223 ammo now which rifle

As other have said, those 55gr FMJs in the AE aren't real conducive to accuracy. I should know, I cheaped out and got a takeoff .223 barrel for a trainer to use on my Rem 700 I run as a switch barrel. 1-12 twist so won't stabilize anything heavier than the 55s. I've put about 6k rounds through though (handloads) and in load dev it shot 5 round groups ever so slightly under 1 Moa (25.2 gr BCL-2 in Rem case with CCI400s) but average more along the lines of 1-1.25 moa. Plenty fine for positional practice though, makes the 1 moa gongs a real challenge, haha.
 
2 things. If this is black box AE ammo, it won't work well with bolt action rifles. The primers seem to be made for semi auto ar's only. They need a substantial hit to "go bang".
Secondly, I love .223 as well, so do yourself a favour and get a heavy barrel, because you're going to love shooting it! My Ruger American is a great rifle, but i can only shoot so many rounds before i need to let it cool down. 1:9 twist is a nice do it all rate. On the cheap look at the Remington 783 heavy barrel. Then the 700. Or just buy a Tikka varmint ir ctr and be done with it.
The AE cases will be great for handloading down the road.
 
Accuracy requires a good barrel and a good bullet.

The 55FMJ bullet you bought is mediocre. Good for plinking. If you get under 2" (10 shots at 100) you are doing well with it.

Any bolt rifle you buy deserves better ammo than that.
 
I bough the Tikka T3x 223 stainless Varmint in the heavy barrel and am getting consistent 1" groups at 100 yards on a bipod of the shoulder. Awesome tool for the price.
Pay a little more for something that is going to be consistent and able to handle a day at the range without stopping every 10 rounds to let the barrel cool. I know some
folks will argue this point but trying to sight in with a mirage rising off through your scope is a pain in the ass. Have fun and remember, safety first. Cheers.
 
Another vote for Tikka T3 Varmint HB. I have the original one and yes its a bit heavy but very accurate and even shoots the cheap stuff pretty well. Try to find lightly used one they come up from time to time. I bought mine "used" and it had 10 rounds through it. I have the same rifle in .308 and both area very accurate. I brought a friend to the range today who had never shot a rifle before and he handled both rifles and did well. Two rifles I will likely never sell. Pleasure to shoot.
 
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