I am going to buy a new 223 for some mid range target shooting 300 to 600 yard. I am looking at the savage model 12 F T/R or maybe the browning A-bolt target model. I was wondering if anyone has ever shot either one. I like the Savage but would like it better if it was running a 8 or 9 to1 twist instead of 1:7. It does have the longer barrel, which I like but am thinking the 7:1 twist may give it less barrel life, it also seams to be more of a pure target rifle than the Browning. Any thoughts or experience with either?
223 for mid range 300-600 yard
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Twist rate doesn't have a signifigant effect on barrel life. There is no reason not to take the 1 in 7" twist as it allows you to shoot the heavies which you will certainly enjoy if you are shooting to 600 yards in any sort of breeze.
I totally agree!
I have seen some wicked stuff done with that small little round at close and far away.
The Team Savage guys did great at the 2010 BC Provincials, most with the .223R - so did some BC shooters. Out to 600m with moderate wind, there is no reason not to shoot the .223R. The .308W may have some wind advantage based on bullet weight, but the .223R has an advantage on recoil. Give it a try!
The 1/7 twist 223 rem will shoot the 90gr Bergers to 1000y better than a 155gr 308win 1moa less wind drift app.ibn a 10 mph cross wind at 90 dg
your have no handicap shooting a 223 fast twist from 600y to 1000y against the .308
There is a 5 shot 900m group shooting event coming up at the Eastern Canadian Championship F class shoot at Connaught June 30 July 3 I may be wrong but I think the 223s will shoot as well or better groups as the .308 win at 900m even using 185gr bullets
your have no handicap shooting a 223 fast twist from 600y to 1000y against the .308
There is a 5 shot 900m group shooting event coming up at the Eastern Canadian Championship F class shoot at Connaught June 30 July 3 I may be wrong but I think the 223s will shoot as well or better groups as the .308 win at 900m even using 185gr bullets
canucklehead
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
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Tikka t3 varmint is what I use for those ranges. Easily sub moa with little load development. Silky smooth and detachable mag is sweet.
- Location
- Halifax, NS
Gun #### Time
Allthough I have not fired mine yet due to conflicting weekend priorities, I ordered my Savage 12 VLP DBM .223 1:7" twist from Ellwoods 16 weeks ago. Once it was imported, they had it shipped to my door in less than 24 hours for a price that blew the shoes off the competition.
I fully plan on shooting heavy bullets, but I'm still new to shooting so it'll be a while before I have anything worth sharing.
Allthough I have not fired mine yet due to conflicting weekend priorities, I ordered my Savage 12 VLP DBM .223 1:7" twist from Ellwoods 16 weeks ago. Once it was imported, they had it shipped to my door in less than 24 hours for a price that blew the shoes off the competition.
I fully plan on shooting heavy bullets, but I'm still new to shooting so it'll be a while before I have anything worth sharing.
I've used my .223 Savage 10FP in a Choate stock out past 300 and it performs very well. 69 g SMK's over your fav brew and you should be getting nice tight groups. IIRC Jerry (Mysticplayer) has got the .223 out to a mile ( yes, 1,760 yards)
At the 2010 BC Provincials (ranges 300 m to 600m); there were 3 shooters who shot the entire program with .223 Rems in the F-Class FTR category, two fellows from Team Savage and myself. I was fortunate to be squadded for a day of competition with each of these fine fellows. I seem to recall that they were shooting 77 gr SMKs and 75 Amax or 80 Bergers while I shot 80 gr SMKs. We managed to hold our own............
A 7 twist is a better option for longer, low-drag target bullets. The 12 FTR is a purpose built rifle for long range target shooting, and is infinitely more upgradable than the Browning. I would go the Savage route personally.
Did... did he just recommend Savage?!?! Obtunded? Are you okay?
Give him a break- it's not like he had much to work with on that one.
To give credit where it's due, I've seen that new Browniong shoot very well in both .223 and .308. Surprised the crap out of me actually...
He does recommend the FTR on a regular basis. He's honest.
He's also more of a Remington fan than a Savage, and a Tikka fan overall. I don't know if he is starting to change his mind?
Give him a break- it's not like he had much to work with on that one.
To give credit where it's due, I've seen that new Browniong shoot very well in both .223 and .308. Surprised the crap out of me actually...
They are glass bedded right from the factory. I've never seen one of the A-bolt target rifles shoot but I do have an X-bolt varmint that does really well. Couldn't ask for more out of a factory varmint rifle.
That being said, I'd still go with the Savage since they are easier to find parts for. You can also, if you are a Do-it-yourselfer, do most of the work yourself.
It really comes down to Savage, Browning and Tikka using barrels w/ appropriate rates of twist on decently put together rifles. If Remington would just did it's head out of it's ass and do the same thing, we'd have even more choice.
