best 223 for budget price?

[duckmen1]

I've been looking into getting a 223 and was wondering your thoughts on a good 223 bolt action rifle for around $800 or less. I am looking for a rifle that is very accurate as long as I do my part in developing loads. Heard good reviews on howa 1500 and ranchlands. Also the Weatherby vanguards. But don't like the short barrel for long range on the ranchlands and non free floating barrel of the vanguard. Not sure what to get. Just thinking right now but not in a big hurry to get one. Just seeing ideas until I feel the decision is right.Thanks for any input

[JJB11B]

Ruger American? you don't gain anything by having a barrel over 20" from a .223

[duckmen1]

I kinda question the ruger American due to the fact I've heard of struggling to get the accuracy I want to accomplish. I want to easily break 1 inch groups without a struggle. I have heard that gun being an inch to inch and a quarter best. But it is a thought. As far as barrel length that isn't as much of a concern for speed as much as the accuracy I want to achieve.

[carpsniperg2]

American is best bang for your buck. However with your price range you cant beat a tikka!!!

[carpsniperg2]

I kinda question the ruger American due to the fact I've heard of struggling to get the accuracy I want to accomplish. I want to easily break 1 inch groups without a struggle. I have heard that gun being an inch to inch and a quarter best. But it is a thought. As far as barrel length that isn't as much of a concern for speed as much as the accuracy I want to achieve.

I own 2 of the predators, basically the same rifle but threaded. Both shoot under 1/2". My friend owns 2 American's both will shoot 1/2 to 3/4 all day long. I have been very impressed with them from my time on them at the range.

[b23]

I've been looking into getting a 223 and was wondering your thoughts on a good 223 bolt action rifle for around $800 or less. I am looking for a rifle that is very accurate as long as I do my part in developing loads. Heard good reviews on howa 1500 and ranchlands. Also the Weatherby vanguards. But don't like the short barrel for long range on the ranchlands and non free floating barrel of the vanguard. Not sure what to get. Just thinking right now but not in a big hurry to get one. Just seeing ideas until I feel the decision is right.Thanks for any input

I don't know this person but I have one of these Rem LTR's.  I've shot everything from 40's-69gr SMK's through mine and it shot all of them extremely well.  My LTR had a trigger right out of the box that would rival some of my aftermarket triggers and it's never been touched.  This one is in your price range and comes with a scope.  http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,176576.0.html

If you're looking for brand new, CDNNsports.com which is a site sponsor, has the LTR and the 700P if you prefer something with a longer barrel and both meet your price point.  The LTR and 700P models don't come out of the custom shop at Remington but they just seem to have a little more time given to them as the ones I've been around all have shot well and their fit & finish was better, too.  http://www.cdnnsports.com/firearms.html?brand=958&cat=14

Also FWIW, I'd certainly give Carpsniperg2 a crack at getting you something when you're ready to purchase.  I've purchased from him and he is fair and was great to work with.

Best of luck with your purchase.

[C-Money]

Ultra budget, Dont think you can beat a H&R chambered in .223. Very Accurate. Not sure if a single shot is what you are looking for though...

[bobcat]

He's looking for something in the $800 range.

[duckmen1]

Thanks for all the input. As far as the h and r we had that gun in past and got rid of them. We didn't have great accuracy at all in the ones we had and the gun would pop open when you shoot constantly as well in 223. Had the h and r in 22 250 also and it was the same way as well as cases blowing completely in half. Never seen anything like it. That was factory and reload ammo.
I like the Tikka t3 light but doesn't appear that they have 223 in there standard t3's.  Only there varmint rifles which are harder to get a hold of and I believe a lot more expensive. As far as howa I like but I think I like the fit of the vanguard Monte Carlo stock better  Although the vanguard I don't believe is a free floating barrel I think I really like that gun.

[bobcat]

It's easy enough to remove the pressure point in the Vanguard so that it is free floating.

[duckmen1]

As a rule of thumb you want a free floating barrel. But after doing research on the gun they advise not to free float the gun due to the design of upward pressure the stock gives is supposed to be good for accuracy due to the design of the gun. And I haven't heard of any bad reviews yet

[AWS]

I don't think anyone is making a bad rifle right now, Marlin XS-7, Rem 700 SPS, or Model 7 Predator or 783, Savage Axis or 10, Tikka, Ruger American, TC Venture all have a following.   Head to the gunshops and see what feels best in your hands.

[Wanttohuntmore]

I shot my friends savage axis the other day and was amazed at the 1/2 groups with cheap fmj 55gr ammo.  I remember seeing a deal for the axis at 229$, almost bought another 223!  Trigger wasnt the best though.  I think a t3 would be better or the American.

[carpsniperg2]

Thanks for all the input. As far as the h and r we had that gun in past and got rid of them. We didn't have great accuracy at all in the ones we had and the gun would pop open when you shoot constantly as well in 223. Had the h and r in 22 250 also and it was the same way as well as cases blowing completely in half. Never seen anything like it. That was factory and reload ammo.
I like the Tikka t3 light but doesn't appear that they have 223 in there standard t3's.  Only there varmint rifles which are harder to get a hold of and I believe a lot more expensive. As far as howa I like but I think I like the fit of the vanguard Monte Carlo stock better  Although the vanguard I don't believe is a free floating barrel I think I really like that gun.

