Need Help Deciding On A New .223 Rifle

S

Styrkyr

Inactive
Hello all, while I'm not new to these forums, I did just now register and this is my first post.

So the time has come for me to get a new rifle. I am looking for an intermediate calibered rifle; (I use a .22 for small caliber, and a modified MN98 for a heavy caliber). My next one will be chambered in .223 as it is the most readily available (and one of the cheapest) ammo types in my area.

These are my must-haves:
1.) Chambered in .223 ONLY
2.) Reasonably accurate out to 500 yards.
3.) Wide selection of aftermarket parts for customization.
4.) Bolt-Action: No AR's.
5.) Reasonably Priced.

In my research so far, I've looked at the Savage Axis line, and found what seemed to be only mediocre reviews about it. The Tikka T3 Varmint series has excellent reviews, but seems to have next to nothing for customization. The Remington Model 700 series is currently at the top of my list, but is a little pricey for me at the moment. I haven't really done much research on any Ruger rifles, but they don't seem to be popping up in the forums very often. As far as customization goes, I know for sure I will be putting a new stock, scope, and muzzle brake on, as well as doing a trigger job (love 2.5lb featherlight triggers).

So I am very interested to hear everyone's opinions. Thanks in advance.
 
I was going to recommend a Tikka T3 for it's fast twist. The "tac" version's got a good stock, but AFAIK, there are a number of good stocks for the T3. McMillan & Manners come to mind, as well as the über-cool chassis from Whiskey-3, Roedale & XLR.
 
Remington model 7. Light weight quick handling just a great little bolt action to add to one's brace of rifles. Can do allot of at home mods if wanting to too. Glad you chose a bolt over a semi auto. As I see it as more sporting like.
 
Three addit. things that I'd consider if I were you:

Weight: What general weight class are you thinking: Ultra-light, light, medium-light, medium, medium-heavy, heavy, or ultra-heavy/target? This is the single most important thing - to get the general profile which fits what you want to do with it, in what proportions. When in doubt, lighter is better, if you're going to varmint hunt with it. Unless the only type of varmint hunting you do is setting up a table beside the pickup truck to shoot prairie dogs, for example. Then heavy is fine.

Aesthetics. Life is too short to shoot or hunt with inaccurate OR ugly guns. Do you really want a plastic-stocked gun?

Twist: You want a varminter (1 in 12), or an all-purpose (1 in 9), or a super long ranger (1 in 8 or faster)?

Answer those and it may narrow it down - possibly a lot.

The CZ 527 advice is good I think - both light and accurate (and pretty) - what more could you want? I'm going to get this rifle in .17 hornady hornet as soon as I get some cash.

I loved my Wby Vanguard Sub-MOA varminter, but man was it heavy - over 8 lbs bare, so it had to go. Great range gun but not so good in the field. I'm would call it a medium-heavy gun. Now I'm happier with my medium-light (or medium) weight gun (Ruger 77).

The Tikka is good advice if you're actually gonna shoot those long bullets over 77 gr.

P.S. Don't fall for the "Lightweight Varminter" from Savage. While it may be a fine rifle, it's anything but lightweight, relative to other .223s. Again, the CZ is hard to beat - reasonable price, light, pretty, and has won many awards for its accuracy.

Edit: Note that SOME CZ 527 sub-models are 1 in 12 and SOME are 1 in 9. Since you said long range (500 yards is mondo long for this chambering), get the CZ with a 1 in 9 (there's at least 1 sub-model; maybe more).
 
^

I just checked CZ USA's website, and it lists the 527's in .223 as 1:12 twist (American, Carbine and FS). The Lux is listed as 1:14 twist. Is there another model I'm missing ? (just curious).

I don't know enough about rifles to comment as in depth as some of the posters above. But when I read the "Must haves", The first thing I thought of was a CZ 527 (not sure about customizing though). I've been eying the CZ rifles for weeks now and lurking the website checking them all out. I also think the Walnut stocked CZ's are much nicer then the sea of synthetic stocks out there.

I really like that 527 FS model... so darn nice looking, I wouldn't do a thing to it. That rifle just looks right they way it is (if you're into the Mannlicher stocks). The FS model would be my first choice. Second choice would be the Carbine. Third the Lux, then last the American. The American is last because it doesn't have Irons. I'm in the opinion that .223 rifles should have irons.. just my opinion, lol.
 
If you please.
Define what "reasonable" accuracy & price range is to you as reasonable is
subjective.
Have you considered the Remington 700 in either the ADL or the bit more expensive BDL?
I've had a couple Remmy ADLs sporter wieght barrels and both were exceptionally accurate though 500 yards is a real stretch for any
rifle chambered in .223.
Could you say what the intended use is for the rifle?
 
