223 opinions

[gate76]

Would like to get some options for buying a bolt action 223 rifle

For shooting at paper .

What would be a good starter rifle.? With accuracy being the top thing.

A model and brand will help me out.




I shoot cz rifles in 22 l.r and 17 hmr,

[jimmykan]

Can it be custom or does it have to be factory / off-the-shelf?

[pennstater]

Well, CZ's wouldn't be a bad look. Howa's seem to get a lot of play here also. Others will chime in.

[jimmykan]

[sigstroker]

There are a couple threads on this already.

I'm a Howa fan - moa guarantee and way under $400 for the light barrel, prob around $400 or a little over for the heavy barrel.

Also, lots of various models of Ruger American.

I like the Howa trigger the most, although the trigger on my Tikka 3x is probably a little better. But I've never seen a Tikka Varmint anywhere.

[gpark09]

.223 rifle would not do much for training. There's not much recoil on the rifle. You won't be able to learn much about recoil control and other training that follows it.

You are already shooting 22lr and 17hmr, so you already started it, no need for another starter, I think. I believe it's time for you to shoot .308 or 6.5 CM. Don't you think?

[elSquid]

How much accuracy do you really need? You may be shooting at paper, but are you shooting from the bench only? Or might you want to practice positions, or maybe snap shooting?

A CZ 223 carbine might be a good choice for you, despite the fact that it's not a dedicated target/varmint style rifle.

https://cz-usa.com/product/cz-527-carbine-223-rem/

-- Michael

[Preston-CLB]

I have a Savage Model 10 Trophy Hunter in .223. Wood stock, 22" barrel, 1:9 twist, 4-round detachable mag, adjustable trigger. When I do my part, I can get sub-1-MOA at 100 meters on a bag rest with Federal 62 gr. ammo. The trigger pull weight when I got it was 2.8 lbs.

It came with a mounted Nikon 3x9 40mm scope, bore sighted at the factory.

I am happy with it's performance.

The model also comes in 22-250, .243, and .308.
-P

['ol shooter]

I bought a lightly used 1980's Savage 12V and added a Timney trigger, Boyd's stock, and a used Burris scope. I have about 8 bills in it, shoots just fine.

[Bicky]

https://www.eurooptic.com/Tikka-T3x-Sporter-223-Rem-Rifle.aspx

[Catch]

I have the same model and experience as Preston.
Not sure if 1:9 will stabilize at long range, but 75gr hornady and 77gr nosler group well at 100 yards.

[mmlook]

I have a t3x varmint in .223 if you're interested

they shoot awesome with 65-80g BTHP's
they are throated long for target loads as well.
I was running 2.350-2.450" OAL depending on the ogive profile

Awesome trigger and action as well, I don't think you'll find a stock gun with a better trigger or action than a Tikka.

[Ora Serrata]

I have .308 bolt guns and am thinking a .223 bolt would be nice. Less recoil, cheaper ammo.

.223 rifle would not do much for training. There's not much recoil on the rifle. You won't be able to learn much about recoil control and other training that follows it.

You are already shooting 22lr and 17hmr, so you already started it, no need for another starter, I think. I believe it's time for you to shoot .308 or 6.5 CM. Don't you think?

[scbauer]

I absolutely love my Mossberg MVP. It’s in 5.56, which will shoot .223 no problem (but to be safe, don’t go the other way... 5.56 in .223).

[Fjold]

If you want an accurate out of the box rifle, then go with the Savages. Get the medium weight (Varmint ) barrel and it will shoot to the capability of your ammunition.