Which bolt .223

Scrumbag · October 14, 2013, 03:38 PM

Hello folks,

Am looking for a .223 bolt action rifle and haven't seen a thread done on this for a while so...

What do people reckon is the best? As I'd be looking for a rifle to replicate my hunting rifles which are all "Mauser" type actions but would be open to suggestions.

Probably would go for a "sporter" type stock so when answering please feel free to elaborate below. And as always be happy to hear about other suggestions.

ATB,

Scrummy

M1ke10191 · October 14, 2013, 03:57 PM

I don't have much personal experience but my friend had a Howa 1500 that came with a Redfield scope 2-7x. Our range goes out to 300 yards and the rifle was very accurate at all ranges up to that. Couldn't speak to any other bolt action .223s though. IIRC it was holding ragged hole sized groups at 50 yards.

I want to say that rifle will set you back maybe $600 with the scope but it's been maybe 2 years since he's had that one, so I couldn't say for sure.

-Mike

Revoltella · October 14, 2013, 04:17 PM

Weatherby Vanguard Series 2 needs to be on your list. Match grade 2-stage trigger and guaranteed to shoot sub-MOA out of the box. Mine does that easily. For about a $500 rifle, it's one of the best values out there.

AZAK · October 14, 2013, 04:27 PM

You might consider the Tikka T3 lite in .223. I know that I am. I recently, in the last year or so, bought a Tikka T3 in 30-06. Beautiful trigger, adjusted down to 2 lbs. Smooooth action. Light weight, just at six pounds for the rifle. Accurate, my hunting handloads literally go into the same ragged hole at 100 yards from the bench. Absolutely need an aftermarket recoil pad; for 30-06, limbsaver on mine.

The problem with having a Tikka is that now I am seriously considering getting one in .223 Rem just because. I already have a Rem 700 SPS Varmint with a Jewell trigger set at 1 lbs. in it that gets sub-1/2 moa consistently. But, it is really heavy compared to my Tikka in 30-06. Doesn't everybody just need another rifle?

Mystro · October 14, 2013, 05:00 PM

For top quality, you can't beat the new Model 70. Class leading. For best bang for the bucks the Savage is a tack driver.

taylorce1 · October 14, 2013, 05:21 PM

Unless you can find a deal on a used model 70 Winchester your not going to find a .223 unless it is the WSSM. Winchester hasn't made a .223 Remington rifle in years, and the old push feed rifles are pretty rare. However the WSSM also was discontinued but you can find them all over used.

The closest thing you'll find to a .223 on a M70 action brand new is a Kimber. I've handled a Montana in .223 and if I had the $1200 they were asking for it, I would have brought it home. Other than that I'd go with the CZ as my second choice and the Ruger as the third. You could try and find as well an old Charles Daly, Interarms Mark X, or Remington 799 Mini Mauser action in .223, but it isn't a true Mauser action.

4runnerman · October 14, 2013, 06:16 PM

If your not hung up on looks and just want a very accurate rifle- Look no further than a Savage of any model.

jmr40 · October 14, 2013, 06:20 PM

Winchester does not offer their model 70 in 223 currently. You'll have to buy used, and several years old at that.

overthere · October 14, 2013, 07:25 PM

+ 1 for Savage

rebs · October 14, 2013, 07:39 PM

what model Savage do you guys recommend in 223 ?

Art Eatman · October 14, 2013, 07:51 PM

I bought a Ruger 77 Mk II light sporter in .223, about a dozen years back. It has been a half-MOA shooter from the git-go, even before I installed a Timney trigger in it.

4runnerman · October 14, 2013, 08:32 PM

I have 9 of them now and have yet to find one that won't shoot sub MOA.. In the 223- FVSS. Little more than you want to spend,but worth it. Then the Axis very low cost but also very very accurate. Know 2 people now shooting Axis in F Class and doing very very well. The FV series is Heavy barrel , so Not Ideal for long hunting trips if a lot of walking is involved. Go the Savage Arms.com and browse by Caliber lookup.

Been there · October 14, 2013, 09:02 PM

If you want the best, that would be a Sako Hunter.
If money is an issue, then Tikka or Savage.

Picher · October 15, 2013, 07:47 AM

I have a Tikka 595 in .223 Rem and it's the most accurate centerfire rifle I've owned, but it's heavy to carry around in the field. I'm considering a Tikka .223 Rem, having one in .243 Win, which also shoots great...without any bedding tinkering.

Wyoredman · October 15, 2013, 11:17 AM

Ford, Chevy, Dodge!

rebs · October 15, 2013, 03:49 PM

I am leaning toward a Savage with accu trigger and accu stock, what is your thoughts on this ?

4runnerman · October 15, 2013, 05:46 PM

rebs- great choice. you will not regret it for sure. what model?.

Scrumbag · October 16, 2013, 02:20 PM

Thanks for the input folks. Am leaning towards the CZ due to local availability. All need to think on now is whether to go Varmint or American for the 1:9 twist...

rebs · October 18, 2013, 05:40 AM

what weight bullets are you going to shoot that you want the 9 twist ?

Scrumbag · October 20, 2013, 01:15 PM

Hi Rebs,

63gr Swiss GP90. (Also, more flexibility for hunting rounds)

ATB,

Scrummy

Husqvarna · October 21, 2013, 01:41 PM

what about the mossberg mvp? if I was an american that would be my first choice (as I would already have a host of ars

Scrumbag · October 21, 2013, 02:25 PM

Hi Husqvarna, as a Brit living in Geneva my choices are somewhat limited

Though a host of ARs would be nice...

In another question, why oh why did Winchester stop the model 70 in .223? Ruger makes a Mauser action in that chambering, why can't Winchester?

(I'm not fussy, I only want exactly what I want

)

Rimfire5 · October 23, 2013, 08:34 AM

Scrumbag,

I would highly recommend the CZ 527 Varmint with the 1:9 twist.
I have one with the Kevlar stock and it shoots 69 grain Sierra # 1380 bullets with H4895 powder just under 0.5 inches at 100 yards on average for 27 measured groups with a best load average of 0.378. No problem with hunting with the CZ. It is light and easily carried, even with the varmint barrel.

It shoots 40 grain Noslers BT to an average of 0.298 over 15 groups and 52 grain Sierra Match Kings to an average of 0.383 over 72 groups with a best load average of 0.201. Both were with Vihta Vuori N133 powder that you should be able to get in Europe pretty easily.

My son has a Savage 10 FCP-K in .223 that shoots just about the same way.
It is quite a bit heavier than the CZ, but then it is intended as a law enforcement rifle and has a 26 inch barrel with its flash hider.

No problem with either a CZ or a Savage from my experience.

Scrumbag · October 23, 2013, 08:44 AM

Thanks Rimfire5! I've finally found a place with both the 527 in American and Varmint Configurations so I shall go and have a play later on this week and probably come home with one of them.

(I must admit though, at just over 7lbs the varmint is hardly a heavyweight)

Already got the scope I'm going to use so itching to find a rifle for it!

ATB,

Scrummy

Hunter Customs · October 23, 2013, 12:14 PM

Quote:

I am leaning toward a Savage with accu trigger and accu stock, what is your thoughts on this ?

The Savage gets my vote, even though it's not a Mauser action.

As for the Accu-Stock I have no first hand experience with it so I'm of no help on that one.

I've been thinking real hard about another 223 rifle and the Savage (catalog # 19126) is at the head of pack in my choice.

For the OP's needs the Savage (catalog # 18886) may be the best choice, it's second on my list.

Best Regards
Bob Hunter
www.huntercustoms.com

View Poll Results: Which .223 bolt action?
CZ 527	15	24.59%
Winchester Model 70	12	19.67%
Ruger M77 Hawkeye	7	11.48%
Something else	27	44.26%
Voters: 61. You may not vote on this poll

October 14, 2013, 03:38 PM	#1
Scrumbag Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2012 Posts: 173	Which bolt .223 Hello folks, Am looking for a .223 bolt action rifle and haven't seen a thread done on this for a while so... What do people reckon is the best? As I'd be looking for a rifle to replicate my hunting rifles which are all "Mauser" type actions but would be open to suggestions. Probably would go for a "sporter" type stock so when answering please feel free to elaborate below. And as always be happy to hear about other suggestions. ATB, Scrummy

