.223 bolt action VS Semi accuracy?

MackForce

MackForce

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With all the options for varmint rifles, in 223 what is the most accurate? There is so much talk about bolt action being more accurate than semi auto.. is this true?

How does one go about finding the most accurate non restricted 223? Owning a VERY accurate and relatively cheap Savage axis in 223 and a Mini 14, what creates a gap in the groupings?

What would be the step up from the axis? Tikka? Remington?

Any help will be much appreciated.


Mack
 
it would all come down to how much money you are willing to spend. There are bolt actions that ar so-so for accuracy and there are custom semi automatic ones that are tack drivers.

Generally speaking bolt actions are more accurate, probably due to more moving parts in a semi, but if you require accuracy to long ranges it will come down to money either way.

According to my previous sentence, a single shot would be even more accurate - but would have limitations when you need a follow up shot.

So now we have a combination of challenges.

1. Accuracy to long range?
2. Accuracy to short range?
3. Available funds for rifle?
4. Available funds for optics?
5. Need for any follow up shot?
6. Need for FAST follow up shots?
7. Need one in a hurry?
8. Can wait a year + for a custom job?

It will come down to what is available in your price range and how soon you need it, personal preferences count for a lot as well.

Ammo will also determine accuracy as some loads shoot more accurately in a specific rifle.

Step 1: Find a rifle
Step 2: Find or develop ammo that provides most accuracy in that rifle.
 
MackForce said:
With all the options for varmint rifles, in 223 what is the most accurate? There is so much talk about bolt action being more accurate than semi auto.. is this true?
Click to expand...

Very true. In a semi auto there are more mechanical variables that effect accuracy. Reciprocating parts such as the bolt, op rods, gas pistons, etc all introduce variables to the accuracy equation.


MackForce said:
How does one go about finding the most accurate non restricted 223? Owning a VERY accurate and relatively cheap Savage axis in 223 and a Mini 14, what creates a gap in the groupings?
Click to expand...

Variables create the gaps in your groupings. You, your ammo, the ambient temperature, the humidity, the firearm itself, the barrel temperature, just about anything and everything you can think of.

MackForce said:
What would be the step up from the axis? Tikka? Remington?
Click to expand...

Just about anything is a step up from an axis. They are the bottom of the barrel product from just about the cheapest rifle manufacturer on the market. Not bashing here, I own several Axis' myself. I think they are about the best value out there and every one I have owned has been very accurate out of the box.

If you want a very accurate, non restricted semi auto in 223, you better be willing open your wallet...wide. The HK SL8 or Bushmaster ACR would be my first choices if I was looking for an MOA semi, expect to pay $2000 for a used SL8 and upwards of $3500 for a NR ACR.
 
Hey MackForce Used to hunt coyotes with the older model Xcr .223 a tadd heavy and not really great accuracy.Then came along my Tikka T3.223 HB with a Sightron scope no Coyote is safe now.Good luck with your choice.
 
Just gonna say this ....one well placed shot is what we should strive for as hunters . The quick follow up shot is usually a miss! I don't hate semi autos. The above is what I have learned over my 23 yrs hunting. When I was young I was sure I needed a semi or lever or pump. now I know an accurate moderately priced bolt action is all that was ever really required. If the critter gets away after my 3-4 we'll spaced apart and accurately aimed shots.....then it wins that round and deserves to live another day! If you are looking to a semi auto nothing wrong with.?..just that more shots fired in haste will not kill the critter any better than a bolt action will. If you are looking into a semi auto then the browning bar's seem to have a good reputation for accuracy, reliability and are priced in that $1000.00 range. You will have some limitations on calibers available though.
 
All the above is true but my two cents will be regarding the weight of the rifle...Savage 12 is 11 lb without the scope, for example. So, if you are going to park yourself in a spot in a prone position and wait for the critter to come to you, all these rifles are excellent. If you are going to move about, you are going to get tired very quickly.
 
1MOA said:
All the above is true but my two cents will be regarding the weight of the rifle...Savage 12 is 11 lb without the scope, for example. So, if you are going to park yourself in a spot in a prone position and wait for the critter to come to you, all these rifles are excellent. If you are going to move about, you are going to get tired very quickly.
Click to expand...

tis but a mountain rifle.
 
accurate semi auto in .223 thats NR and wont bankrupt you... LOL
my bolt .223 eats my semi all day long. one is for business one is for fun.
 
MackForce said:
With all the options for varmint rifles, in 223 what is the most accurate? There is so much talk about bolt action being more accurate than semi auto.. is this true?

How does one go about finding the most accurate non restricted 223? Owning a VERY accurate and relatively cheap Savage axis in 223 and a Mini 14, what creates a gap in the groupings?

What would be the step up from the axis? Tikka? Remington?

Any help will be much appreciated.


Mack
Click to expand...

What EXACTLY do you want to do with this rifle. Prairie dogs? Coyotes? Paper? An F-class Benchrest rifle with a 30" barrel will be the most accurate, but probably not good for anything but paper.
 
captonion said:
Semi-auto 223, uber accurate CLICK HERE
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What a beaut!!! :puke:

196-hardwood-greens-camo-evolution.jpg


11-evolution-w-brown-stock.jpg
 
g-manz35 said:
What EXACTLY do you want to do with this rifle. Prairie dogs? Coyotes? Paper? An F-class Benchrest rifle with a 30" barrel will be the most accurate, but probably not good for anything but paper.
Click to expand...

I mentioned Varmint rifles. I have paper guns.
I am trying to stick to 223, I understand some guys go different for varmints, 243, etc.

Captonion if I had 3200 for this rifle, I would have THAT
 
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