.223 Suggestions?

Don'tTaseMeBro

Don'tTaseMeBro

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Jun 1, 2012
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#1
Guys, I'm looking at finding a nice .223 bolt action to shoot out to 500 yards. I'm a former Marine (10 years and never shot anything but expert) and we shot out to 500 with open sights, so I know it can easily be done with a scope. Maybe even out to 800. Anyway, I would really appreciate some advice on a solid .223 bolt action rifle. Money is not a huge issue, but don't want to get crazy. Maybe $1K-$2K range. Thanks in advance!
 
#2
Re: .223 Suggestions?

I think you will find most of the varmint / tactical .223's from savage, tikka and remington will do the trick.

Pick your poison, stainless, stock, etc and roll. If you in to changing things the remington and savage will have better aftermarket support.

I personally have benn eyeing a Tikka T3

The first question you should ask is what is the twist? You need a 1/9 or better to spin up the long range loads
 
#4
Re: .223 Suggestions?

Ive just done the exact same thing but for 308 and the ones i looked at where
remington 700 5-r was the one i went with
remington 700p
tikka t3 tactical
remington 700 sps varmit (second favorite)
and the savage
btw does the 1-2k range include your scope
 
#6
Re: .223 Suggestions?

Savage 10FP-SR or 12FV. Both are 9 twist and will shoot the 75gr Hornady HPBT very well, out to at least 650yd (farthest I've done it).

EGW or Weaver 20MOA base, Burris XTR low rings, and Bushnell 3200 10x, Weaver 3-10x, or Vortex Viper/Viper HS optic and you've got a good package for $1000-1200.
 
#7
Re: .223 Suggestions?

Great info guys! I think a Remington Tactical may be what I go with just because of the pure upgrade potential. When I said $1K-$2K, I'm not sure if that's with a scope or not. Not looking for a NF or S&B scope but maybe a Millett??? Not too sure there. Any suggestions?
 
#8
Re: .223 Suggestions?

My rifle is similar to what you're going for (700 SPS varmint in .223), and I ended up with a Vortex Viper scope (6.5-20x44). It's decent quality glass, and the warranty is as good as they get. Definitely worth a look.
 
#11
Re: .223 Suggestions?

I bought a rem SA in 223 but it gave me massive extractor headaches so I traded bolts with a man up north and picked up a used 308 barrel and shoot that now. If I was to go with a 223 bolt rifle now I would go with the savage just because I like the factory F class stocks and their extractor set up. Plus you can get some really really long barrels on a 223 from savage. Last I checked I think you can get a 30 inch tube on them.
 
#14
Re: .223 Suggestions?

Ever since the "Freedom Group" started taking over various firearms and ammo manufacturing companies, the reputations of the products those companies build have gone down due to quality issues they are now more about making money than the best firearms they can. Several recent acquisitions are DPMS, Bushmaster and Remington. If you buy a Remmy try to get one that is pre-freedom group.

The Savage chassis, trigger and action combination that is presently being used on their long range rifles is both affordable and incredibly accurate. Also incredibly simple to put a new barrel on compared to some others out there.

As far as the 500yd. .224 cal rifle goes, have you considered 22-250? During the shortages of firearms and ammunition we had starting in the winter of 2008 my local walmart ran out of every type of ammunition EXCEPT .40S&W, 12ga target loads and 22-250
 
#16
Re: .223 Suggestions?

I have a Savage 10fcp-k (do you guys think there's enough letters there?). Anyhow, it is a heavy SOB with a muzzle brake. Recoil is tantamount to a pellet gun. Louder than shit, but follow up shots are the business!
 
#17
Re: .223 Suggestions?

Based on my personal experience with rifles I personally own and others I speak with at the range, Remington quality has declined, they are "hit or miss" pun intended. Savage is the way to go, look at their Target series and Varmint models, 12 VLP DBM 1-7" and 12 F/TR 1-7" use the rest of the money on a nice scope and rings/base.
 
#19
Re: .223 Suggestions?

I was in the same boat as you 2 years ago and bought a Remingyon 700sps 223 Tactical. Now the rifle is wearing a fluted 1-7" 20" 223AI bbl in an AICS. Badger Bolt handle, Seekins base and the only thing left for perfection is a Jewel trigger. One subproject at a time and voila you've eaten the elephant and don't have heart(wallet)burn
wink.gif
!
 
