not stablize the heavier rounds so you will be handcuffed with the lighter boolitz. Not a terrible thing, but don't think about shooting the 75 grain amax or anything like that </div></div>
The SPS Tactical has been a 9 twist in 223 for about the last 5 years.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: quacktastic</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Be careful with the sps tactical. 1:12 twist will not stablize the heavier rounds so you will be handcuffed with the lighter boolitz. Not a terrible thing, but don't think about shooting the 75 grain amax or anything like that </div></div>
The SPS Tactical has been a 9 twist in 223 for about the last 5 years.
Re: .223 as a starter rifle?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: George63</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would consider the tikka in 223 - I have a couple of rem .223 and feel the tikka is well worth the difference in price:
comes with a trigger that does not need replacing, unlike Rem - comes with a stock that is usable, unlike Rem - more preferable twist rate than Rem varmint - better quality barrel than Rem SPS - better metal finish than the EZ rust basic Rem/Savage finish - side bolt release is nicer than the Rem bottom release - upgrade to asic mag DBM is the same effort/$$ as Rem
main advantage for Rem is if you do want a different stock there is a wide selection new and used </div></div>
Tikka T3 in .223 Rem is excellent choice. I go to 1000m matches and a guy with this rifle wins quite often.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: George63</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would consider the tikka in 223 - I have a couple of rem .223 and feel the tikka is well worth the difference in price:
comes with a trigger that does not need replacing, unlike Rem - comes with a stock that is usable, unlike Rem - more preferable twist rate than Rem varmint - better quality barrel than Rem SPS - better metal finish than the EZ rust basic Rem/Savage finish - side bolt release is nicer than the Rem bottom release - upgrade to asic mag DBM is the same effort/$$ as Rem
main advantage for Rem is if you do want a different stock there is a wide selection new and used </div></div>
Tikka T3 in .223 Rem is excellent choice. I go to 1000m matches and a guy with this rifle wins quite often.
Re: .223 as a starter rifle?
I have had a 223 700 sporter for many years now and I love the little rifel.My 12 year old daughter now shoots it.For me she has been able to shoot it just as good if not better than I at her age.When she's through shooting it and ready to move up in cal I'll build her a rifel from the action.
The 223 will and can do many things.My daugher as of now is useing the rifel said above for deer hunting.Just hope a nice deer will come out so she can take her first deer.
so to your question YES,I think the 223 will and is a great starter rifel.
I have had a 223 700 sporter for many years now and I love the little rifel.My 12 year old daughter now shoots it.For me she has been able to shoot it just as good if not better than I at her age.When she's through shooting it and ready to move up in cal I'll build her a rifel from the action.
The 223 will and can do many things.My daugher as of now is useing the rifel said above for deer hunting.Just hope a nice deer will come out so she can take her first deer.
so to your question YES,I think the 223 will and is a great starter rifel.
Re: .223 as a starter rifle?
Every Good God loving Boss fearing Wife hating American Should have a .223. Not only in an AR, but in a bolt gun also. We shoot ours out to 1000 yrds. And out to 800 yrds with relative ease. So they make great practice precision rifles. If you load try out the 75gr A-Max in it. before I bought it I would make sure it has a 1-9 or faster twist. If it don't it wont shoot the 75gr bullets and that would make it worthless to me. Remington is bad about putting 1-10 or 1-12 twist on there .223s so just check. If you want to shoot long with it anyway.
Every Good God loving Boss fearing Wife hating American Should have a .223. Not only in an AR, but in a bolt gun also. We shoot ours out to 1000 yrds. And out to 800 yrds with relative ease. So they make great practice precision rifles. If you load try out the 75gr A-Max in it. before I bought it I would make sure it has a 1-9 or faster twist. If it don't it wont shoot the 75gr bullets and that would make it worthless to me. Remington is bad about putting 1-10 or 1-12 twist on there .223s so just check. If you want to shoot long with it anyway.
