New 223 target recomendations

W

whitey07

CGN Regular
Rating - 100%
46   0   1
Hi I’m interested in purchasing a 223 bolt gun want it for bench shooting .I have a mil spec 5 r in 308 and have been reasonably happy with it .
What does everybody recommend.
Thanks in advance
 
I believe alot of people just say to get a Tikka varmint with a 8t if you were going to outright buy a rifle. All depends on your budget. For targets I would be looking at a 7t though and I dont know of many rifles that come in that flavor, so I would be looking in the EE for one or build my own.
 
Custom if you can swing it. Maybe used and re barrel. Having a rifle chambered in .223 and throating it for the heavy bullets (75-90gr) will set you up for everything you could want to do as far as the usable range of a .223. Still little to no recoil without a brake.
 
laker415 said:
Oh. How about a 5r milspec in 223 or tikka CTR in 223 or grab a howa barreled action and drop it in a bravo or xrs. I did that and it's been pretty good for the price
Click to expand...
Exactly this. All good options — I’d go with a Tikka CTR .223 with 8 twist in a KRG Bravo with the CTR mag inlet option.

The CTR mags will be pricier, but they’re better quality than the AICS and since it’s for bench and not hunting, you’ll like the 10 rounds — the AICS 10 rounders are much longer. Also, the CTR mag can get you seated a hair closer to the lands.

I like the MDT offerings but would take a Bravo over an XRS (coin flip for many). The Bravo is also the only (or one of the only?) chassis for the Tikka that offers the CTR mag inlet.
 
whitey07 said:
I can’t seem to find a 5r anywhere lol
Click to expand...

Yeah chances of getting a new one are probably slim to none. Watch the EE or put a WTB. I had the 5r in 223 and it was a great gun. I feel that tikka and even howa are better than Remington, but that model seemed to be a bit higher quality than other Remington offerings.

You could also buy a tikka lite in 223 on the EE to save some money. Pull off the barrel and swap it for a PVA 223 barrel from Gobig. Then drop it all in the stock of your choosing. This would probably push you over your $1500 budget however.
 
titch-- said:
I believe alot of people just say to get a Tikka varmint with a 8t if you were going to outright buy a rifle. All depends on your budget. For targets I would be looking at a 7t though and I dont know of many rifles that come in that flavor, so I would be looking in the EE for one or build my own.
Click to expand...

X2. My T3X stainless varmint shoots light out. In your price range as well especially if you buy on the EE.
 
Jefferson said:
5R are all sold out
buy a better 223 custom off the net
better than reworking a Tikka with a new barrel, better bedding and so on
Click to expand...

A new guy should not get involved in a rework or build.
Building a gun is a money pit. If someone goes that route he should build from new action - components or purchase an already made custom.
But with the OP budget is a nonsense and not an option.

For bench use, a Savage model 12 heavy barrel low profile single shot is priced at $1599.00
Same price - a Model 12 with a HS stock dual port action, HV barrel.
They shoot. Both models come with the accutrigger that is better than most, SS fluted barrel.

Whatever, at this time is availability..when the OP is ready to purchase and what he can find at that time that suit his need.
 
Last edited:
I'm down this road actually, my budget is about the same, for PRS competition on the open division.
Honestly THE option is to go with a Tikka 223 IMHO.
Savage wil offers something acceptable, but the action is far from being as smooth as a tikka... And you'll end up putting considerably lot of money on a Savage.
Missed a Tikka T3x Varmint Stainless a week ago... Danm.
My plan is to found a used tikka, ideally with a tikka heavy barrel... In the future switch the barrel for a IBI prefit. Change the stock for a MDT XRS ( my other Tikka PRS rifle in 6.5CMhas this chassis also and I like it).

Good luck buddy!

Evil Dark
 
I would also go with a Tikka T3x Varmint in .223, I am currently shooting an M700 with a 9-twist and feel like an 8-twist would be a better choice for 75gr+ bullets. Mine shoots 69gr Matchkings beautifully, and seems to like 75gr Hornady bullets too, but the 8-twist gives you that little bit more in terms of flexibility on the heavier bullets. Lots of accessories and options as well.
 
A Savage Elite Precision wouldn't be a terrible buy, other than the budget, if I'm not mistaken they are a "good" Savage Action...if there's such a thing, and I'm a fan. As Janeau already stated a Savage 12 can be had with a 1 in 7 twist, left port, dual port, and there's this if you can find one, https://www.savagearms.com/content?p=firearms&a=product_summary&s=18464

If you don't plan on shooting much past 600m a 1 in 9 barrel will work fine, and if that's the case how about a used Savage 10 HS, or McMillan?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom