Looking for 223 Rem. Varmint Rifle W/ 1:8 Twist

BIGON · August 25, 2014, 04:32 PM

Fellow shooters, earlier this year I purchased a Howa M1500 223 24" Heavy Barrel w/ 1:12 twist. Through various hand load test I found the sweet spot for this rifle with 55gr projectiles. I'm now looking for a 223 heavy barrel varmint rifle with a 1:8 twist. I want to load and shoot heavier rounds but my Howa doesn't like them at all. So toss up some suggestions and I'll go from there. Thanks

s3779m · August 25, 2014, 06:03 PM

Have a tikka lite with the 1 in 8", shoots 1/4" groups with federal fusion 62 grams. Also shoots Winchester varmint loads 45 grain under 1/2". Does not really like any of the inexpensive target loads. It does not have a heavy barrel like you are looking for but it might be worth a look.

Unlicensed Dremel · August 25, 2014, 06:27 PM

I think Tikka is the ONLY one aren't they, save custom?

However, Savage used to make a LRPV or similar model 12 in BOTH a 9 twist and a 7 twist, but not 8 - otherwise the same rifle. Dunno if they still do. It was definitely a heavy barrel and nice rifle.

4runnerman · August 25, 2014, 06:42 PM

9 twist will shoot 75 gn'ers very well. Take a look at a Savage FVSS in a 223. They are tack drivers.

cryogenic419 · August 26, 2014, 05:47 AM

If you have an AR laying around Rock River sells a varmint upper with a 1/8 24in barrel. Same barrels they use on their NM models which are pretty accurate and shoot a wide range of bullet weights quite well.

http://rockriverarms.com/index.cfm?f...ategory_id=270

mavracer · August 26, 2014, 08:19 AM

Quote:

62 grams.

Damn that'd be a long 22 bullet 62 grams = 954 grains lol

As to the OP is an AR an option?

berettaprofessor · August 26, 2014, 08:14 PM

Stag Model 6 is a varmint upper in 1:8 twist.

trg42wraglefragle · August 27, 2014, 02:30 AM

Tikka T3 lite/varmint/super varmint/tactical all come in 1:8.

Pretty sure the heavy barrel CZs are 1:9. At least they used to be.

Looks like all Savages in 223 are 1:9.

Some 1:12 223 will stabilize long heavy bullets, and some wont.
The 68hpbt Hornady would be something I'd try.

1:9 twist should stabilize round a 70gr bullet, whilst 1:8 should get you to 80gr.

My Tikka seems to shoot anything from 40gr bullets up to 69gr bullets well at 100 yards, 55gr bullets definitely stabilize. I hope to try out either the 75gr Amax or Berger VLD in it some day.

Get a Tikka T3 Tactical, they seem to have a good reputation for accuracy (like all Tikkas) and they look cool! Also have an insanely nice factory trigger.

jehu · August 27, 2014, 06:23 AM

The question is what varmints are you trying to kill and how far are you trying to kill them???

taylorce1 · August 27, 2014, 09:37 AM

Ruger American uses a 1:8 twist as well, not a true varmint contour barrel but I like the looks of the predator. The only problem is the 75 grain A-Max is a little long for the factory magazine. However there is a guy working on a fix for that problem.

Unlicensed Dremel · August 27, 2014, 05:31 PM

Is he also working on a way to run the bolt even with the duct tape keeping the mag from falling out is wrapped around the top? Where's that troll icon?

trigger643 · August 27, 2014, 05:52 PM

My Armalite bull barrel AR is 1:8

BIGON · August 28, 2014, 04:23 PM

I have plenty of AR's with 1:7 twist but I want this to be a bolt action for better precision out to 600 yards.

taylorce1 · August 29, 2014, 09:29 AM

I wouldn't count on a bolt action being more precise than a AR at 600 yards.

Unlicensed Dremel · August 29, 2014, 09:44 AM

Oh, ok - in that case, your options are...

Ruger American
Tikka T3
Custom

I'd go with one of the last 2.

4runnerman · August 31, 2014, 08:22 PM

I wouldn't count on a bolt action being more precise than a AR at 600 yards.

Say what?. Now Taylorce while AR's have come a long way in the last say 5 to 7 years,They are no where near as accurate as a bolt action rifle.

mavracer · September 3, 2014, 07:41 AM

Quote:

Say what?. Now Taylorce while AR's have come a long way in the last say 5 to 7 years,They are no where near as accurate as a bolt action rifle.

