Need help to choose a .223/5.56mm target rifle!

I wouldn't go with the 700 unless you want to put money into it for a trigger and stock. Remington 700 would be good for a long term project but my opinion is that if you are on a budget there are better choices that will get you shooting pretty accurately right out of the box. For starting out I would look for a Savage with the accutrigger and accustock. I have an fcp-k in 223 and it is a shooter with off the shelf ammo. I can't wait until I develop a hand load for this gun. I put a Bushnell fixed 10x on it for a scope.

Accutrigger/stock are both pretty mediocre. For the money you pay for them, you can get a less fancy model, AND buy a rifle basix trigger and a boyds stock to go with it...
 
Savage 10 FCP-K or a Rem 700 SPS. However, neither are 20" inch barrel lengths.

Used price on either is around $750-800. Both will be under MOA with good factory. Better with handloads.
 
I own a 20" Remington 700 SPS bull barrel in .223, This is my first PR and I couldn't be happier! With a developed load and mounted in an MTD LSS chasis you wont be disappointed, I manage a few 1/4 moa groups at 100 meters. Shes capable of this level of performance just have to do my part. The chasis will put you over your $ limit but thats the great thing u can just keep upgrading her over time. Once you get yourself into a chasis u can get 10 round boxs mags from MTD, makes for proper shooting :)
 
Accutrigger/stock are both pretty mediocre. For the money you pay for them, you can get a less fancy model, AND buy a rifle basix trigger and a boyds stock to go with it...

Sure that is another route but they are better out of the box than what you get with the 700. I've never owned an aftermarket trigger or stock because so I can't really speak about them but I get great results with the accustock and accutrigger.
 
Tikkas are good performers. My bone stock t3 varmint has shot a .349 at 100 yds with honaday 75gr match. I'm not a reloader. So I'm sure would do better with hand loads.
 
I had a Remington 700 varmint. I had nothing but trouble with extraction. Ended up taking it back. Other have had better luck, not knocking them, just my personal experience.

I bought a Model 11 international predator hunter .223, had the camo stock on it and a 3-9 scope on it. I bought it for the same purpose as you. The scope went onto a model 93 22 magnum, and the stock is now a mdt lss. I also own a 10TR. If I were to do it again I would either buy something cheap to start with (Axis 2) and upgrade the stock later on or spend a little more an get a model 10 with a decent stock. I wish there was a 10TR in .223, that'd be my first choice. There may be something similar now as I'm not very familiar with the new lineups.
 
Here's a stock SPS I purchased used / unfired from a LGS. Stuck a scope on it and zeroed at 100m.
Set a target at 350m/383 yds and checked my dope for 3 shots dialed to 350m with factory ammo.
Although a 700 in.308, 700s will shoot. So will Savage 10s.

I saw a Savage fcpk for sale in the EE for 600 with extras in .223

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In terms of 20" barrels your best choices are: savage 10 precision carbine, remington 700 tactical and Tikka CTR. The Tikka may not even come in .223 and is over budget.
I think a good option would be a savage 10 predator hunter with the accustock. It's a 22" fluted/medium profile barrel and comes with "essential" upgrades over the remington 700. It fits your budget too last I checked.
 
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I'd be having a look at the SPS Tactical or if your budget allows and you find one for a decent price, the Remington 700 XCR compact tactical (20" tri-fluted barrel)
 
another vote for the tikka from me....i have seen the mossberg MVP at the range, buddy behind it was doing really good with his reloads but im not a fan of the accutrigger on the savages or the mossberg. the savage axis are pretty cheap, not my cup of tea. from your list i would likely go with the rem 700. there is a TON of aftermarket support for them and from what i have heard, they tend to be decent shooters right out of the box (not arguing that there are lemons from time to time)
 
I think you should have a look at a Howa 1500 heavy barrel, also a nice rifle,I sold mine before i found there is a manufacturer of detachable magazines / bottom metal.
 
I have a Savage model 25 Walking Varminter and it is a laser beam sub moa rifle! I think the three lug lock up helps with the accuracy! I have a Boyd's stock on mine now however they come from Savage with them as well. Price point is awesome which helps a lot!
 
Look at a Remington 700 tactical ACC-SD in 223 has a 16.5" threaded barrel. then dump the Hogue stock for a Choate Tactical or Magpul 700 hunter stock. I have done mine up with both stocks,
I liked the Choate stock better but switched to the Magpul 700 hunter stock for weight & boxed magazine option, it's a bit lighter.
 
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