October 14, 2013, 04:27 PM	#4
AZAK Senior Member Join Date: May 15, 2008 Location: the object towards which the action of the sea is directed Posts: 2,123	You might consider the Tikka T3 lite in .223. I know that I am. I recently, in the last year or so, bought a Tikka T3 in 30-06. Beautiful trigger, adjusted down to 2 lbs. Smooooth action. Light weight, just at six pounds for the rifle. Accurate, my hunting handloads literally go into the same ragged hole at 100 yards from the bench. Absolutely need an aftermarket recoil pad; for 30-06, limbsaver on mine. The problem with having a Tikka is that now I am seriously considering getting one in .223 Rem just because. I already have a Rem 700 SPS Varmint with a Jewell trigger set at 1 lbs. in it that gets sub-1/2 moa consistently. But, it is really heavy compared to my Tikka in 30-06. Doesn't everybody just need another rifle? __________________ The lowest paid college major/degree in this country after graduation... Elementary Education. Now, go figure...

October 14, 2013, 05:00 PM	#5
Mystro Senior Member Join Date: November 26, 2004 Location: Central Pa. Posts: 1,528	For top quality, you can't beat the new Model 70. Class leading. For best bang for the bucks the Savage is a tack driver. __________________ "I'm a good guy with a gun" What do I care if I give up some freedom or rights?....The Goverment will take care of me. This kind of thinking is now in the majority and it should concern you. "Ask not what you can do for your country, but what free entitlements you can bleed from your country"

October 14, 2013, 05:21 PM	#6
taylorce1 Senior Member Join Date: November 18, 2005 Location: On the Santa Fe Trail Posts: 8,242	Unless you can find a deal on a used model 70 Winchester your not going to find a .223 unless it is the WSSM. Winchester hasn't made a .223 Remington rifle in years, and the old push feed rifles are pretty rare. However the WSSM also was discontinued but you can find them all over used. The closest thing you'll find to a .223 on a M70 action brand new is a Kimber. I've handled a Montana in .223 and if I had the $1200 they were asking for it, I would have brought it home. Other than that I'd go with the CZ as my second choice and the Ruger as the third. You could try and find as well an old Charles Daly, Interarms Mark X, or Remington 799 Mini Mauser action in .223, but it isn't a true Mauser action. __________________ NRA Life Member

October 14, 2013, 03:57 PM	#2
M1ke10191 Senior Member Join Date: May 25, 2012 Location: Upstate New York Posts: 122	I don't have much personal experience but my friend had a Howa 1500 that came with a Redfield scope 2-7x. Our range goes out to 300 yards and the rifle was very accurate at all ranges up to that. Couldn't speak to any other bolt action .223s though. IIRC it was holding ragged hole sized groups at 50 yards. I want to say that rifle will set you back maybe $600 with the scope but it's been maybe 2 years since he's had that one, so I couldn't say for sure. -Mike

October 14, 2013, 04:17 PM	#3
Revoltella Junior member Join Date: August 7, 2013 Posts: 198	Weatherby Vanguard Series 2 needs to be on your list. Match grade 2-stage trigger and guaranteed to shoot sub-MOA out of the box. Mine does that easily. For about a $500 rifle, it's one of the best values out there.

October 14, 2013, 06:16 PM	#7
4runnerman Senior Member Join Date: January 16, 2010 Location: Minnesota Posts: 3,577	If your not hung up on looks and just want a very accurate rifle- Look no further than a Savage of any model. __________________ NRA Certified RSO NwCP- Performance Isn't Optional

October 14, 2013, 06:20 PM	#8
jmr40 Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 10,805	Winchester does not offer their model 70 in 223 currently. You'll have to buy used, and several years old at that.

October 14, 2013, 07:25 PM	#9
overthere Senior Member Join Date: July 20, 2012 Posts: 290	+ 1 for Savage

October 14, 2013, 07:39 PM	#10
rebs Senior Member Join Date: January 10, 2012 Posts: 3,881	what model Savage do you guys recommend in 223 ?

October 14, 2013, 07:51 PM	#11
Art Eatman Staff in Memoriam Join Date: November 13, 1998 Location: Terlingua, TX; Thomasville, GA Posts: 24,798	I bought a Ruger 77 Mk II light sporter in .223, about a dozen years back. It has been a half-MOA shooter from the git-go, even before I installed a Timney trigger in it.