They do offer the t3 light in 223. Just there regular model. They do blued and stainless.

They also do in fact do the varmint and I could still get you that gun for under your 800.00 as well.

[coachcw]

rem 700 fluted stainless !

[KFhunter]

I wouldn't hesitate owning another T3



I got the trigger a tad light for winter work though

[coachcw]

id pick something in the 7-8 lb range for stable shots in weather conditions  though i do like the t3s they are really light .

[KFhunter]

I learned on super light triggers,  I don't recommend them for everyone.

[coachcw]

I learned on super light triggers,  I don't recommend them for everyone.

light triggers are where its at ....assuming you have ice water in your veins .

[duckmen1]

Thanks for all the input. I ended up finding the Tikka and will end up with that and think I will be very happy.  I was just at the point of headed home to contact carpsniperg2 on the Tikka when there it was. But I appreciate carpsniperg2 being there to help as well as other opinions.

[Bofire]

tikka tikka tikka you are in love already and do not know it. any decent ammo, one  hole groups, sit around all day with 500 rounds and you'll have a 50 round 1 hole group of around 1 inch. light handy. I love em
Carl
ps the factory rings are great.

[carpsniperg2]

Always happy to help

[ndcasla]

MOSSBURG "MVP" laminated target style stock, bolt action 26" fluted bull barrel, adjustable trigger to >2.5 lbs, uses AR mags, likes most mid weight bullets, sub 1"moa.,$600.00 +/_ less glass. CHECK ONE OUT!!!

[Rick]

If you want to shoot long range,the Ruger American has the best rifling twist for stabilizing LR style bullets.

[bobcat]

Or the Ruger Hawkeye Predator. Much nicer than the American. Has a 1 in 9 twist. I think I just talked myself into one! 

http://www.ruger.com/products/HawkeyePredator/models.html

[raydog]

http://www.cabelas.com/product/shooting/firearms/centerfire-rifles/bolt-action-centerfire-rifles%7C/pc/104792580/c/553829580/sc/105522480/i/105523380/savage-174-arms-12-fv-bolt-action-varmint-rifles/1994604.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Fbolt-action-centerfire-rifles%2F_%2FN-1114860%2FNs-MIN_SALE_PRICE%3FWTz_stype%3DGNU


What do you guys think of this Savage? 26" heavy barrel, 1:9 twist, Accutrigger, For a whooping $379


Oh ya and comes with $25 mail in rebate and up to $50 in federal ammo

[thinkingman]

http://www.cabelas.com/product/shooting/firearms/centerfire-rifles/bolt-action-centerfire-rifles%7C/pc/104792580/c/553829580/sc/105522480/i/105523380/savage-174-arms-12-fv-bolt-action-varmint-rifles/1994604.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Fbolt-action-centerfire-rifles%2F_%2FN-1114860%2FNs-MIN_SALE_PRICE%3FWTz_stype%3DGNU


What do you guys think of this Savage? 26" heavy barrel, 1:9 twist, Accutrigger, For a whooping $379


Oh ya and comes with $25 mail in rebate and up to $50 in federal ammo

That's exactly the rifle I was going to suggest.
1/9 means probably 70gr max, but you can reach out there with MatchKings in that weight.
Put a nice Nikon on top for a really outstanding package.

[raydog]

http://www.cabelas.com/product/shooting/firearms/centerfire-rifles/bolt-action-centerfire-rifles%7C/pc/104792580/c/553829580/sc/105522480/i/105523380/savage-174-arms-12-fv-bolt-action-varmint-rifles/1994604.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Fbolt-action-centerfire-rifles%2F_%2FN-1114860%2FNs-MIN_SALE_PRICE%3FWTz_stype%3DGNU


What do you guys think of this Savage? 26" heavy barrel, 1:9 twist, Accutrigger, For a whooping $379


Oh ya and comes with $25 mail in rebate and up to $50 in federal ammo

That's exactly the rifle I was going to suggest.
1/9 means probably 70gr max, but you can reach out there with MatchKings in that weight.
Put a nice Nikon on top for a really outstanding package.

I might pick one up today if they have one at Cabelas. I'll let you guys know if I pick it up

[AWS]

They are a pig to hunt coyotes with if you are calling or hiking in anywhere, if you are shooting off a bench or rest near the truck they work great.  I have one with the barrel cut to 20" for a target gun in a Boyd stock, works well for cleaning out P-dogs in my daughters pasture.   My BinL brought one out for a week of coyote hunting, after the second day he was shooting a spare Rem 600 in 6x45 I had, the next year he showed up with a Tikka light.

[Bofire]

  Heavy barrel guns are not for callers!! they are for prarie dogs or something. tried two both sucked for calling.  too heavy can't swing them.
Carl

[CAMPMEAT]

Howa 1500 and Weatherby Vanguard are the same actions from what I understand. I have a 257 Weatherby Vanguard and it shoots great. I've actually been looking at the 1500's now for a 243.

[Katmai Guy]

Savage Predator Mod 10, one hole groups with Hornady 55gr sp.  Nikon 3 X 9 BDC scope

[CAMPMEAT]

Savage Trophy Hunter XP w/Nikon 3x9x40 scope, suggested Murphy $629.

I have the same gun in 6.5x284. Cannot beat the price and they have rebates too. I think. That's what I'd spend my money on.