Re: .223 as a starter rifle?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: _9H_Cracka</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: quacktastic</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Be careful with the sps tactical. 1:12 twist will not stablize the heavier rounds so you will be handcuffed with the lighter boolitz. Not a terrible thing, but don't think about shooting the 75 grain amax or anything like that </div></div>
The SPS Tactical has been a 9 twist in 223 for about the last 5 years. </div></div>
my bad, i was thinking about the SPS. thanks for setting me straight
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: _9H_Cracka</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: quacktastic</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Be careful with the sps tactical. 1:12 twist will not stablize the heavier rounds so you will be handcuffed with the lighter boolitz. Not a terrible thing, but don't think about shooting the 75 grain amax or anything like that </div></div>
The SPS Tactical has been a 9 twist in 223 for about the last 5 years. </div></div>
my bad, i was thinking about the SPS. thanks for setting me straight
Re: .223 as a starter rifle?
That's precisely what I did when I started. You can't beat the ammo price, and reloading components are cheap and available. I'd stick with the remington though. While George suggested the tikka (a good recommendation and a great rifle out of the box), the nice thing about a remington is that the rifle can grow with you, meaning you can slowly swap out components as you improve. It might be a fuzz more expensive in the long run, but it allows you to pay as you go, instead of dumping a couple grand all at once into a new sport.
Good luck and pics or it didn't happen
That's precisely what I did when I started. You can't beat the ammo price, and reloading components are cheap and available. I'd stick with the remington though. While George suggested the tikka (a good recommendation and a great rifle out of the box), the nice thing about a remington is that the rifle can grow with you, meaning you can slowly swap out components as you improve. It might be a fuzz more expensive in the long run, but it allows you to pay as you go, instead of dumping a couple grand all at once into a new sport.
Good luck and pics or it didn't happen
Re: .223 as a starter rifle?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CSAKing</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Whats up guys, Buds has remington 700 sps tacticals in .223 for 580 and im thinking about picking one up. What do yall think of the .223 for a first precision rifle. The way I look at it I can still learn the fundementals and practice more seeing as ammo is cheaper than .308. Just wondering what yalls thoughts on this were</div></div>
That's a pretty smart option. Then when you want to go custom, you have an action to build off of. If you want a bigger case (based off the .308) then get a PTG bolt with a .473 face. It'll save buying another rifle action as a donor... Unless you're like me, and can see the need for many more rifles.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CSAKing</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Whats up guys, Buds has remington 700 sps tacticals in .223 for 580 and im thinking about picking one up. What do yall think of the .223 for a first precision rifle. The way I look at it I can still learn the fundementals and practice more seeing as ammo is cheaper than .308. Just wondering what yalls thoughts on this were</div></div>
That's a pretty smart option. Then when you want to go custom, you have an action to build off of. If you want a bigger case (based off the .308) then get a PTG bolt with a .473 face. It'll save buying another rifle action as a donor... Unless you're like me, and can see the need for many more rifles.
Re: .223 as a starter rifle?
The .223 bolt is a fantastic way to learn the fundamentals, have fun shooting, and not destroy your bank account. I did the exact same thing when I got started. Heck I still shoot my .223 bolt more than most of my other rifles.
.223 is also good option to get your feet wet in reloading for precision rifle.
Good decision sir, I applaud you!
The .223 bolt is a fantastic way to learn the fundamentals, have fun shooting, and not destroy your bank account. I did the exact same thing when I got started. Heck I still shoot my .223 bolt more than most of my other rifles.
.223 is also good option to get your feet wet in reloading for precision rifle.
Good decision sir, I applaud you!
Re: .223 as a starter rifle?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CSAKing</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Whats some good factory ammo I should be looking at seeing as im not reloading as of now</div></div>
Great choice for a rifle. Mine is a great shooter with Hornady 75gr BTHP match ammo. I can shoot dime sized groups on good day with it!
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CSAKing</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Whats some good factory ammo I should be looking at seeing as im not reloading as of now</div></div>
Great choice for a rifle. Mine is a great shooter with Hornady 75gr BTHP match ammo. I can shoot dime sized groups on good day with it!
Re: .223 as a starter rifle?
I wouldn't be so locked on to fast twist .223's. Sure, if you have a chioce, get a 9 or faster but dont turn down a great deal on something slower. There are a lot of high quality 55gr match and varmit bullets to choose from that will do really well to 500+. Just depends on what you want to do with the rifle. I certainly never regreted giving $600 for my VSSF, the fact that I actually almost passed on it because of its 12 twist barrel almost makes me nausous just thinking about it now.