October 14, 2013, 08:32 PM	#12
4runnerman Senior Member Join Date: January 16, 2010 Location: Minnesota Posts: 3,577	I have 9 of them now and have yet to find one that won't shoot sub MOA.. In the 223- FVSS. Little more than you want to spend,but worth it. Then the Axis very low cost but also very very accurate. Know 2 people now shooting Axis in F Class and doing very very well. The FV series is Heavy barrel , so Not Ideal for long hunting trips if a lot of walking is involved. Go the Savage Arms.com and browse by Caliber lookup. __________________ NRA Certified RSO NwCP- Performance Isn't Optional

October 14, 2013, 09:02 PM	#13
Been there Senior Member Join Date: October 1, 2013 Location: New Zealand Posts: 110	If you want the best, that would be a Sako Hunter. If money is an issue, then Tikka or Savage.

October 15, 2013, 07:47 AM	#14
Picher Senior Member Join Date: December 14, 2004 Location: Maine Posts: 3,694	I have a Tikka 595 in .223 Rem and it's the most accurate centerfire rifle I've owned, but it's heavy to carry around in the field. I'm considering a Tikka .223 Rem, having one in .243 Win, which also shoots great...without any bedding tinkering.

October 15, 2013, 11:17 AM	#15
Wyoredman Senior Member Join Date: September 6, 2011 Location: Wyoming Posts: 1,350	Ford, Chevy, Dodge! __________________ Go Pokes! Go Rams!

October 15, 2013, 03:49 PM	#16
rebs Senior Member Join Date: January 10, 2012 Posts: 3,881	I am leaning toward a Savage with accu trigger and accu stock, what is your thoughts on this ?

October 15, 2013, 05:46 PM	#17
4runnerman Senior Member Join Date: January 16, 2010 Location: Minnesota Posts: 3,577	rebs- great choice. you will not regret it for sure. what model?. __________________ NRA Certified RSO NwCP- Performance Isn't Optional

October 16, 2013, 02:20 PM	#18
Scrumbag Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2012 Posts: 173	Thanks for the input folks. Am leaning towards the CZ due to local availability. All need to think on now is whether to go Varmint or American for the 1:9 twist...

October 18, 2013, 05:40 AM	#19
rebs Senior Member Join Date: January 10, 2012 Posts: 3,881	what weight bullets are you going to shoot that you want the 9 twist ? Last edited by rebs; October 18, 2013 at 05:45 AM.

October 20, 2013, 01:15 PM	#20
Scrumbag Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2012 Posts: 173	Hi Rebs, 63gr Swiss GP90. (Also, more flexibility for hunting rounds) ATB, Scrummy

October 21, 2013, 01:41 PM	#21
Husqvarna Senior Member Join Date: May 7, 2012 Location: Sweden Posts: 1,000	what about the mossberg mvp? if I was an american that would be my first choice (as I would already have a host of ars

October 21, 2013, 02:25 PM	#22
Scrumbag Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2012 Posts: 173	Hi Husqvarna, as a Brit living in Geneva my choices are somewhat limited Though a host of ARs would be nice... In another question, why oh why did Winchester stop the model 70 in .223? Ruger makes a Mauser action in that chambering, why can't Winchester? (I'm not fussy, I only want exactly what I want )

October 23, 2013, 08:34 AM	#23
Rimfire5 Senior Member Join Date: January 2, 2009 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 922	Scrumbag, I would highly recommend the CZ 527 Varmint with the 1:9 twist. I have one with the Kevlar stock and it shoots 69 grain Sierra # 1380 bullets with H4895 powder just under 0.5 inches at 100 yards on average for 27 measured groups with a best load average of 0.378. No problem with hunting with the CZ. It is light and easily carried, even with the varmint barrel. It shoots 40 grain Noslers BT to an average of 0.298 over 15 groups and 52 grain Sierra Match Kings to an average of 0.383 over 72 groups with a best load average of 0.201. Both were with Vihta Vuori N133 powder that you should be able to get in Europe pretty easily. My son has a Savage 10 FCP-K in .223 that shoots just about the same way. It is quite a bit heavier than the CZ, but then it is intended as a law enforcement rifle and has a 26 inch barrel with its flash hider. No problem with either a CZ or a Savage from my experience.

October 23, 2013, 08:44 AM	#24
Scrumbag Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2012 Posts: 173	Thanks Rimfire5! I've finally found a place with both the 527 in American and Varmint Configurations so I shall go and have a play later on this week and probably come home with one of them. (I must admit though, at just over 7lbs the varmint is hardly a heavyweight) Already got the scope I'm going to use so itching to find a rifle for it! ATB, Scrummy