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Equipment & Gear => Guns and Ammo => Topic started by: duckmen1 on November 16, 2015, 11:52:46 PM


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Title: best 223 for budget price?
Post by: duckmen1 on November 16, 2015, 11:52:46 PM
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
Title: Re: best 223 for budget price?
Post by: JJB11B on November 17, 2015, 12:01:53 AM
Ruger American? you don't gain anything by having a barrel over 20" from a .223
Title: Re: best 223 for budget price?
Post by: duckmen1 on November 17, 2015, 12:16:00 AM
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.
Title: Re: best 223 for budget price?
Post by: carpsniperg2 on November 17, 2015, 12:16:49 AM
American is best bang for your buck. However with your price range you cant beat a tikka!!!
Title: Re: best 223 for budget price?
Post by: carpsniperg2 on November 17, 2015, 12:18:50 AM
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.
Title: Re: best 223 for budget price?
Post by: b23 on November 17, 2015, 09:40:31 AM
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.
Title: Re: best 223 for budget price?
Post by: C-Money on November 17, 2015, 11:02:12 AM
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...
Title: Re: best 223 for budget price?
Post by: bobcat on November 17, 2015, 11:07:31 AM
He's looking for something in the $800 range.
Title: Re: best 223 for budget price?
Post by: duckmen1 on November 17, 2015, 12:06:25 PM
Thanks for all the input. As far as the h and r we had that gun in past and got rid of them. We didn't have great accuracy at all in the ones we had and the gun would pop open when you shoot constantly as well in 223. Had the h and r in 22 250 also and it was the same way as well as cases blowing completely in half. Never seen anything like it. That was factory and reload ammo.
I like the Tikka t3 light but doesn't appear that they have 223 in there standard t3's.  Only there varmint rifles which are harder to get a hold of and I believe a lot more expensive. As far as howa I like but I think I like the fit of the vanguard Monte Carlo stock better  Although the vanguard I don't believe is a free floating barrel I think I really like that gun.
Title: Re: best 223 for budget price?
Post by: bobcat on November 17, 2015, 12:10:48 PM
It's easy enough to remove the pressure point in the Vanguard so that it is free floating.
Title: Re: best 223 for budget price?
Post by: duckmen1 on November 17, 2015, 12:28:59 PM
As a rule of thumb you want a free floating barrel. But after doing research on the gun they advise not to free float the gun due to the design of upward pressure the stock gives is supposed to be good for accuracy due to the design of the gun. And I haven't heard of any bad reviews yet
Title: Re: best 223 for budget price?
Post by: AWS on November 17, 2015, 12:32:15 PM
I don't think anyone is making a bad rifle right now, Marlin XS-7, Rem 700 SPS, or Model 7 Predator or 783, Savage Axis or 10, Tikka, Ruger American, TC Venture all have a following.   Head to the gunshops and see what feels best in your hands.
Title: Re: best 223 for budget price?
Post by: Wanttohuntmore on November 17, 2015, 12:43:36 PM
I shot my friends savage axis the other day and was amazed at the 1/2 groups with cheap fmj 55gr ammo.  I remember seeing a deal for the axis at 229$, almost bought another 223!  Trigger wasnt the best though.  I think a t3 would be better or the American.
Title: Re: best 223 for budget price?
Post by: carpsniperg2 on November 17, 2015, 12:50:35 PM
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.
Title: Re: best 223 for budget price?
Post by: coachcw on November 17, 2015, 12:53:50 PM
rem 700 fluted stainless !
Title: Re: best 223 for budget price?
Post by: KFhunter on November 17, 2015, 12:54:11 PM
I wouldn't hesitate owning another T3



I got the trigger a tad light for winter work though
Title: Re: best 223 for budget price?
Post by: coachcw on November 17, 2015, 12:57:40 PM
id pick something in the 7-8 lb range for stable shots in weather conditions  :twocents: though i do like the t3s they are really light .
Title: Re: best 223 for budget price?
Post by: KFhunter on November 17, 2015, 12:59:55 PM
I learned on super light triggers,  I don't recommend them for everyone.

Title: Re: best 223 for budget price?
Post by: coachcw on November 17, 2015, 01:02:37 PM
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 .
Title: Re: best 223 for budget price?
Post by: duckmen1 on November 17, 2015, 02:45:17 PM
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.
Title: Re: best 223 for budget price?
Post by: Bofire on November 17, 2015, 02:57:56 PM
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.
Title: Re: best 223 for budget price?
Post by: carpsniperg2 on November 17, 2015, 03:37:22 PM
Always happy to help :tup:
Title: Re: best 223 for budget price?
Post by: ndcasla on November 17, 2015, 09:14:14 PM
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!!!
Title: Re: best 223 for budget price?
Post by: Rick on November 18, 2015, 12:14:17 PM
If you want to shoot long range,the Ruger American has the best rifling twist for stabilizing LR style bullets.
Title: Re: best 223 for budget price?
Post by: bobcat on November 18, 2015, 12:48:35 PM
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
Title: Re: best 223 for budget price?
Post by: raydog on November 19, 2015, 07:04:59 AM
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
Title: Re: best 223 for budget price?
Post by: thinkingman on November 19, 2015, 08:24:16 AM
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.
Title: Re: best 223 for budget price?
Post by: raydog on November 19, 2015, 08:36:47 AM
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
Title: Re: best 223 for budget price?
Post by: AWS on November 19, 2015, 01:13:45 PM
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.
Title: Re: best 223 for budget price?
Post by: Bofire on November 19, 2015, 01:55:50 PM
 :) :) 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
Title: Re: best 223 for budget price?
Post by: CAMPMEAT on November 19, 2015, 02:15:44 PM
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.
Title: Re: best 223 for budget price?
Post by: Katmai Guy on November 19, 2015, 02:34:58 PM
Savage Predator Mod 10, one hole groups with Hornady 55gr sp.  Nikon 3 X 9 BDC scope
Title: Re: best 223 for budget price?
Post by: CAMPMEAT on November 19, 2015, 02:46:14 PM
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.
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