My thoughts on starting out

[rl4930]

A 223 would be a better choice. Ammo will be cheaper and if you choose a rifle with a 1-7 or 1-8 barrel, you can shoot heavier bullets that will shoot better at longer ranges.

A 22-250 will use almost twice the powder of a 223 and even if you are reloading, powder costs are one of the most significant components of your loads.

I spend a hell of a lot more on bullets than powder. Also,
If you're gonna shoot 75gr bullets in 223, I wouldn't start at 25gr of Varget.

 

[msbont]

I purchased bulk Campro 223, 55gn FMJBT to start, I wanted to keep the price down while I practiced more on trigger time

Not sure were to begin with powder, one of Hodgdon's recommendations is CFE223 at 26gn and I can get it locally for $42 /pd

 

[Feller]

Cabelas states a 1:12 twist but I went on the Remington site they state a 1;9 twist rate

I ended up purchasing the 783 in a 223, and bought a Vortex Crossfire ll 6 x 24 x 50 scope

I will post results when everything is shipped and assembled

Thanks for all your help

Mark

Good choice. You won't regret it.

 

[paperslayer]

Everybody has to start somewhere and if you like shooting, what you start with will likely change to other gear pretty quick. Give this some thought and remember what you paid for it... the guns you mention are both darn reasonable guns, but they are not designed to sit at a bench and shoot a hundred rounds. They are hunting stocks, and light profile barrels Neither one would be a "precision" rifle. What is the problem? They heat up too fast. Hot barrels CAN create issues with consistency. If you want a gun that is better set up for shooting at targets, look at a varmint model in whatever brand you want. They have heavier barrels and resist heating a bit more. They are invariably available in smaller calibers like 223 and their stocks are often better suited for prone or bench shooting. Make reloading an early priority. I have used many off the shelf rifles that were mediocre - to - crap with factory ammo, but proved outstanding with customized ammo. You are only as good as the weakest of your gun barrel your ammo and your skill.

 

[msbont]

Well I finished putting my 783 together, I took it to the range with the cheapest ammo I could find to see if all the mechanics were good and to get my scope close to zero at 100yds

Everything works great but the bolt is a little stiff when locking up, trigger is surprisingly crisp, after i got the scope reasonably zeroed, I managed to shoot between 1 and 1 1/4 MOA of a bipod and sand bag, hoprfully I can get better after fine tuning my loads and after much practice

I just finished loading 80 rounds 55gn FMJBT with 26, 26,5 and 27gn of CFE223 powder and will be heading back to the range

All in all, being an entry level gun it should give me a good indication whether or not it's something I want to do long term, (I also shoot hanguns, sporting clays and hunt)

Not the best pic but you get the idea

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