Recommend 223 rifle
- Thread starter y2k
- Start date
redshooter
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Central Ontario
CZ, so $1500-$2000, how far will you be shooting?
I know! I recently bought a Savage Axis 2 Precision and for some reason assumed it used AR mags. It didn't - then I found out that the mags for those (Accuracy International models) for Savage was like $80. I was able to find a compatible Ruger AI mag for $60. Not the $25 PMAGS, that's for sure.
The 2.26" max length of an AR mag neuters the hell out of the 223 when running midweight and heavy target bullets. AICS mags allow up to 2.5-2.55" OAL (longer if modified) which allows you to seat bullets out further and use more powder.
I wanted a 527 MTR but the 9 twist is borderline for the heavier bullets I wanted to use. I also couldn't find any in Canada so I went Tikka haha.
Other options worth looking at:
Tikka varmint - heavy barrel, 8 twist, usable stock but I put mine in a Bravo to use longer AICS mags and 75-80gr bullets. Doesn't come threaded from factory.
Tikka CTR - slightly lighter profile barrel than the varmint, but still pretty heavy. Factory CTR mags already allow for long COAL in 223 (but aren't cheap) and the barrel comes threaded for a brake from factory. They're not easy to find but are out there. Same stock as the varmint, usable but an XRS or Bravo makes a big improvement if you want to upgrade down the road
I wanted a 527 MTR but the 9 twist is borderline for the heavier bullets I wanted to use. I also couldn't find any in Canada so I went Tikka haha.
Other options worth looking at:
Tikka varmint - heavy barrel, 8 twist, usable stock but I put mine in a Bravo to use longer AICS mags and 75-80gr bullets. Doesn't come threaded from factory.
Tikka CTR - slightly lighter profile barrel than the varmint, but still pretty heavy. Factory CTR mags already allow for long COAL in 223 (but aren't cheap) and the barrel comes threaded for a brake from factory. They're not easy to find but are out there. Same stock as the varmint, usable but an XRS or Bravo makes a big improvement if you want to upgrade down the road
AICS (accuracy international chassis system iirc) mags are the standard for bolt guns. A 10rd MDT polymer .223 AICS mag will run you $40 and is much nicer for shooting prone than a 30rd pmag (that's pinned to 5). Also lets you run better, heavy for calibre bullets and longer COAL than your typical AR plinking 55/62gr fodder.
redshooter
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Central Ontario
If I was buying today I'd be wanting to have a 1 in 7" twist barrel. That's about the only prerequisite, just about any brand would do if it met that condition. Savage has a few, the Axis Precision, the Elite Precision, and if you can live with a single shot the LRVP also can be had with a 1 in 7" barrel. There's one other, and I'm pretty sure there was a few others discontinued that you might find used. As for other brands, all I can think of is 1 in 8" barrels from the rest, all the remaining are 1 in 9, with a few 1 in 12 (that I'm aware of).
If you are shooting only to 100m any 1 in 8"/9" heavy barrel will likely do. My Remington 783 is jaw dropping with 53-55 grain FB bullets. If it's just 100m at the bench a used 783 Remington, or Ruger American, and an MDT XRS makes for a nice bench Rifle for about the same cost as an Axis Precision.
If you are shooting only to 100m any 1 in 8"/9" heavy barrel will likely do. My Remington 783 is jaw dropping with 53-55 grain FB bullets. If it's just 100m at the bench a used 783 Remington, or Ruger American, and an MDT XRS makes for a nice bench Rifle for about the same cost as an Axis Precision.
I have a 1:8 Krieger on a Sportco actioned Palma rifle that I got used, it handles 80's out to 1K if I am on the wind that day, and out to 700 meters or so it is fantastic and fun to shoot .
The only problem is there are just too any better cartridges to go long with, tha I keep the .223 for inside 600 where it is easier to shoot w it well.
Cat
The only problem is there are just too any better cartridges to go long with, tha I keep the .223 for inside 600 where it is easier to shoot w it well.
Cat
I've said it before on here so my opinion is redundant but I love my Tikka CTR 223 with an 8" twist. Factory 10 rounders and long coal available with the CTR mags. Medium profile barrel and tons of aftermarket stock and chassis options down the road.
Similar price to the CZ mentioned in the OP and used can be found for even cheaper.
Similar price to the CZ mentioned in the OP and used can be found for even cheaper.
Lots of good options, I went the semi-custom/econo route.
Remington 783, McGowen profit barrel, MDT chassis plus a few accessories (M90 muzzle break, 20 MOA picatinny rail, MDT buttstock, rings, magazines and folder).
Thinking on ordering a Timney trigger but no real reason to.
Personally, I enjoyed learning to headspace a barrel and assemble it, it shoots great, has zero recoil, looks cool and all in I think I spent less than multiple other options.
Remington 783, McGowen profit barrel, MDT chassis plus a few accessories (M90 muzzle break, 20 MOA picatinny rail, MDT buttstock, rings, magazines and folder).
Thinking on ordering a Timney trigger but no real reason to.
Personally, I enjoyed learning to headspace a barrel and assemble it, it shoots great, has zero recoil, looks cool and all in I think I spent less than multiple other options.
^this from Rugbydave X2. MDT polymer AIC mags are $39...
I totally agree. I have since bought 8 of these MDT AICS magazines. They are of comparable quality, if not better, than the standard Savage mags for double the price and the similar Ruger one for $20 more. The MDT mags appear to be an even better fit. And MDT will send you a sticker and a chamber flag with every order. And they are Canadian. All in all, tremendous value.
