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?
So - in the 223/5.56, what rifles come to mind?
Tikka T3X 8 twist.
Didnt think of the Tikka. I'd prefer a Tikka to most of the others I listed.
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.
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 .
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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)
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 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.
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?
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.
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?
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
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)
Ruger American Predator here. I plussed it up with a Magpul Hunter stock, and the Magpul AICS 223 10-round magazines.
I like that! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Good thoughts here!
My hunting rifles are all Kimber Montanas. I'd prefer a Kimber but finding a kimber in any cartridge is a feat at the moment.
I see 223/5.56 ammo around my parts for way less than $1/round, more like $0.50. I'm not opposed to handloading - have dies and brass from my 223 Contender pistol.
I dont see this rifle as a hunting rifle, more of a shooting rifle. A way to shoot volume with the advantage of available ammo. I have dies and a pile of brass for 243 but that would also be a hamdloading proposition.
As to cost of a rifle, I'd be inclined to shoot whatever ammo I can find - steel jacket, military, foreign, etc. I never thought feeding a quality rifle that kind of ammo was a good idea for the barrel but I cant say I have any evidence to back it up hence tmy look at inexpensive rifle options.
Ruger American Predator here. I plussed it up with a Magpul Hunter stock, and the Magpul AICS 223 10-round magazines.
I like that! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
I need to work up a handload with the Hornady 75 or 80 grain ELD-Match bullet. No doubt it could play well at 1000 yards with either of those bullets.
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.
This ^^
I bought a RAR 8 twist and put a SWFA 3X9 and Timney trigger @ 2 1/2 to mimic my two Kimber Hunters that I use for big game. Cheap to shoot and helps to replicate good shooting form...
Tikkas are hard to beat and would be my choice. As a second recommendation, I really like the HOWA actions.
I bought that Ruger American with the 16" barrel. I cut the trigger spring coils to get it down where I wanted it after all the adjustment was used. Also superglued the trigger blade in the back position. I hunt with a can on this one and it is easily 1/2 - 3/4" with just about every load.
The ONLY thing I dislike about this gun is that the bolt does NOT lock on safe...
I bought an axis when they first came out. No accutrigger but it is very accurate. Had a gunsmith work the trigger over. Grandkids have killed numerous deer with it and I've killed a truck load of coyotes using it. Hard to beat an inexpensive gun that shoots so well. Plus, it gets beat up by the Grandkids and works every time.
One of the guys who farms our ground bought a T-C Venture2 in 6.5 CM and liked it so much that he bought another one in 223. I've shot both of them and think that they would be a good choice if T-C was still in production, but now that they are orphans I think that they are no longer as good an option.
How about a Weatherguard2?
I have a V2 that I bought as cheaper to shoot understudy for my V2 in 6.5 CM. Shoots great, 1-8" ROT, comes in what I think is the best current production injection molded stock, lots of positives and only one little negative, they are a bit on the hefty side.
I have had 4 RAR-Ps in 223 and thought that they were OK, but find myself shooting the RAR-P in 204 more than any of the 223s.
The Marlin X guns in 223 that I've shot have all been quite accurate, but I think that they are twisted 1-9".
I have 3 bolt 223's, all Remingtons...............a 700 Compact tactical XCR, a Model Seven Predator, and a Model Seven stainless that stays in the pickup. I reload for all 3, and all of them are very good shooting rifles. The Predator is the one that get's used the most, and I've killed a truckload of critters with it. On a given day, it's as accurate as any rifle I've ever owned, bar none.
I also have some AR's in 223 that are not too shabby in the accuracy department either, and I also reload for the ones I shoot the most. I've never found a factory 223 load that was as accurate as what I can load up myself.
Both the bolt actions and the AR's have their own applications, and although I hunt with the bolt guns almost exclusively, I'd probably give up my 223 bolt rifles before I'd give up my AR's.
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
I like mine, chlinstructor gave me a good deal on it, shoots well with 62 grain Bear Claws. It kills piggies as well as bigger calibers.
![[Linked Image from i.postimg.cc]](https://i.postimg.cc/C5jX32RR/BF53-F5-A7-57-E6-40-C8-9-FD2-7-A8054415224.jpg)
Ruger American Predator here. I plussed it up with a Magpul Hunter stock, and the Magpul AICS 223 10-round magazines.
I like that! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
I need to work up a handload with the Hornady 75 or 80 grain ELD-Match bullet. No doubt it could play well at 1000 yards with either of those bullets.
Thanks, that look very good!
Here’s my write up:
I’ve been searching for quite some time for a better load for my 1-8” Tikka Superlite .223. My go-to load, named Pest Control, features a 50 grain Nosler Ballistic Tip Varmint at 3400 fps at the muzzle. Scary accurate! The problem is the ballistic coefficient. At just .238 this bullet drifts off like a 14 year old boy in math class. Shooting at marmots in any kind of wind is a learning experience.
So I tried Nosler’s 69 grain Custom Competition, 70 grain RDF, 80 grain ELD Match (ELDM), and maybe a couple others. Different powders, primers, COAL, you name it. Nothing shot even close to Pest Control.
Then I started researching the 75 ELDM with a BC of .467. Using my Mountain Tactical magazines I could load into the lands if I wanted. So that’s where I started.
