Bolt Action w/Scope .223 Rem

the better question is what twist and bullet is better for LR shooting.

the 22/250 offers way more case capacity which translates to more speed BUT the twist rate in most factory rifles is designed for light stubby fur exploding bullets. Oodles of fun but these bullets fade at longer distances.


The 223 now comes in 9 and 8 twist barrels which allows you to launch 75 and 80gr low drag bullets. These bullets fly really well alot further then most will ever shoot them.

So it is more about how far you want to shoot and what type of wind drift do you want when you get there?

I shoot the 223 well beyond 1000yds and have no complaints.

Jerry
 
Here is what would buy:

Used Stevens or Savage 300-400$
Shilen Prechamber BBl 340$
Bushnell 3200 10x Mildot 200$

Total -800-900$

Bed it, tune the trigger up....practice practice practice while saving up for a better stock

Cheers
 
If you are only shooting to 200-300 meters buy a good quality 22 LR and shoot and shoot and shoot some more.

rimfire will teach you much more about reading conditions at these distances then the 223.

Also if you are shooting cheap 223 factory you will be limited to maybe 500 yards. With extremely good quality handloads a few people use it for f-class which is shot out to 900 meters which is 985 yards.

As for a recommendation. 223 is light recoiling. Components are less expensive then any other centerfire used for long range. But and Mysticplayer will debate this till the cows come home. It is not a newbie reloader's caliber. It is about half the size as 308 winchester. Any variation in loading will have greater effect on accuracy then a larger cartridge.

If you get hooked on long range shooting you will end up spending quite a bit on a quality rifle, as much or more for a quality optic, quality mounts, quality accessories. Then add in travel, hotels restaurants, ect... after its all said and done 50 cents more a less per round should not make or break your caliber choice.

I do shoot 223 in F-class. It can be done, powder must be weighed out with a trickler. My buddies can run off thier 308 on a dillion progressive out to 600 Meters and be competitive.
 
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I see a lot of talk about replacing stocks. Do they really make that much of a difference and how so? Just looking to get into the 223 long distance thing myself so this is all new and very helpful! :D
 
I have a Savage Model 12 LPV single shot in 223. I use it for informal target shooting and gopher shooting out to about 300 yards. It has been one of my favorite rifles. The action is smooth and easy to operate (after cutting the mainspring back a couple coils and polishing the contact surfaces), it’s well balanced on a benchrest, the stock is comfortable, and accuracy has been good enough for field shooting until lately. It has around 3,000 rounds through it. I abused the barrel and burned it out by shooting too much too fast; it now shoots poorly and fouls badly. A Hart barrel will be put on this winter. I glass bedded the stock filling the magazine mortise with a lead block for added weight. About two years ago I put a Rifle Basix SAV-2 trigger in it. The trigger pull was a big improvement. It has been 100% reliable and consistent. Other than that it’s a stock gun. It has a Leupold 8.5 – 25X scope on a Ken Ferrell mount. I’ve sold a lot of guns the past year or so but I’m keeping this one.

LE Hanson
Savage2231.jpg
 
ht tp://www.savagearms.com/firearms/actions/target/

Jerry, what's your take on this action:

target.png


Sku: 18185 223 Bolt Head
Right-bolt, right-port Stainless Steel Short Single-shot Target AccuTrigger $595.00 MSRP(U.S.), actual price may vary.
Click to expand...

Is this something to build a good F-TR around? Worth the extra cash, or are there better alternatives at that price?
 
As you know, I shoot a variety of Stevens and Savages all in mag fed format. I wondered if the mag well cut outs would hurt performance as you read so often. So far, I have seen no reason to change.

Pros of the target action - already have a light trigger but some do not get below 8oz even though it is supposed to get lighter.

Single shot layout so you don't need to put in a single shot follower

Larger thread on the barrel shank. Might be 'safer' when building a big boomer but then the case wouldn't come out of the ejection port??????

As to rigidity or other benefits to accurate shooting, don't see much benefit. These are Savage actions with a small port and different accutrigger parts.

If you have one, great. Are they worth the extra money?

If you have one, great....

Jerry
 
The only different loading tool I got when switching to the 223 was a better scale. All my other tools and steps are identical to my 6.5's and other larger chamberings.

you can still load the 223 using a progressive press or auto dispenser/powder measure. Just have to be much more aware of the variation that is inherent in these tools.

They affect larger cartridges too....

Jerry
 
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