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Joined: Feb 2003
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Campfire Outfitter
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OP
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 8,832 |
Since the election, I havent shot nearly as much as I normally do, mainly trying to ensure I have/keep enough components on hand. I'm growing weary of playing that game - so am considering alternatives. The 223/5.56 comes to mind. Ammo seems readily available and reasonably inexpensive.
So - in the 223/5.56, what rifles come to mind? I'd prefer a Kimber of some sort but they apparently dont chamber a 223 any longer in any of their offerings. Plus, I'm not keen on spending $10-1500 on a rifle that will get shot with all manner of ammo, plus alot of it.
The Ruger Ranch and American come in 223, Howa has one, as does Savage and TC. Rem has one but seem to be scarce and fetch a premium dollar.
Anyone shooting a 223 for the same reasons? Pros/cons of cheaper bolt actions?
Adversity doesn't build character, it reveals it.
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 8,891
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jan 2009
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So - in the 223/5.56, what rifles come to mind?
Tikka T3X 8 twist.
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Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 8,832
Campfire Outfitter
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OP
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 8,832 |
Didnt think of the Tikka. I'd prefer a Tikka to most of the others I listed.
Adversity doesn't build character, it reveals it.
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Joined: Nov 2005
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Nov 2005
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I kind of took the same approach. I got rid of my AR and now satisfy my .223 needs with a Browning Low Wall single shot .223. It's way more accurate, and parsimonious with components to boot - a day at the range sees me shooting about 1/4 the number of cartridges as when I played with the AR. (And every bit as satisfying at that.) Luckily it nicely shoots the "go-to" loads the AR liked, an important factor considering the truckload of ammo I had loaded up for the AR, and with Berger match bullets it'll deliver accuracy that I wouldn't brag about here for fear of being called a liar.
"You can lead a man to logic, but you cannot make him think." Joe Harz
"Always certain, often right." Keith McCafferty
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Joined: Dec 2008
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Campfire Oracle
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Campfire Oracle
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 78,300 |
Didnt think of the Tikka. I'd prefer a Tikka to most of the others I listed. Yes, Tikka all the way, especially in the 1 in 8 twist . Fine rifle .
"...the left considers you vermin, and they'll kill you given the chance..." Bristoe
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Joined: Nov 2008
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Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Nov 2008
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I don’t consider .60 - 1.50 per as reasonable for factory 223. Bought 4000 rounds in 55 and 62 grain Federals for 23 & 29 cents per a couple years back so the AR’s are fed, won’t handload for em. My 223 bolt guns get most of the work and the quality handloads where they do the most good.
Swifty
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Joined: Feb 2009
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Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Feb 2009
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On my weekly trips to the range, I enjoy laying down prone and shooting my .223 Weatherby Vanguard at the 200, 300, and 430 yard gongs, and occasionally golf balls at 100 yards.
SAVE 200 ELK, KILL A WOLF
NRA Endowment Life Member
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Joined: Dec 2004
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Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Dec 2004
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If you run across a 788 or a 70 HV in .223, give them due consideration if the price strikes you as right. I have one of each, and both shoot very well. I laid in an extra barrel for the 70 HV because I expect to be shooting it a lot and have no idea when it will begin to lose its edge.
Don't be the darkness.
America will perish while those who should be standing guard are satisfying their lusts.
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Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 3,771
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Nov 2013
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So - in the 223/5.56, what rifles come to mind?
Tikka T3X 8 twist. This. You can't do better in a factory rifle
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Joined: Nov 2013
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 28,706 |
Have a very nice, but also very heavy Ruger Hawkeye AW in a walnut stock with a nice scope. If I were looking now, I’d look pretty hard at one of the Howa Carbon Stalker Minis. 8” twist. About a grand. I replaced the DM on my Grendel with a floorplate, but for a .223 I’d probably just replace the plastic guard with aluminum and run the mags. 4.11 pounds. A SS Tikka would be okay too.
Some new rifles are 5.56/.223, but many are .223 only. Something to consider if ammo availability is the issue.
What fresh Hell is this?
