bolt or simi 223

[NOTABIKER]

Which do you think is more accurate out of the box.
basic 700- 900 dollar AR
entry level 300 - 500 dollar bolt American,Axis,Mosberg,Remington.
my guess bolt is more accurate.

[ChuckDizzle]

Bolt action is inherently more accurate. It is usually a 2/1 cost to accuracy ratio between bolt guns and semi auto. Meaning you would have to spend at least twice as much on a semi auto to get similar performance to a bolt action.

It can be done, it's just a lot more expensive.

[milotrain]

I don't think there is a good linear comparison, especially with the .223

• National Match AR (.5MOA) will cost you about $1500 but it will have excellent sights on it already.

• .5MOA bolt rifle in .223 will cost you about $1000 but it won't have any sighting system on it at all and it's trigger won't touch a good NM AR trigger.

This is a bit of a unique problem with the .223 because of the market for national match AR parts and the R&D that backed up the work. In the case of the .308 it's a CD says 2/1 (if you are lucky).

Which do you think is more accurate out of the box.
basic 700- 900 dollar AR
entry level 300 - 500 dollar bolt American,Axis,Mosberg,Remington.
my guess bolt is more accurate.

To specifically answer your question. A budget minded accuracy AR you could get into for about $1000, maybe even your $900 and your compromises would be few. Of the cheaper bolt rifles you make compromises in the fact that upgrading them is harder, the cheapest Remington 700 (which is also the most upgradable) will not be as accurate as a $900 AR, but you might be able to buy a crappy 700, re barrel it and get a good trigger for $900.

Generic Lower = $100
RRA LPK = $40 (no trigger)
RRA NM Trigger = $100
A2 stock = $55
WOA 20" Varmint upper = $610
CLE NM Carry Handle = $185 or Bushnell TRS = $100

.5MOA AR = $900 without sights

[ar15barrels]

Bolt guns are easier to shoot smaller groups with.

[alpha_romeo_XV]

For either platform just make sure that you've got the key components included - free floated longer heavish barrel with target crown, good trigger. Then if you want to use at longer distances the right twist rate to stabilize heavier bullets. Bolt gun barrels in 223 more prevalent in lower twist for light faster "varmint" ammo. Easier to get fast twist rate barrels for AR platform.

[baih777]

If your going to benchshoot. Get the Remington 700 tactical. It has the heavy barrel. The other three have thinner hunting barrels. If your willing to spend $1100, get the Remington 700 5R in 223.

[ChuckDizzle]

For either platform just make sure that you've got the key components included - free floated longer heavish barrel with target crown, good trigger. Then if you want to use at longer distances the right twist rate to stabilize heavier bullets. Bolt gun barrels in 223 more prevalent in lower twist for light faster "varmint" ammo. Easier to get fast twist rate barrels for AR platform.

I ran into this issue, I had trouble finding bolt action .223 caliber rifles with a fast twist. Ended up with an AR for hog hunting because I wanted a 1/7 twist which handles longer projectiles better, especially when we are talking not only heavier, but non-toxic bullets.

[TMB 1]

I ran into this issue, I had trouble finding bolt action .223 caliber rifles with a fast twist. Ended up with an AR for hog hunting because I wanted a 1/7 twist which handles longer projectiles better, especially when we are talking not only heavier, but non-toxic bullets.

Ruger American has 1-8 and Mossberg has Models with 1-7

[ChuckDizzle]

Ruger American has 1-8 and Mossberg has Models with 1-7

Yeah, I've given up though on using 5.56 for medium game at this point thoug and I'm building a 6.5 Grendel to extend my range. I figure from shooting a friend's MVP and R700 in 5.56 that I'm cutting about 1/2 a MOA off from my AR15 in 5.56.

By contrast shooting his 6.5 upper on my rifle the groups were at least cut in half, plus I get the better BC and terminal energy of the 6.5.

I was really looking for more accuracy simply to extend my comfortable range for ethical shots on medium game a little.

[TMB 1]

Yeah, I've given up though on using 5.56 for medium game at this point thoug and I'm building a 6.5 Grendel to extend my range. I figure from shooting a friend's MVP and R700 in 5.56 that I'm cutting about 1/2 a MOA off from my AR15 in 5.56.

By contrast shooting his 6.5 upper on my rifle the groups were at least cut in half, plus I get the better BC and terminal energy of the 6.5.

I was really looking for more accuracy simply to extend my comfortable range for ethical shots on medium game a little.

You could get a 243 bolt action.

I don't use 223 for medium game either although I did make up a load using 70gr Speer bullets that work well in my slower twist handi rifle just incase.

[JMP]

The bolt rifle should be more accurate. Even the bolt rifles with the cheapest barrels are usually 0.5 MOA capable if you optimize the ammo and have a good shooter (heavier barrel is an advantage). ARs do allow heavier bullets since they generally have a faster twist, but it may be a moot point if you want to magazine feed the rifle. If you single feed the AR, then you can get more out of the heavier bullets. There are some options of a .223 bolt with a faster twist. If you are just going to shoot factory 55gr ammo, then you are fine with a 1:12" twist. I am personally of the opinion that if you want to go with heavy projectiles in a .223 bolt action, then what you should be shopping for is a 6mm chambering. 6mm has projectile choices superior to .223 in every way. With that said, many would be surprised at what can be accomplished with a .223 with 50 to 55gr projectiles. The one problem with the .223 is if you are shooting steel. It can be hard to see your impacts after about 400 yards with 50gr bullets.

[ChuckDizzle]

You could get a 243 bolt action.

I don't use 223 for medium game either although I did make up a load using 70gr Speer bullets that work well in my slower twist handi rifle just incase.

I've taken two hogs (60-80lbs) at just over 100 meters with my AR so far. I feel that's about the limit for me and the 5.56. I can shoot just over 1 MOA up to 200 meters with it on a bench under ideal conditions, but I have no illusions on what shooting from an improvised position out in the field does to my groups. Hence my quest for a bit more accurate range and umph.

And right now I'm deep in the rabbit hole of options, including the .243. I even considered going with a CZ 527 in 7.62x39, then barrel swapping for the 6.5 Grendel, but then I'm back in the "might as well just get a classic 700 in .308 and be done with it" midset. My head is swimming with options here.

[SMarquez]

I think you will get a better trigger in the bolt rifles you mentioned and better ergos when both rifles are scoped. My ARs have aftermarket triggers and shoot well but can't be adjusted down to 2 lbs. like my Remington 783 trigger. If you want to try them I will try to bring them out on Sunday.

[NapalmCheese]

And right now I'm deep in the rabbit hole of options, including the .243. I even considered going with a CZ 527 in 7.62x39, then barrel swapping for the 6.5 Grendel, but then I'm back in the "might as well just get a classic 700 in .308 and be done with it" midset. My head is swimming with options here.

I will venture to say that no one has ever bought a grendel chambered rifle to hunt medium game because it wasthe right rifle. They bought it because it was cool.

That being said I have a reason to buy a bolt action grendel, my 80 year old grandpa in law wants to go hunting onelast time with us us and is too stubborn to let us carry a rifle for him and (IMO, not his) too old to be shooting light weight .308s. A light 6.5 might be just right, but a downloaded .243 or 7mm-08 might work too!

[BigBamBoo]

Tikka T3 .233...fantastic factory trigger...1:8 twist. Can be had for around $600.00 if you shop around.

I use 50gr Vmax for coyote hunting. When I want a bit of a challenge I load up some 75gr Amax and shoot it to 1000 yards.

As for for which is more accurate...semi or bolt...well lots of factors come in to play.
If both rifles are set up similarly, i.e. same length barrel, trigger weight, etc. and the gas gun is using a quality barrel. You might be surprised by the gas gun.
My JP's shoot VERY well and out to 600 yards it is kind of a toss up and targets show what kind of day I am having behind the trigger.


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