Good luck to ya.
okie
I wouldn't be so locked on to fast twist .223's. Sure, if you have a chioce, get a 9 or faster but dont turn down a great deal on something slower. There are a lot of high quality 55gr match and varmit bullets to choose from that will do really well to 500+. Just depends on what you want to do with the rifle. I certainly never regreted giving $600 for my VSSF, the fact that I actually almost passed on it because of its 12 twist barrel almost makes me nausous just thinking about it now.
okie
Re: .223 as a starter rifle?
.223 is definitely a great round to start with. Easy to find it, and it's easy to find people who know a ton about reloading it.
Inexpensive as precision shooting goes.
It's the way i'm heading myself!
.223 is definitely a great round to start with. Easy to find it, and it's easy to find people who know a ton about reloading it.
Inexpensive as precision shooting goes.
It's the way i'm heading myself!
Re: .223 as a starter rifle?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CSAKing</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What do yall think of the .223 for a first precision rifle.</div></div>Yes.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CSAKing</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What do yall think of the .223 for a first precision rifle.</div></div>Yes.
Re: .223 as a starter rifle?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ringer706</div><div class="ubbcode-body">That's precisely what I did when I started. You can't beat the ammo price, and reloading components are cheap and available. I'd stick with the remington though. While George suggested the tikka (a good recommendation and a great rifle out of the box), the nice thing about a remington is that the rifle can grow with you, meaning you can slowly swap out components as you improve. It might be a fuzz more expensive in the long run, but it allows you to pay as you go, instead of dumping a couple grand all at once into a new sport.
Good luck and pics or it didn't happen
</div></div> with the tikka you don't need to upgrade so the point is moot.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ringer706</div><div class="ubbcode-body">That's precisely what I did when I started. You can't beat the ammo price, and reloading components are cheap and available. I'd stick with the remington though. While George suggested the tikka (a good recommendation and a great rifle out of the box), the nice thing about a remington is that the rifle can grow with you, meaning you can slowly swap out components as you improve. It might be a fuzz more expensive in the long run, but it allows you to pay as you go, instead of dumping a couple grand all at once into a new sport.
Good luck and pics or it didn't happen
Re: .223 as a starter rifle?
You will need to upgrade the tika and then you won't be able to buy good upgrade parts. Tikas have crap triggers. And I don't think you can get a jewel for one either. Go Remington or Savage. Get the one your looking at. If it has a 1-9 twist feed it 75 grn Hornady either the boat tail hp. Match or the A-Max I shoot the A-Max because it has a better bc and is also a great game bullet. They are both good bullets but the A-Max is a little flatter and deadly.
You will need to upgrade the tika and then you won't be able to buy good upgrade parts. Tikas have crap triggers. And I don't think you can get a jewel for one either. Go Remington or Savage. Get the one your looking at. If it has a 1-9 twist feed it 75 grn Hornady either the boat tail hp. Match or the A-Max I shoot the A-Max because it has a better bc and is also a great game bullet. They are both good bullets but the A-Max is a little flatter and deadly.
Re: .223 as a starter rifle?
I have both, a Rem 700 PSS in .223, and a Rem 700 AAC-SD in .308 and the .223 is the way to go, the ammo is only half as much, whether you're reloading or not, so you can afford to shoot twice as much. The recoil is milder, it's more pleasant to shoot, and the Zombie Hunters at the range leave a ton of free once fired brass. In fact I take the .223 to the range a lot more often than the .308 Win, just because it's more pleasant to shoot.
I have both, a Rem 700 PSS in .223, and a Rem 700 AAC-SD in .308 and the .223 is the way to go, the ammo is only half as much, whether you're reloading or not, so you can afford to shoot twice as much. The recoil is milder, it's more pleasant to shoot, and the Zombie Hunters at the range leave a ton of free once fired brass. In fact I take the .223 to the range a lot more often than the .308 Win, just because it's more pleasant to shoot.