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Joined: Aug 2010
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Aug 2010
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I try to stick with the basics, they do so well. Nothing fancy mind you, just plain jane will get it done with style. You want to see an animal drop right now? Shoot him in the ear hole. BSA MAGA
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Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,317 |
I had a Tikka 1-8 twist sporter barrel and sold it (like a dummy). If I could not find a Tikka, I would look at a Ruger (Based on my 6.5 and 6mm Creedmoor Predator experience)
I may not be smart but I can lift heavy objects
I have a shotgun so I have no need for a 30-06.....
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Joined: Apr 2009
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Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Apr 2009
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What is your main hunting rifle?
I would get a 223 set up same as your main hunting rifle. Same stock, same scope, approximately the same way so the training easily carries over your primary rifle.
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Joined: Jan 2010
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Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 13,110 |
I have 3 Tikkas in .223. One 1-10,” a stainless T3 Lite, and two in 1-8,” both heavy barreled Varmint models. One is a stainless T3, the other is a blued T3x.
I’ve only shot handloads so I can’t comment on factory ammo accuracy, but these rifles are scary accurate. If you don’t mind heavy find a Varmint model.
Obey lawful commands. Video interactions. Hold bad cops accountable. Problem solved.
~Molɔ̀ːn Labé Skýla~
Member #547
Join date 3/09/2001
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Joined: Apr 2005
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Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
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What is your main hunting rifle?
I would get a 223 set up same as your main hunting rifle. Same stock, same scope, approximately the same way so the training easily carries over your primary rifle.
It's worth doing. I can understand reluctance to put down $ on yet another rifle....but..... I really don't keep round counts, but I'm sure I put more rounds through .223 (and .223AI) bolt actions than all other centerfires put together. There is carryover to other rifles. .223's are easy to feed, easy on the shoulder, easy on barrels, reloading components are everywhere, factory ammo is everywhere, factory ammo is cheaper than most other centerfire, lots of options on factory ammo, great bullet options for reloading (both range and hunting).....if you like to shoot bolt rifles it's a no brainer. So if it's going to end up being a rifle/round you shoot more than all the others, why make it a low quality rifle?
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Campfire Greenhorn
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Campfire Greenhorn
Joined: Oct 2016
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What is your main hunting rifle?
I would get a 223 set up same as your main hunting rifle. Same stock, same scope, approximately the same way so the training easily carries over your primary rifle.
I just picked up another Barrett FC in 5.56. I now have 4 (6.5CM, 280AI, and 224V) now and even though they don't all have the same scope, they all feel the same. Ultimately, I'll probably only shoot the 223rem/6.5CM for most things, even local deer hunting. If I didn't stumble across this 223, I would either buy a Tikka or a CZ.
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Joined: Mar 2015
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Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 2,130 |
Since the election, I havent shot nearly as much as I normally do, mainly trying to ensure I have/keep enough components on hand. I'm growing weary of playing that game - so am considering alternatives. The 223/5.56 comes to mind. Ammo seems readily available and reasonably inexpensive.
So - in the 223/5.56, what rifles come to mind? I'd prefer a Kimber of some sort but they apparently dont chamber a 223 any longer in any of their offerings. Plus, I'm not keen on spending $10-1500 on a rifle that will get shot with all manner of ammo, plus alot of it.
The Ruger Ranch and American come in 223, Howa has one, as does Savage and TC. Rem has one but seem to be scarce and fetch a premium dollar.
Anyone shooting a 223 for the same reasons? Pros/cons of cheaper bolt actions?
Buy a Defiance AnTi and make it how you want it. Well that will cost more than 1500 though. The barrel is going to wear out regardless. If you have a “cheap” rifle are you going to rebarrel it?
Last edited by smallfry; 12/02/21.
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 11,481
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 11,481 |
I've got a Ruger American predator model it is an 8 twist takes AR mags and that's a lot of accuracy for the money
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Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 19,023
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 19,023 |
Ruger American Predator here. I plussed it up with a Magpul Hunter stock, and the Magpul AICS 223 10-round magazines. ![[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]](https://i.imgur.com/AIBYQAZ.jpg)
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Campfire Kahuna
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Campfire Kahuna
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 69,143 |
Ruger American Predator here. I plussed it up with a Magpul Hunter stock, and the Magpul AICS 223 10-round magazines. I like that! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
"Allways speak the truth and you will never have to remember what you said before..." Sam Houston
Texans, "We say Grace, We Say Mam, If You Don't Like it, We Don't Give a Damn!"
~Molɔ̀ːn Labé Skýla~
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