What's the best .223 for under $1100.00?

KDX

KDX

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I was thinking of getting rid of my 180B (which I haven't even shot yet) and going to a bolt action .223 for coyotes and the odd gopher at longer ranges this summer. What would be a good rifle to get? It doesn't have to cost the whole $1100.00, but that would be my max price.
 
Well, I have had 4 Savage 10FP variants, 4 700's, 1 Ruger and a Custom PGW 700 over the last 14 year, and although the Savage is a great rifel for the $$$, I have to say a Remington 700 of some sort. Maybe a 700P or a 700VS, VLS, they are so versatile adn there is still that much more available for them, but you could nto go wrong with a Savage either. The 12BVSS in .223 with a goos base/rings and a nice scope would be kick ass as well. It is sort of a toss of the coin.
 
Earlier this year I traded my 180B for a Tikka HB Varmint stainless. With a Leupold 6.5-20X fine reticle scope it shoot 3/4" consistently. I love it.

Danny
 
Danny Boy said:
Earlier this year I traded my 180B for a Tikka HB Varmint stainless. With a Leupold 6.5-20X fine reticle scope it shoot 3/4" consistently. I love it.

Danny
Click to expand...

What is a 180B?
 
If you want to shoot up to and including 69gr Sierras the 1-9 twist Rem 700PSS is the way to go. If bullet weight is of no concern over 55gr then go for the 1-12" twist Rem 700 VS. I've had both and they will shoot under 1/2 MOA with the right loads.
Now if you have the urge that you just have to shoot Sierras 80gr HPBT, do what I did 1-8" twist barrel and a trued Rem 700 action. Sub 1/2 MOA all day 80gr@ 3000fps (26" tube) with a case load of Varget. Now you can wop gophers out to 500mtrs right along side the boys with the match 308s.
 
I have a Savage 12FVSS that I like quite well. It has a fast twist for stabilizing 75 grain pills, and a long fluted barrel.

The factory tupperware stock isn't so great... I bought this one used, but I'd prefer a 12VLP just for the better shaped laminate stock. I find with my short fingers that a palm swell would position my trigger finger more perpendicular to the trigger to avoid putting side pressure on the accu-trigger 'thingy'.

For your budget, you could buy the Savage and a good piece of glass for it.
 
I have a remington 700P and it shoots awesome. what is your budget for glass to top the rifle off with (something to keep in mind)
 
Call Vaughn Leuschen at (306) 254-4535 in Dalmeny SK.

Vaughn had a Sportco 223 Target rifle made by Jim Dugan for sale for $1000 and it will shot 80g bullets under 1/2 moa. Tell him Keith sent you his way....

kds
 
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I'm a big fan of the Savage... I have a 12FV with a cheap factory stock, and it is awesome despite the look of the stock... way less expensive than a 700 and doesn't require any of the after purchase/pre shooting mods that the remingtons do... you can invest the savings from the rifle purchase into a better scope which is also an important part of the equation... I should also mention that it has a heavy 26" barrel and a 1/9 twist from the factory... the accu-trigger is fantastic, and it will shoot cheap factory (winchester USA 55 gr fmj) at 0.75 MOA and better factory ammo (Hornady 55 gr) at 0.4-0.5 MOA... and if you feed it really expensive factory ammo (Federal gold medal 77 gr) ... wow!

EB
 
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Doesn't sound like you are looking for a high volume varmint rifle and portability would be good. If so, my suggestion would be a Stevens 200 (barrel quality the same as the Savage). Have the action bedded (you should bed all Savage/Stevens, Rems in Factory stocks), tune the trigger (2.5lbs is as light as it will go but it will be very crisp) or swap in a SSS trigger if you want lighter.

Mount an Elite 4200 or Nikon scope (BDC reticle) of appropriate mag to suit your fancy. All put into Burris Sig Rings w/inserts on good ole Weaver bases.

Even then, you will still have money left over to pick up some ammo and have lotsa fun.

Jerry
 
I love my CZ 527 Varmint, had a 3200 4-12x40 on it, but recently put on a 4200 6-18. Anxiously awaiting spring gopher shoots!
 
A savage 12BVSS has it all and you could top it off with a decent bushnell 3200 or a budget leupold for under 1100 with the optics. You get a benchrest dual bedded laminate stock with palmswell, accutrigger, over sized bolt handle, heavy stainless steel, fluted 1in9 twist barrel and they retail for under $759.

Here is a couple links for a second opinion
http://www.gunblast.com/Savage_12BVSS.htm
http://www.snipersparadise.com/tsmag/december_1999.htm

I shoot a Stevens 200 in 223 (Savage 10 Action) and its great. I was shooting under 1" out of the box. I'm in the middle of upgrading it with a competition trigger, pac-nor barrel, boyds laminate varmint stock and some other goodies.
 
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