Looking for opinions on an accurate over the counter .223

[Haagen_Dazs]

You could also add a Savage LVP 7" twist to that list. I know one guy that shoots the 223 heavies into one hole at 100 yards with one.

This is good news for me! I have a Savage 12 VLP DBM 1:7" on back order with Ellwood Epps atm. Should be $871 +taxes and shipping.


FYI, I was in the same boat as you and I was going to buy the Savage 12 FV but found the VLP in 1:7 for $871 so I went with that.

Give Ellwoods a call to get one ordered!

 

[warrenb]

John Peterson, I never tire of seeing that target. I am impressed everytime, just like it was GroundHog Day.

That one is an awesome shooter.

 

[Johnn Peterson]

John Peterson, I never tire of seeing that target. I am impressed everytime, just like it was GroundHog Day.

That one is an awesome shooter.

Thanks. With that particular rifle , it's the first time with any rifle that I've got that kind of accuracy, right from the 'get go'. With most of my rifles, admittedly, the accuracy is usually pretty good but it usually takes some load deveolpment trials to get that extra bit of group tightening. Again, this was the exception.

The accuracy I strive for is the best possible I can get in what I'd typify as a hunting rifle category. I like shooting and reloading, good accuracy and the resulting confidence boost. I'm retired and have the time to 'go for it'. I tend to go for some of the older and somewhat more obscure calibers of days past but here are a few more favourable results or, 'lucky targets' that weren't witnessed.

I lied. This one was also witnessed.

 

[Obtunded]

John, It is nice to see someone playing with something different! You are doing it for all the right reasons and that is what counts!!

The 25-06 you have shoots very well, and I think it fits very nicely into what you are using it for, but an observation for for someone looking at one with which to use as the basis for a long range precison rifle, or a precision rifle - period - that cartridge is hard on barrels, and the selection of .257 caliber bullets is very limited. There are none that have ballistic coefficients better than heavy 6mm match bullets, or even heavy .224 cal bullets.

This sounds grumpy and negative, but I assure you it is not intended as such. I just want to make sure that if one is looking at a factory precision rifle, the 25-06 has significant down-sides. You will be limited in options ammo-wise, and you will not enjoy long accurate barrel life.

 

[Johnn Peterson]

John, It is nice to see someone playing with something different! You are doing it for all the right reasons and that is what counts!!

The 25-06 you have shoots very well, and I think it fits very nicely into what you are using it for, but an observation for for someone looking at one with which to use as the basis for a long range precison rifle, or a precision rifle - period - that cartridge is hard on barrels, and the selection of .257 caliber bullets is very limited. There are none that have ballistic coefficients better than heavy 6mm match bullets, or even heavy .224 cal bullets.

This sounds grumpy and negative, but I assure you it is not intended as such. I just want to make sure that if one is looking at a factory precision rifle, the 25-06 has significant down-sides. You will be limited in options ammo-wise, and you will not enjoy long accurate barrel life.

Ageed. The primary point I was trying to make wasn't with that particular caliber but rather the 'bang for the buck' accuracy that I've seen with Savage rifles and what I've obtained with mine. My opting to get a 25-06 was just to enable me to reach out a little further. I was looking for either the 25-06 of a 243 Win.

There's a 'reasonable' likelihood I could be successful in getting an Alberta Antelope draw in the not to distant future. If/when that opportunity comes about, I'm looking at one of three possible choices for that hunt. The Savage 25-06, a 270 Husqvarna or a Schultz & Larsen in 7x61 S&H.

 

[DsrtRat]

I think with a factory gun, there is a bit of luck involved and a few simple things you can do to make the gun shoot even better.

Here are two targets of mine. The first one shows 3, 3 shot groups that are typical of my gun IF I do my part. The second is a load development target with a bullet that is border line heavy for my twist (65gr in a 1:12). As you can see in this picture, the load can make or break your groups. Now that I have found the scatter group, I will fine tune the load from there and hopefully get a nice shooting combination.

Don't be afraid to try some different components. I was getting .5 moa groups with 50gr VMax's and was quite happy. Just by luck, I went to purchase some and everyone seemed to be out. I tried some Nolser BT 50gr and have never looked back.

In this case, I got lucky. I bought this gun used off a CGN who bought it used but never fired a round through it before he sold it to me. After I bought it, I lightened the factory trigger, purchased a Boyds (85.00$) stock and bedded the action with Devcon. I also started reloading my own stuff and now swear by neck sizing. None of this was expensive, but it did take some research and time. CGN is a great place to find accurizing info.

The gun is a 1989 REM700 223 heavy 24" barrel, 1:12 twist with an Elite Tactical 5-15x40. Nothing fancy or pricey but considering I have just started rolling my own and have some more fine tuning to go, I am rather pleased with my start.

 

[Johnn Peterson]

I think with a factory gun, there is a bit of luck involved and a few simple things you can do to make the gun shoot even better.

Here are two targets of mine. The first one shows 3, 3 shot groups that are very typical of my gun IF I a do my part. The second is a load development target with a bullet that is border line heavy for my twist (65gr in a 1:12). As you can see in this picture, the load can make or break your groups. Now that I have found the scatter group, I will fine tune the load from there and hopefully get a nice shooting combination.

Don't be afraid to try some different components. I was getting .5 moa groups with 50gr VMax's and was quite happy. Just by luck, I went to purchase some and everyone seemed to be out. I tried some Nolser BT 50gr and have never looked back.

In this case, I got lucky. I bought this gun used off a CGN who bought it used but never fired a round through it before he sold it to me. After I bought it, I lightened the factory trigger, purchased a Boyds (85.00$) stock and bedded the action with Devcon. I also started reloading my own stuff and now swear by neck sizing. None of this was expensive, but it did take some research and time. CGN is a great place to find accurizing info.

The gun is a 1989 REM700 223 heavy 24" barrel, 1:12 twist with an Elite Tactical 5-15x40. Nothing fancy or pricey but considering I have just started rolling my own and have some more fine tuning to go, I am rather pleased with my start.

===============================================

And so you should be. Very nice and well done.

 

[CNEPACE]

If you can get your hands on a Rem 700 R5 Milspec in .223 it is a great "out of the box" gun.