Wow, they used to have a 527 in 1 in 9; I swear; maybe not any more?

Well, their website has gone to total suckage in organizational scheme now, so I can't find it. Crap.
 
Sorry for the vagueness, was running out the door for work when I posted this.

The primary use of this gun is going to be target shooting and small game (i.e. my dog deposits yet another maimed skunk on my deck), so a lower twist would probably be best. I believe the Tikka has a 1:7 twist. I would prefer a lighter gun, but something that has some weight to it; something that feels like value. Although, with a stock replacement, that could alleviate the problem of a cheesy poly stock.

To answer Bart B., it would be for no other reason then aesthetics. If I'm going to drop 1000+ $ on a rifle, you can be guaranteed that I'm going to have it looking the way I want it to. As for reasonable accuracy, I can keyhole a shot with a M4 at 100 yds using only a RCO, so with a higher magnifier scope, I would like to see myself getting 2-3" groupings at 500 yards. Reasonable price would be something that I don't have to take out a second mortgage for. I.e., nothing gold and/or diamond plated.
 
I would like to see myself getting 2-3" groupings at 500 yards.
Click to expand...

You and me both!!

I recently decided on a gun for a friends 60th b-day present (a few others went in on it, awhile back I posted a thread asking advice). We got him a Savage walking varminter in .223. It came with a 1:9 twist, accu-trigger, and pillar bedded stock (in camo, receipient likes camo). Seemed like the most gun for dollars spent after much looking. Just seemed like a good buy.

Edit-although I'm not sure about the availability of aftermarket parts.
 
According to their site, you can get a Tikka T3 with a 1:8 or 1:12 twist.

Another one to consider is the FN TSR XP. Essentially a tactical Winchester Model 70, which is cool if one likes the M70, which isn't (AFAIK) chambered in .223.
 
I don't mean to pee in your Wheaties but 2 to 3 inch groups at 500 yards is a mighty tall order for ANY :eek:rifle much less the .223 which is at it's best on varmints out to 300 yards.
But then I don't know who I'm repsonding to and you might be one heck of a rifleman.
Re: twist rate. If you are target/varmint shooting you loose nothing with the slower twist & 50 to 55 grain bullets.
The faster twists shine with bullets of 60 grains and heavier.
To each his own.
I'm one of the nuts that think the 30-30 is still a great deer ctg. if used
with sense & the .45 Colt & 45-70 are timeless.:D
If you are learning the craft of the rifle and not an experienced & gifted shooter then you are at the right place & are getting some fine advice
from good people.
 
1.) Chambered in .223 ONLY
2.) Reasonably accurate out to 500 yards.
3.) Wide selection of aftermarket parts for customization.
4.) Bolt-Action: No AR's.
5.) Reasonably Priced.
Click to expand...

To meet all of these, (especially number 3) I believe a Remington 700 is the best choice. To get the best all-around twist for .223(1:9) in a reasonably priced package, I'd go with the VTR:

700vtr-prod.ashx


MSRP is $825, but probably about $650-700 "real world" price. Some dont like the triangular contoured barrel but I think it looks good. As you can see it has an integral muzzle brake. Not a big deal on a .223 but it definitely doesn't hurt anything.

There is no better aftermarket than for the Remington 700. Which is a good thing because the stock and trigger will need to be upgraded IMO.
 
If that 700 VTR is looking like a good choice, what about the sps-varmint? It's the same price and a better barrel, that triangular barrel is just a gimmick.
 
If that 700 VTR is looking like a good choice, what about the sps-varmint? It's the same price and a better barrel, that triangular barrel is just a gimmick.
Click to expand...

I agree that the triangular barrel won't shoot any better than a round one, but the SPS varmint has a 1:12" twist

I believe the only other 700 offered in .223 with a 1:9 twist is the XCR Compact Tactical, with an MSRP of $1525. I think all the other models are 1:12.

Remington is just now getting the memo that alot of people are shooting heavier bullets in their .223 bolt guns. ;)
 
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I'm going to say Savage Model 10 Trophy Hunter as a minimum, it's supposed to have a 1:9 twist barrel, comes with an Accu-trigger so the trigger job you want is pretty much the twist of a tool away, and it comes with a Nikon Prostaff scope already on it, which is about the bottom of the barrel of what you'll want as an optic for the distance you want to shoot. I do not know the length of the magazine on them, so I don't know how well they'll handle a heavy grain round, I think it should be fairly long though. They are pretty accurate rifles for the money. I have one, but mine's a 22-250. I'm very pleased with it, though I'd personally never buy a bolt action rifle in .223. My AR's are all .223 and are accurate enough for their purpose, if I wanted a quieter varmint round than my 22-250, I'd go .204 Ruger.
 
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