Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles what's the deal with the 223

I have tried my damndest to like a 223. I have had several. One would not shoot good groups no matter what I tried. One wouldn't feed without the rounds popping out of the action when I worked the bolt. Another had a horrid 12 twist that wouldn't shoot many bullets I wanted to use. And the single shots were a pointless exercise as like anyone, I wanted to plink and have fun and it was slow and awkward. The ar15 just wasn't quite the answer either.

The rifles that include the 223 are normally built for standard sized rounds like 243 or 270 etc...and the 223 is sort of an afterthought and the mag is half assed designed to fit the bigger space, sometimes causing problems like the one I mentioned.

The round itself is great, usually accurate and affordable and no complaints there.

Without spending a grand, what rifles have you guys found to be a good fit for the round?

Tikka and Howa seem to be the best buys. I don't want anything slower than a 8 twist and I don't like flimsy stocks.

There we go. Couple good ideas. Will check them out.

Howa has worked for me for more than 7 years.

So far it has shown a liking for the lighter weight bullets but it does a darn good job with the 55 grain.

When i bought it i think i gave 300+- for it.

You might be a lot like me. Even though I have a couple of ARs and had a nice looking Ruger that I couldn’t get to shoot, I’m not that enamoured with the cartridge. I have way more fun with my FBs and my new favorite the 22 hornet. Different strokes for different folks I guess. Just my thoughts. Good luck, Dave

Yeah little bit. Might go back to the 243 for blowing up groundhogs

Get a Howa Mini.

Cz527 works well


Never had issues with a 700 in .223 either.

Several years ago I bought a plain savage axis in 223. Mounted a leupy 3-9x40. One of my most accurate rifles, accounting for easily over 100 coyotes. My grandkids have killed at least 12 deer with it. Not much to look at but I'll never sell it.

Tikka - centerfed magazine that feeds so slick that there is no notice of the cartridge chambering, a known quantity as far as accuracy and a good trigger, that's a tough combo to beat. They have 8-twist in later models, some 10 twists in the interim models and 12 twist in the early versions, the eight twist should easily stabilize up to 69 gr bullets.

drover

I've seen my brother put 3 shots into 2" at 400 yards with his Tikka using factory 223 loads.

I’ve had a few. AR’s that I could never warm up to that shot amazingly well (DPMS) and bolts. Favorite bolt was a Ruger M77 stainless carbine with a Timney trigger. Great truck gun but I prefer the 243 variant which I have and sold the 223. Just can’t get excited about it.

Hmm. No one has called me a dumb son of a bitch or argued with me. Is this the fire??

Tikka or Howa Mini would be my first inclination. The CZ 527 is another fine option... though, it is not everyone's cup of tea. For a cheaper option, find a used center-feed Savage or Stevens 200. Mine fed beautifully and shot great as a 1:9 223. It now wears a 6x45 barrel and is my go-to truck gun.

I planned to never buy a 223, but while loading for my Dad’s 223 I decided to get one. It probably gets shot more than any other rifle I have. And, I have loads for 5 different bullets, which took a while to sort out for best loads. The other evening, while hoping for a coyote to show up, a 250 pound boar showed up. A 60 gr Partition dropped him (CNS placement). Loaned it recently to a granddaughter’s fiancé and he dropped a medium sized boar with it. So, it’s a useful round, though not particularly powerful.

Get a Tikka you dumb son of a bitch.

Ahhh that's better lol

stick is apparently on leave...

My first was a '72 Sako Vixen, a little peach that I traded for a mistake. Second was a Vanguard S2, an early one that still had a 1-12" barrel, but no biggie. It was, however pretty heavy, but functioned flawlessly. Tried an AR, but it ain't my thing, I suppose, but at least I know my way around one now.

The current one is a Hawkeye AW that cost me $600. With low Ruger rings, my eye lines right up with the Hawke 3-9. The trigger is crisp and light. Barrel is tightly bedded full-length. Last time out it put Fiocchi 40gr VMaxes in nice, tight clusters. I did file the mag box to ensure clearance between it, the floorplate, and the bottom of the action. Function is perfect. I could wish the mag box were a bit longer, but don't know if the chamber would let me take advantage of that. Twist is the Ruger standard 1-9. All in all, a very serviceable rifle in a traditional format. This one is staying put, unless maybe if Howa or Weatherby starts importing the SS Minis like they get in some other countries.

My vote for your criteria is for a CZ 527 mini mauser action, the few I have owned chambered in .223 1:9 were ver accurate......good luck.....Hb