*****THE FOLLOWING LOAD DATA IS SAFE IN MY RIFLE, NOT YOURS. START LOW AND WORK UP TO PUBLISHED MAXIMUMS*****
I found load data online suggesting 25.5 grains of Varget as the max. Utilizing the Sharpie method I got square land marks at 1.932”. I selected three seating depths and three powder charges, and loaded 5 rounds of each. The BTO lengths were 1.930”, 1.915”, and 1.899”. The Varget charges were 25.5, 25.0, and 24.5 grains.
![[Linked Image from i174.photobucket.com]](https://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w84/pharmseller/28ADC51C-5AF0-409B-93B8-F64BB51AD275_zpsqeizzxch.jpeg)
I chronoed the 1.930” lengths and got 2976 fps at 25.5, 2916 at 25.0, and 2873 at 24.5 grains. Then it was off to the range.
The longer loads shot consistently better. I won’t bore everyone with the details, but I found a fairly good load.
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Linked Image]
Five shots you can cover with a nickel.
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Even with a penny.
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I think I’ll load a few more.
P
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?
You got a text coming.
Ruger American Predator here. I plussed it up with a Magpul Hunter stock, and the Magpul AICS 223 10-round magazines.
Not to hijack the thread, but as the AICS magazine setup on the Magpul stock a drop in for the Ruger American Barrelled action?
Ruger American Predator here. I plussed it up with a Magpul Hunter stock, and the Magpul AICS 223 10-round magazines.
Not to hijack the thread, but as the AICS magazine setup on the Magpul stock a drop in for the Ruger American Barrelled action?
Yup.
Ruger American Predator here. I plussed it up with a Magpul Hunter stock, and the Magpul AICS 223 10-round magazines.
Not to hijack the thread, but as the AICS magazine setup on the Magpul stock a drop in for the Ruger American Barrelled action?
Yup.
Yup +1
CZ Model 527, mini Mauser, CRF, 5 and 10 round clips, 1/9 twist.
Trac Toric 2x10x42.
A very sweet little tack driving machine. Loves 55-72 grainers.
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.
+1
or buy the Tikka and get another Tikka for your main hunting rifle.
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.
I wish I could find a varmint model. The closest thing I found was a 22-250 varmint and it is a shooting sob... I only paid $500 for that one. I keep hoping to find a 223 varmint model on the used gun rack...... Honestly though, a good ol superlite 223 would be hard to beat.. Those have a 1 in 8 twist barrel as well..
FWIW, I got a used Savage Model 11 and a 2-7 x 33mm Leupold Rifleman at Cabela's for a budget coyote 'truck' gun. Ended up being surprisingly accurate with 55 gr FMJ and effective on hogs with 64 gr Winchester lead-free hollow points. Like the lower profile scope and the resulting diminished difference in sight/bore axes. Think my 13 y.o. will get her first doe with it after the first of the year. Good luck.
CZ Model 527, mini Mauser, CRF, 5 and 10 round clips, 1/9 twist.
Trac Toric 2x10x42.
A very sweet little tack driving machine. Loves 55-72 grainers.
I love my CZ 527 too, but have never seen the 10 round clip you speak of. where did you get it and what brand is it ???? I have only seen 3 round and 5 round clips made by CZ.
I never seen 10 round magazine for a CZ 527 either. I've got 10round mag for CZ 452 but that's 22lr.
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.
I wish I could find a varmint model. The closest thing I found was a 22-250 varmint and it is a shooting sob... I only paid $500 for that one. I keep hoping to find a 223 varmint model on the used gun rack...... Honestly though, a good ol superlite 223 would be hard to beat.. Those have a 1 in 8 twist barrel as well..
Well, if my new to me stainless Varmint shoots as well as I anticipate, the blued T3x Varmint will go on the block. I’ll let you know since I hate to ship. I have the original box, too.
As for the 1-8” Superlite I sold mine. Really accurate but so light that I couldn’t see bullet impacts. The Varmint is heavy enough that I don’t lose sight picture. Sage rats blow up in the scope.
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.
I wish I could find a varmint model. The closest thing I found was a 22-250 varmint and it is a shooting sob... I only paid $500 for that one. I keep hoping to find a 223 varmint model on the used gun rack...... Honestly though, a good ol superlite 223 would be hard to beat.. Those have a 1 in 8 twist barrel as well..
Well, if my new to me stainless Varmint shoots as well as I anticipate, the blued T3x Varmint will go on the block. I’ll let you know since I hate to ship. I have the original box, too.
As for the 1-8” Superlite I sold mine. Really accurate but so light that I couldn’t see bullet impacts. The Varmint is heavy enough that I don’t lose sight picture. Sage rats blow up in the scope.
Let me know if you do put it on the chopping block. I'd be interested. Thanks..
Sample of one, but a once owned Tikka CTR .223 didn’t shoot for sh*t for me, handloads or factory… I wish it did!
Sample of one, but a once owned Tikka CTR .223 didn’t shoot for sh*t for me, handloads or factory… I wish it did!
Make that two !!! Mine is a 3" gun. as a last resort my gunsmith re-crowned and bedded it. taking it out today to see if it improved...............if not around 1" groups it will go down the road Monday
Not trying to hijack the thread but on the same line of thought I've got, at my age, a lifetime of 223 reloading components and wouldn't mind getting another 223. How does the standard 1500 Howa, for quality, accuracy and price compare to the Tikka T3 Lite?
Howa is cheaper and probably has a better stock.