Re: .223 as a starter rifle?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CSAKing</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Whats some good factory ammo I should be looking at seeing as im not reloading as of now</div></div>
The least expensive quality ammo I found was Ultramax. Re-loadable, remanufactured ammo.
The next best two that I know of are Black Hills and Hornady. In the past I would have given the clear nod to Black Hills for best accuracy, but Hornady has really stepped up the game with their loadings. both of these are a lot more expensive than Ultramax, but they are good quality. I understand you can still get Black Hills re-manned (blue box) ammo with either 68/69 or 75/77 gr. bullets. That's less expensive and very good quality. Hornady is all new.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CSAKing</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Whats some good factory ammo I should be looking at seeing as im not reloading as of now</div></div>
The least expensive quality ammo I found was Ultramax. Re-loadable, remanufactured ammo.
The next best two that I know of are Black Hills and Hornady. In the past I would have given the clear nod to Black Hills for best accuracy, but Hornady has really stepped up the game with their loadings. both of these are a lot more expensive than Ultramax, but they are good quality. I understand you can still get Black Hills re-manned (blue box) ammo with either 68/69 or 75/77 gr. bullets. That's less expensive and very good quality. Hornady is all new.
Re: .223 as a starter rifle?
The 223 is a great beginner’s rifle and I would say a good advanced rifle as well.
It’s cheap to learn on without the blast and recoil of larger calibers. When the barrel has the twist to stabilize the better long range high BC bullets it can usually match and surpass the 308 depending on which match bullets you are comparing (this not counting energy on target). Making the cartridge an AI gives it an even greater edge. I am collecting parts for a fast twist 223AI now
Also, as others have stated, I too started with a 223, Remington’s 20” tactical to be exact. Once I started making consistent hits at 5-6 hundred yards I moved to the 308 then 243 then 260 and now I am coming back to the 223. The only issue with the 223 at long range is seeing and hearing where your shots hit on steel once you get past 700 yards you need good glass and fresh paint or one else shooting so you can hear the impact.
The 223 is a great beginner’s rifle and I would say a good advanced rifle as well.
It’s cheap to learn on without the blast and recoil of larger calibers. When the barrel has the twist to stabilize the better long range high BC bullets it can usually match and surpass the 308 depending on which match bullets you are comparing (this not counting energy on target). Making the cartridge an AI gives it an even greater edge. I am collecting parts for a fast twist 223AI now
Also, as others have stated, I too started with a 223, Remington’s 20” tactical to be exact. Once I started making consistent hits at 5-6 hundred yards I moved to the 308 then 243 then 260 and now I am coming back to the 223. The only issue with the 223 at long range is seeing and hearing where your shots hit on steel once you get past 700 yards you need good glass and fresh paint or one else shooting so you can hear the impact.
Re: .223 as a starter rifle?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: George63</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would consider the tikka in 223 - I have a couple of rem .223 and feel the tikka is well worth the difference in price:
comes with a trigger that does not need replacing, unlike Rem - comes with a stock that is usable, unlike Rem - more preferable twist rate than Rem varmint - better quality barrel than Rem SPS - better metal finish than the EZ rust basic Rem/Savage finish - side bolt release is nicer than the Rem bottom release - upgrade to asic mag DBM is the same effort/$$ as Rem
main advantage for Rem is if you do want a different stock there is a wide selection new and used </div></div>
+1 on all accounts. Tikka has much better quality control all the way across the board than Remington and savage these days. Good luck getting a small boldface extractor that doesn't eat brass.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: George63</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would consider the tikka in 223 - I have a couple of rem .223 and feel the tikka is well worth the difference in price:
comes with a trigger that does not need replacing, unlike Rem - comes with a stock that is usable, unlike Rem - more preferable twist rate than Rem varmint - better quality barrel than Rem SPS - better metal finish than the EZ rust basic Rem/Savage finish - side bolt release is nicer than the Rem bottom release - upgrade to asic mag DBM is the same effort/$$ as Rem
main advantage for Rem is if you do want a different stock there is a wide selection new and used </div></div>
+1 on all accounts. Tikka has much better quality control all the way across the board than Remington and savage these days. Good luck getting a small boldface extractor that doesn't eat brass.
