I wanted to share with you guys a recent build done by Owens Armory on a Remington 700 in 223. I have had this rifle for about 2 years, and never really shot it much simply because the slow twist rate prevented me from being able to shoot the heavier bullets. My goal was to have a rifle with a very similar feel to my match rifle which I could use out to about 500 yds to practice with.
My contact with Owens Armory was Tom Meraz, and immediately I felt confident I was dealing with someone who knew what they were talking about.
Before I start about the build let me say I am really impressed with how quickly Owens Armory has gotten into the long range competition sport (both PRS and NRL) and been involved in both running (NRL match Battle Royale) and supporting matches. I was unable to attend the Battle Royale but spoke with a lot of shooters that had a great time there. It's been said a bunch here in the past but we as shooters that enjoy the competitive scene really need to support those that step up and keep the sport running! I am personally going to make sure I spend my money more often on those companies that support us.
Anyway, back to the rifle. I told Tom I wanted to shoot 75-80g bullets, and shoot out to 5-600 yards. The rest I left to him.
So, rifle specs are:
Rem 700 action
Bartlein (I think) 24" 8 twist medium palma
Timney CE trigger
AICS 2.0 stock, bedded for action
Kahles k624i AMR
I am not one that enjoys load development, and was very excited to take this rifle out and have nothing (except factory PMC and American Eagle 55g) shoot under moa. First trip was really just to get some rounds downrange and get an idea whether this would shoot or not. It clearly would.
Second trip to the range I loaded some 73 and 75g ELDMs as well as a few Sierra 77s - all over varget. This time I spent a little more effort in getting an idea of how accurate the rifle was. You can see the below pics, but I would say this is a 1/2 moa rifle with VERY little work. As I said, I don't enjoy load developing, so stopped here and bought a bunch of Hornady 75 Eld-m's.
Last trip (yesterday) confirmed at 100 yds this was still on (75g Eld-m and 23g varget), then shot at 500 yds on a 3" paster. I shot 10 rounds (there are 3 dasher rounds in that group for a total of 13) in 2 strings, about 20 min apart. In addition to this I shot around 50-60 rounds at 1-2 moa steel plates at 300-600 yds. I can honestly say this 223 with almost no load development shot just as well as my main match rifle! I couldn't be more happy.
If you are debating doing a 223 (or any other build) give Owens Armory a call and discuss it with them. I think you'll like them and be more than pleased with what they do for you!
My contact with Owens Armory was Tom Meraz, and immediately I felt confident I was dealing with someone who knew what they were talking about.
Before I start about the build let me say I am really impressed with how quickly Owens Armory has gotten into the long range competition sport (both PRS and NRL) and been involved in both running (NRL match Battle Royale) and supporting matches. I was unable to attend the Battle Royale but spoke with a lot of shooters that had a great time there. It's been said a bunch here in the past but we as shooters that enjoy the competitive scene really need to support those that step up and keep the sport running! I am personally going to make sure I spend my money more often on those companies that support us.
Anyway, back to the rifle. I told Tom I wanted to shoot 75-80g bullets, and shoot out to 5-600 yards. The rest I left to him.
So, rifle specs are:
Rem 700 action
Bartlein (I think) 24" 8 twist medium palma
Timney CE trigger
AICS 2.0 stock, bedded for action
Kahles k624i AMR
I am not one that enjoys load development, and was very excited to take this rifle out and have nothing (except factory PMC and American Eagle 55g) shoot under moa. First trip was really just to get some rounds downrange and get an idea whether this would shoot or not. It clearly would.
Second trip to the range I loaded some 73 and 75g ELDMs as well as a few Sierra 77s - all over varget. This time I spent a little more effort in getting an idea of how accurate the rifle was. You can see the below pics, but I would say this is a 1/2 moa rifle with VERY little work. As I said, I don't enjoy load developing, so stopped here and bought a bunch of Hornady 75 Eld-m's.
Last trip (yesterday) confirmed at 100 yds this was still on (75g Eld-m and 23g varget), then shot at 500 yds on a 3" paster. I shot 10 rounds (there are 3 dasher rounds in that group for a total of 13) in 2 strings, about 20 min apart. In addition to this I shot around 50-60 rounds at 1-2 moa steel plates at 300-600 yds. I can honestly say this 223 with almost no load development shot just as well as my main match rifle! I couldn't be more happy.
If you are debating doing a 223 (or any other build) give Owens Armory a call and discuss it with them. I think you'll like them and be more than pleased with what they do for you!
