223 - Ruger American Predator vs CLE Krieger upper - what and why?

[left_eye_joe]

I want to shoot 223 for tight groups for 300 and up to 600 yards. No hunting, just benchrest and prone shooting. Which of the two options would be better suited?

Shall I go with bolt action such as RAP or even T3X varmint if I find one by some miracle, or look into CLE or similar quality upper? Are there any primary differences in hardware limitations between the two? Is any of the two inherently better/worse for this particular goal?

I currently have a quality Tikka T1X and also what appears to be a very good upper setup based on RA Ultramatch - love them both. I do not intend to participate in any competition with strict equipment rules. I also do not plan or see fun in shooting out of vise.

Edit: I know there are other and/or better cartridges and rifles. Question is purely about the platform.

 

[spife7980]

And you have to use a budget bolt or an ar for benchrest?

Both are about as polar opposite from benchrest appropriate that I can imagine.

 

[MarshallDodge]

Define tight groups?

Neither one of those choices are optimal for your goal. A bolt gun with a good trigger will be easier to shoot but I got rid of my Ruger American Ranch because it couldn't shoot as well as my AR.

On edit: Get another Tikka, in 223.

 

[left_eye_joe]

Define tight groups?

Five shots in 2" circle at 500 yards, or at least better than the day before.

 

[MarshallDodge]

Something to consider is that a 223 at 500 yards, even loaded with a higher BC 75-80 grain bullet, will drift 2" with 1 MPH of full value wind change.