Best out of box .223?

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mracer

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Sold all of my black .223 rifles 2 years ago, but have a ton of .223 ammo on my shelf--time for a capable rifle. What are your suggestions for a reasonable accurate out of the box rifle today? Thanks everyone!
 
I bought a tikka t3x in 223 a 2 months ago. Its shoots under an inch at 100 yrds using pmc broze, also barnaul steel cased shoots about and inch, thats my experience.
 
If it's 55-grain fodder originally meant for an AR, then there's a chance a T3X with an 8" twist barrel has too much twist to send that stuff accurately. Might need to look for something with a longer twist, or use the T3X with heavier bullets?
 
I have a Ruger American Standard in .223 and it's in 1:8. Tho it's not the quality of a T3, I'm able to get pretty good accuracy from 35g up to 77g. My range is only 180-ish yds so I can't verify accuracy beyond that but I haven't "blown up" any bullets of any size. At 180 the holes are like punch-holes, not tumblers.
Here's a thread that gives some advice on the twist of .223 - http s://www.rugerforum.net/threads/ruger-american-223-twist-rate-dilemma.128536/
 
I don't have a Tikka, but I'm gravitating toward one. I think an 8" twist will be about perfect for all but the very long (90+ grains) bullets, that you won't run into outside of Handloading anyhow.
 
I'd echo the Tikka suggestions, but was going to say "Savage 10" as a budget option, Tikka Varmint (or Tikka CTR) if you have a little more $ to spend. When I last looked, the Tikka Varmints were around $1,300. In my recent experience (last 2-3 years) I've found that the Tikkas I've tried shot remarkably well with factory ammo. (2 Varmints, a CTR, and a T1x). The ammo chosen wasn't random though, mostly good stuff. (Hornady, Federal etc.-The T1x was very forgiving on a wide variety of 22 ammo, more than any 22 I've ever owned)

All of that to say-you may have a pile of surplus/bulk ammo that won't give you the kind of accuracy Tikkas can easily achieve, but if you're willing to get a good gun...it'll be in your safe once the lesser-stuff is used up.

Re: the Savage Axis (or Axis II?)...

I have experience with 2 X generation 1 Axis rifles, one in 223 and one in 22-250. In both cases, the guns were surprisingly accurate if you ran good ammo through them. Like Ruger Americans, they go "bang" for sure, and would probably serve most people fine. The lower purchase price is tied to allot of factors that may/may not appeal to the OP. Lower quality mags, heavy triggers, cheap metal finishing, lots of flex in the stock, etc. You don't need to know anything about guns to see/feel the difference between a Savage Axis and a Tikka T3x. It's whether or not the differences matter.

Just my opinion. :)
 
Buck1950 said:
I have a Ruger American Standard in .223 and it's in 1:8. Tho it's not the quality of a T3, I'm able to get pretty good accuracy from 35g up to 77g. My range is only 180-ish yds so I can't verify accuracy beyond that but I haven't "blown up" any bullets of any size. At 180 the holes are like punch-holes, not tumblers.
Here's a thread that gives some advice on the twist of .223 - http s://www.rugerforum.net/threads/ruger-american-223-twist-rate-dilemma.128536/
Click to expand...

With handloads mine reaches 500m with relitive accuracy , definitly not T3 but pretty god for the cost . With the Gen 2 they use the AR style Magazines not the standard ruger box mag.
I've got a Savage AXIS in 30.06 and it's out shot some of my friends tika in .308
 
.22LRGUY said:
I'd echo the Tikka suggestions, but was going to say "Savage 10" as a budget option, Tikka Varmint (or Tikka CTR) if you have a little more $ to spend. When I last looked, the Tikka Varmints were around $1,300. In my recent experience (last 2-3 years) I've found that the Tikkas I've tried shot remarkably well with factory ammo. (2 Varmints, a CTR, and a T1x). The ammo chosen wasn't random though, mostly good stuff. (Hornady, Federal etc.-The T1x was very forgiving on a wide variety of 22 ammo, more than any 22 I've ever owned)

All of that to say-you may have a pile of surplus/bulk ammo that won't give you the kind of accuracy Tikkas can easily achieve, but if you're willing to get a good gun...it'll be in your safe once the lesser-stuff is used up.

Re: the Savage Axis (or Axis II?)...

I have experience with 2 X generation 1 Axis rifles, one in 223 and one in 22-250. In both cases, the guns were surprisingly accurate if you ran good ammo through them. Like Ruger Americans, they go "bang" for sure, and would probably serve most people fine. The lower purchase price is tied to allot of factors that may/may not appeal to the OP. Lower quality mags, heavy triggers, cheap metal finishing, lots of flex in the stock, etc. You don't need to know anything about guns to see/feel the difference between a Savage Axis and a Tikka T3x. It's whether or not the differences matter.

Just my opinion. :)
Click to expand...

The one I have is the one with the newer stock but no accu-trigger sporter barrel (macabo spring) has it just under 3lbs
1,500 rounds later and with hand loads I can cover 5 shots with a toonie at 200 yards with factory stuff it shoots consistently MOA or slightly better. Factory stock no bedding or anything just plain jane. No issues with the factory magazine but did replace the ejector bolt spring / plunger after 800 or so rounds. Overall very impressed with the accuracy
 
I have owned Many. My favourites so far are:

1. Tikka T3X Stainless sporter. 1 in 8" twist. shoots 55 grain really well even with the fast twist in my experience.
2. Sako model 85 Varmint stainless
3. Remington 5R with HS precision stock. 1 in 9" twist. I shoot my 69 grain match kings out of this one.
4. short barrel maple ridge renegade. I have hardly touched it but fun

One day I hope to add a cooper.

If I was to only one one out of my current I think sako 85 varmint.
 
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