starter.223

[Chairs]

Hello fellow cgners!
I'm looking at getting into semi accurate shooting From around 100-300 yards and I'm looking at getting it in .223 as I also plan on using this set up for coyote/gopher plinking with my pals. I was looking at getting a Remington 700 sps varmint as I could customize the rifle but thinking if I get into the long range rifle game I would get a larger caliber rifle and spend the cash on it. So brings me to my question is there any other rifle you guys could recommend in .223 that is reliable and fairly accurate out of box for under 1000 bucks before scope and ect. I would prefer a heavy barrel and weight isn't a issue. I know reloading is a must by just not in the cards at the moment so will be using match/varmint rounds.
looking forward to the replies!

 

[ultimate_monkey]

Add a few hundred more and look at the savage model 12 line . I was curious about them and picked up an LRPV with a 1:7 barel . Got out last weekend for some load development . Worste group at 300yds was under 1/2 Moa then I shot 2 consecutive .2 Moa (1/2") groups . I'm sure the rifle is capable of that or very close too every day of the week . But my shooting tends to be more .4-.5 Moa haha

 

[Sask_Hunter]

I'd get the tatical verson of the Sps to get the faster twist. It gives you much better bullet option right out of the gate.

 

[enfield303t]

Look at something from Tikka. The T3 is a fabulous rifle and will last for years with proper care.

 

[Chairs]

I'm actually kinda liking the tika t3 but a little upset that they seem to have same issue as Remington having a "spongey" feeling stock as the one guy explained. Is it that bad? Or is it more noticeable in higher calibre rifles. I would love the savage but I'd be at almost 2 grand into a first attempt at accurate shooting rifle, but depending the tika stock issue might not be that much more. Thanks for info so far!

 

[shotgunjoe]

The stock on the Tikka is a hard plastic as opposed to Remingtons soft plastic, they feel cheap but are very sturdy.

 

[CarnageCake]

Put a savage 10 beside your rem 700 at the gun shop.

 

[Easy 9mm]

Will you be reloading for the rifle?

I have a savage model 10 in 223 that is still in the factory setup (paid 750 for it, new). It's a great platform to learn on. And although I love shooting the rifle, I find that I have to make my reloaded rounds to factory ammo lengths just to get them to feed reliably from the magazine. This isn't too big of a deal since I can still get most of my recipes to stay within .75 MOA.

 

[Chairs]

Eventually reloading but not anytime soon as I don't got room in the apt.

 

[Easy 9mm]

If you're set on a remington, have a look at the 700 VTR or SPS tactical. The 1:9 twist should be good for pretty much any commercially available ammo. Plus it should give you a bit more money to spend on glass or could be put toward upgrading the stock.

 

[Jefferson]

?????????????? why

 

[ryback]

What about the 700 P? If i buy a bolt action in 223, this will be my first choice. You can look at it on remingtonle.com


Ryback!!!

 

[shell_guy]

Go SPS tactical, save your left over money for more ammo. Buy good glass the first time trust me.

 

[cote_b]

I have a 700 tactical in .223 and it is a great starter gun for the money. But you can always save a bit more and go for the 5R or 700P

 

[alpining]

If you like to work on your rifle yourself, I recommend the Savage 12 series. Around $650 for the basic one: Very functional, very accurate, and very upgradable rifle. The floating bolt head is a terrific design that doesn't get the credit it deserves, and you can change barrels yourself.

Take your savings and put them into better glass, ABSOLUTELY worth it, IMO.

If you prefer to pay someone to work on your rifle for you, I have no opinion.

 

[1ShotKing]

Like others have stated, get yourself a Savage. It is hard to ignore the accuracy potential these guns have right out of the box. There is a strong aftermarket for them not as strong as the Remington, but still good. The rifles are simple to work on,the accutrigger is great. I have the model 12 VLP is 223, but you can get many other models for cheaper that will still shoot very well.

 

[cbh560]

If I were you I would go with an SPS Tactical. Sure the stock isn't the greatest, but for starting out it is just fine. I also had an SPS, and the Hogue stock is better than the tupperware stock on the SPS. The 9" twist barrel is also nice if you want to shoot heavier bullets for targets. But it will also allow the use of 40's and 50's grain bullets for gophers and coyotes. The 20" barrel is also nice for coyote hunting, as you are not carrying around a really long stick. The aftermarket is great for remingtons for when you want to start making adjustments and alterations. Working on them is pretty straight forward if you have any know-how at all.

When mine was bone stock, I was shooting approximately .6-.7 MOA off of a bipod with handloads. A new stock, and a bedding job has closed that up to approximately .4-.5MOA.

There is nothing wrong with the Savage selections, I just have limited experience with them other than a hunting rifle in .243 which works fine, and some rimfires. Overall I would say the purchase of a decent scope is more important than an extra few hundred on the rifle itself.

Good luck!