Why are 223's so pricey?

Jet A-1

Jet A-1

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I am always keeping an eye out for a good deal on a 223 but it seems that, new or used, 223's or 22-250's always command more money than say 308's or 270's for example. I mean sure there are Edge/Axis rifles available (although despite their sometimes unfavourable reviews there are surprisingly few around for sale used - but they are cheap enough so maybe that's why) but when you step up to the next level in quality and price point it seems that availability drops off for 223. There is no middle ground it seems. I mean Remington doesn't make the 770 in 223 for example. You can get really nice rifles in big game calibers it seems without needing a second mortgage but varmint/predator calibers are either entry level or high end. I don't have any hard evidence on this observation so I could be corrected on it but, with the exception of the Stevens 200, decent 223's are in short supply for bargin hunters. Locally and online, 223's sell out quick which leads me to ask why manufacturers don't step up their presence in this market segment.

Just a thought.

J
 
There is a really high demand for .223, .22/250, .220 Swift etc. in my area anyway. I think mainly because you can carry one practically year round in the woods. Simple supply and demand, I guess.
 
Please don't mention the 770 as a step up from anything. Remington SPS varmints are avalible from $599. In the current Bass Pro flyer they have it at $549 I think. That is with the rebate though.
 
I think they are similar price because they cost the same to manufacture as a larger calibre. Its the same gun as say a .308 but with a smaller bore no?
 
Canada is such a small market for firearms and ammo sales the US could care less.Look at the lack of customer service for one thing.A lot of stores get less than 40 % of their ammo and reloading order.Mind you being involved in two ongoing wars didn't help either..................Harold
 
Few weeks ago, I picked up a Tikka T3 Lite in .223 with 8" twist for $630. at Ellwood Epps (Ont) I thought that was a pretty good deal for new. I think they had 10 when I bought mine. Good Luck
 
cam1936 said:
Please don't mention the 770 as a step up from anything. Remington SPS varmints are avalible from $599. In the current Bass Pro flyer they have it at $549 I think. That is with the rebate though.
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Yep and online they also list:
Vanguard for $449.99 in both .223 & 22-250
Tikka for $529.99 in 22-250
Savage for $579.99 on .223 & 22-250 with a scope
 
911alertme said:
Why not? What makes a 30 cal more expensive to manufacture than a 22 cal?
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It's not the same gun. I would imagine tooling for doing bolts would be much more common for 308 with it's standard bolt face than a .223. You can do a run of 260's, 7-08's, 338 fed, 308 etc........... you get the picture.

What is selling more? Many calibers with the .308 bolt face or with the .223. Just logistics to me is what may warrant the higher price.
 
Demand around these parts ( New Brunswick ) keeps the price up...We have to be .22 cals and under if you have a gun in the woods outside of big game season....so you need a .223 or .22-250 for about 9 months of the year
 
It is interesting though that a used Stevens 200 in say 308 or 300 will usually have an asking price much less than a used Stevens 200 is 223. I talking in general terms here, not specifics. I guess it must be supply and demand. On the EE, a 223 will sell almost instantly whereas other calibers will remain unsold a lot longer. All of this aside, I'm thinking a stainless Savage Axis may be in my future.
 
pinkmoon said:
Demand around these parts ( New Brunswick ) keeps the price up...We have to be .22 cals and under if you have a gun in the woods outside of big game season....so you need a .223 or .22-250 for about 9 months of the year
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You mean you couldn't walk around the bush with a lever action loaded with 38 special but you can do so with a 22-250? Is that for the publics safety? :confused:

223 is a lot cheaper bullet and component wise than a 308. If I didn't have an H&R Handi Rifle and a Rossi Puma in 357 magnum I'd certainly have a 223 bolt action.

I just can't get my 303 British or 308s reloaded for much less than about 56 cents. I think I could load a 223 for about 32 cents. But with a 357 shooting 38 specials and cast lead bullets, I can for about 16 cents. I think it's all about the boom to cent ratio. If you can't afford to feed it...
 
The rationale behind the 22X centerfires for Coyote, at least in my area and from what I've been told, is to try to discourage poaching. Although apparently the 22-250 caliber is sufficent for such endeavours, plus I'm figure that poachers aren't too concerned with laws to begin with so the rationale doesn't hold up IMO. I'm guessing the same hold true for other jurisdictions such as NB.

J
 
What a giant crock. Some people like to carry a rifle in case of bear attack. What do you do then?

Walking around with a rifle isn't poaching any more than walking around with a knife is stabbing someone. They are presuming guilt over innocence.

What kind of country is this turning into?
 
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