Best first precision rifle - .223 caliber - up to 500 yards

Duke G

Duke G

Member
EE Expired
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Location
North Vancouver
So I'm looking to get my first precision rifle. I would like to start with .223 both because it has less recoil than the larger ammo and because I have lots of that ammo for other guns of mine. I don't think I'll be shooting beyond 500 yards at this point. Probably more like 300 yards.

Looking for bolt action.

What are some of the best rifles that are good value for a beginner that fit this?

Thanks,
 
How much cash do you have to spend? Good rifles can be had from Savage, Remington, Tikka, Howa, Browning, Winchester for under $1200. As for which one is better you can get really good rifles or not so good rifles across all manufactures and models. I'd look for a heavy barrel with a 1 in 8 or 9 twist. Most important is if you have the chance go to a gun store and check out a few models and see which stock you like the best in your price range. The first three brands I mentioned would be on the top of my list to check out.
 
redshooter said:
How much cash do you have to spend? Good rifles can be had from Savage, Remington, Tikka, Howa, Browning, Winchester for under $1200. As for which one is better you can get really good rifles or not so good rifles across all manufactures and models. I'd look for a heavy barrel with a 1 in 8 or 9 twist. Most important is if you have the chance go to a gun store and check out a few models and see which stock you like the best in your price range. The first three brands I mentioned would be on the top of my list to check out.
Click to expand...

thanks for the info Redshooter. Do I need to be too concerned with barrel length?
 
Not at that range, I'd go longer than shorter, but 20" should be just ducky for that distance. Under 20" and it will get loud. I've never had a bolt gun under 20" but my 16" AR made me jump the first time I shot it.
 
My first was a Savage Model 10 In .223. Mounted a Bushnell scope on it and was good to go. It shot great too. barrel was 22" 1:9 twist.
 
If you have little interest in modifying the rifle in the future, basically, best rig out of the box.... Tikka Varminter.

If you want a great shooting rig and want to play, Savage heavy barrels

If you have an end use in mind and those parts cater to Rem, then a Rem varmint heavy barrel will be a great place to start.

Personally, I would just build what I want and save dealing with uncertain performance but then I would also reload.

Because there is feet of snow where I shoot LR, I dusted off my Norc M4 Service Rifle project. Put on my new Mcgowen match barrel and having a hoot putting bullets on top of each other at 100yds. Definitely not a 'precision rifle' but it is such a nice change of pace. Loud and alot of fun.

Jerry
 
+1 on the Tikka. I have a T3 Tac in .223 and boy does it shoot coming right out of a box. More and more aftermarket stocks coming around too.
 
I personally have both the Tikka T3 and a Savage Axis in .223. Both are very accurate, the Tikka I picked up after the Savage because I didn't like the heavy lift on the bolt and the gritty movement of the bolt. THe Tikka has a smoother action, otherwise I find I can shoot equally well with either rifle and normally take both out with me when I go shooting just because.

Do note however that the mags for the Tikka are a bit more expensive than the Savage and I have found them requiring a bit of modification if you want to reload and shoot heavy grain bullets as they wont fit otherwise.
 
im getting .65-1.00 groups with a stock Remington 700 SPS tactical 16.5 inch barrel. With match rounds though. Going to bed the rifle and I bet it will be a pretty sharp shooter for all in under 1600... (including optic)
 
+1 for Tikka, +1000 for the choice of .223 as a beginner PR. The T3s shoot fantastic out of the box, the only issue with the .223 is the stupid short mag length. But they are the nicest out of the box between the Rem / Savage / Tikka trio. Second I would suggest the Savage 10 series with accustock, last the Rem 700 SPS series.

MDT makes a chassis for the T3 now, very reasonably priced. Have an LSS on mine and it's great. Didn't make it any more accurate, but now I can use AI mags and seat out longer.
 
I'm looking for one also. I am leaning towards Tikka. I have a T3 Lite that shoots quarters at 100 yards with hand loads. The thin barrel is great for the bush but on the range, it heats up quickly and with "string" unless I give it time to cool. Now I want a heavy barrel or maybe fluted. The Tikka trigger is awesome!
 
The CZ 527 Varmint ( in .223) is quite an accurate shooter too. They are rare but you can find one. And they are CZ old fashioned quality for a very reasonable price.

Gilbert
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom