223 Rifle for Ground Squirrels, Etc.

[WartHog]

Would like to get a 223 bolt rifle for Ground Squirrels, SHTF, etc. Budget for rifle only is $500-$600 tops. Plan to roll my own for it but am just starting to accumulate gear around a Dillon 550C I just bought.

Am open to other calibers but don't want a barrel burner.

[ar15barrels]

CZ527.
I got mine in 204 ruger and it devastates squirrels.

[sigstroker]

Don't know if you can find a similar deal today, but I got a Howa in a Hogue pillar-bedded stock, moa guarantee, and with 10 round detachable magazine for well under $400.

[MongooseV8]

Heavy barrel 700 Howa or CZ are going to be your best bet. Just make sure you get something that will stabalize a lead free bullet as they will ne mandatory in the near future.

[MongooseV8]

And a 223 is a wonderful varminter choice. Easy to load, easy to shoot, easy on barrels, and great at launching ground squirrels.

[ChuckDizzle]

CZ 527, it's just on another level for the price.

[deckhandmike]

I went with the 17hmr. It’s great for squirrels and not as loud as the .223 which tends to send them into the holes. It’s definitely not a SHTF gun but better caliber for squirrels.

[WartHog]

CZ527.
I got mine in 204 ruger and it devastates squirrels.

But you are the Barrel Master and can easily change out that barrel when it starts degrading after 3k rounds or so. I think 223 is a better choice for meesa.

[RHT447]

A few suggestions---

https://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/receiver-parts/receivers/barreled-receivers/1500-barreled-action-standard-barrel-blue-223-rem-2-prod94593.aspx

https://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/stock-parts/rifle-stocks/howa-1500-stock-full-bed-block-prod84921.aspx?avs%7cMake_3=Howa

http://www.gibrass.com/brass.html

[WartHog]

Don't know if you can find a similar deal today, but I got a Howa in a Hogue pillar-bedded stock, moa guarantee, and with 10 round detachable magazine for well under $400.

Wow - where'd you find that sweet deal?

[WartHog]

Heavy barrel 700 Howa or CZ are going to be your best bet. Just make sure you get something that will stabalize a lead free bullet as they will ne mandatory in the near future.

I hope to be escaping to Idaho so wouldn't need to worry about lead free.

[sigstroker]

Wow - where'd you find that sweet deal?

https://shop.whittakerguns.com/product/276

[WartHog]

CZ 527, it's just on another level for the price.

Hmmm - $600 isn't too much past my budget...

[Calif Hunter]

I also have a .223 CZ 527 American. It is a light, handy and very accurate rifle. If you want a bit heavier, go with the Varmint model. I wanted this one to walk around with or for called varmints and it is about as handy as .22 rimfire. I have other rifles with heavy barrels for "stand" shooting.

[TMB 1]

https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/2084_36_57_981/products_id/51935/Remington+MOD+7+PRED+223+FL+MOBRSH

https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/2084_36_758/products_id/76665/Mossberg+MVP+VAR+24+HB+223+LAM+10RD