#20
Re: .223 Suggestions?

Tikka T3 Varmint.

Don't get the Scout/Tactical models. you're paying for nothing but a name and a cheap pic rail on the reciever you can get from EGW or similar for way less than you'll be paying to have the range-porn model.

Action is silky smooth, barrels are the same as what you get on a TRG (made on the same equipment, since Tikka is just the budget end of Sako), trigger is amazing and user adjustable so you'll never have to screw around with that.
It's everything you wish your remmy/savage could be.

Aftermarket support is what everyone touts as being the downfall of the tikka. However the case is that it doesn't NEED much of it. Aside from the stock and bottom metal being 'budget' and by no means a major downfall, the rifle is absolutley brilliant and very little comes close to it for that price. And given that the stock/mag are the main bits you'd want to replace, there's companies for that too!
(CDI for the metal, Manners/McMillan for the stock and Whiskey-3 Chassis are just some of the options available. Or alternatley the Roedale Chassis, which i have and is brilliant if you're prepared to wait for it).

Can't beat a T3 really. We've had them here in oz for years and they sell like wildfire whenever the distributor gets a shipment. I bought a Varmint in .308 and bought my dad a Lite in .223, never had an issue with the platform.
 
#21
Re: .223 Suggestions?

I was in same boat as you, went with......700 SPS, cut barrel down to 20 in with new crown, Bell & Carson Lite Tactical, Bolt Knob, mag extender, Nikon 4.5 x 16 Monarch Scope. It will group 3 in group at 450 yards. Its a 1 in 12 twist & only real complaint. Loves Black Hills 40 gr V-Max from Triad Tactical. Weighs in at 11 lbs & shoots well of Bi-Pod
 
#23
Re: .223 Suggestions?

I have a Savage bull barrel. Its ok but if you want to do any mods to your new toy (if you buy Savage)selection is limited. I have to say my Remy is a 2005 so new ones might not be as good as stated above. With Factory plastic it did not shoot good at all past 200 yards, forget using a bi-pod. B&C stock made it fun to shoot
 
#24
Re: .223 Suggestions?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: hunthard44</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have a Savage bull barrel. Its ok but if you want to do any mods to your new toy (if you buy Savage)selection is limited.</div></div>

The aftermarket for Savages isn't THAT limited...
 
#26
Re: .223 Suggestions?

Go pick up a used or even new rem 700 adl synthetic or sps. Should be $400-$500. Get a Bell and Carlson M40 style or light tactical stock for $225. Custom barrel of choice for Around $300, I have several Brux but my 223 is a Pac-nor 8 twist 3 groove.

Send the parts to RW Snyder and he will true the action and chamber the barrel for $250. You'll likely need an oversized recoil lug for about $30 more. You could add a decent trigger or have the rem slicked up and still be in under $1500 after shipping.

I'd go 8 twist for sure so you can run some heavier bullets. My 8's still shoot light bullets well too. If you want a heavier barrel just keep it simple and get a rem varmint contour although I often go with a light palma cause it's a little lighter up front.

Bb
 
#27
Re: .223 Suggestions?

I agree with many of the others. I would pick the CZ varmint out of the box because of its barrel twist, 1/8, that will support anything under the sun and it has a great trigger. A stock Savage in 10FP, 10FCP or 10FCP-K would be my next choice. I still see older model Remy 700P rifles in .223 on gunbroker from time to time. 26 inch tube, 1/9 twist. That might be an option as well but the base rifle will be in the $900-$1,100 range.

Are you dead set against a semi-auto??? A factory RRA varmint will run with, if not exceed, most of the factory bolt guns out there and you should be able to find that right at the $1k range.
 
#28
Re: .223 Suggestions?

My vote a Tikka T3 Varmint and slap it in a KRG Whiskey chassis system. You will be amazed at the accuracy. It has an 8" twist barrel which is great for launching the heavier bullets, mine loves 75-77gr, prints clover leafs at 100 yards.
 
#30
Re: .223 Suggestions?

There are a lot of great rifles to choose from these days. When you get back, send me a PM, I have what you are looking for. I have a FNH Tactical Precision Rifle XP in a FINE grade wood stock. I have fallen into some debt and have to sell some of my toys. This is a great shooting rifle that will be what you are looking for. The other suggestions above are good suggestions as well, but this is a great buy.

STAY SAFE! and Thank you for your service
 
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