So then you're saying all bolt actions are more accurate than all ARs I'll take that bet.
Like he said I wouldn't just assume the bolt will be more precise

ch47gunner · September 3, 2014, 03:53 PM

1:8 is an odd-ball twist.
Most bolt guns I've seen, in .223, are 1:12, 1:9, or maybe 1:7.
My CZ527 Varmint is 1:9 - I've found that 69gn BTHP's work best in mine.

NHSHOOTER · September 3, 2014, 05:03 PM

Even easier, get a 243, then you can shoot from 65's to 100's...just a idea..

mtlucas0311 · September 5, 2014, 01:05 AM

Savage 12 LRPV left port or 12 VLP DBM if you want a repeater more than the target action and trigger. Both are offered with a 1:7 which will stabilize about anything you want.

Personally, if you've got AR's laying around, I'd just hang a High quality target barrel and free float tube on it. Out to 600 and likely beyond it'll pry outshoot or hang right with any off the shelf bolt gun. If you dump the time and money into a bolt gun to really make it shoot, you still might not be able to see a big difference, depending on your skill. There's no magic involved in making an AR shoot.

4runnerman · September 5, 2014, 11:37 AM

So then you're saying all bolt actions are more accurate than all ARs I'll take that bet.
Like he said I wouldn't just assume the bolt will be more precise

Mavracer- What I meant to say is equally match-Yes a bolt will out shoot an AR almost always to always.
Now I don't hunt anymore ,but I do Comp shooting. There are a few that will run the Ar's at 600 and a few that will even run them at 1000. I am not saying they are not accurate. They have come a long way in a short time.

mtlucas0311 · September 5, 2014, 11:49 AM

"There are a few that will run the Ar's at 600..."

A few? Like nearly every rifle on the line at Perry for the NTI...

4runnerman · September 5, 2014, 02:34 PM

"There are a few that will run the Ar's at 600..."

A few? Like nearly every rifle on the line at Perry for the NTI

Not familiar with that one- Is that the required Rifle there?.

TimW77 · September 5, 2014, 10:02 PM

"If you have an AR laying around Rock River sells a varmint upper with a 1/8 24in barrel. Same barrels they use on their NM models which are pretty accurate and shoot a wide range of bullet weights quite well."

The RRA Varmint models do NOT use the same barrel as the NM...

The Varmint is a BULL barrrel...

The NM has a HEAVY Match barrel...

The RRA ATH uses an 18" HEAVY Match barrel...

The RRA Predator Pursuit uses either a 16" or 20" HEAVY Match barrel...

My RRA 20" NM will outshoot either of my RRA 24" Varmint models.

T.

mtlucas0311 · September 6, 2014, 05:56 PM

The NTI is pretty much the main service rifle event at the National Matches (held at Camp Perry every year since, like, 1903?) during CMP week. It's fired at 200, 300, and 600 yards. While the vast majority of the shooters use AR's, M14's and Garands are also legal. It isn't meant as as a comparison between bolt guns and AR's, simply that AR's are very, very accurate at 600.

AR's v. bolt guns has likely been beaten to death and the OP has stated his preference so there's no sense in pushing the AR option. Besides, looking back at both of our original posts it looks like we have similar taste in bolt guns.

Regards,
Mike

August 25, 2014, 04:32 PM	#1
BIGON Junior Member Join Date: December 9, 2012 Posts: 3	Looking for 223 Rem. Varmint Rifle W/ 1:8 Twist Fellow shooters, earlier this year I purchased a Howa M1500 223 24" Heavy Barrel w/ 1:12 twist. Through various hand load test I found the sweet spot for this rifle with 55gr projectiles. I'm now looking for a 223 heavy barrel varmint rifle with a 1:8 twist. I want to load and shoot heavier rounds but my Howa doesn't like them at all. So toss up some suggestions and I'll go from there. Thanks

August 25, 2014, 06:42 PM	#4
4runnerman Senior Member Join Date: January 16, 2010 Location: Minnesota Posts: 3,577	9 twist will shoot 75 gn'ers very well. Take a look at a Savage FVSS in a 223. They are tack drivers. __________________ NRA Certified RSO NwCP- Performance Isn't Optional

August 27, 2014, 09:37 AM	#10
taylorce1 Senior Member Join Date: November 18, 2005 Location: On the Santa Fe Trail Posts: 8,242	Ruger American uses a 1:8 twist as well, not a true varmint contour barrel but I like the looks of the predator. The only problem is the 75 grain A-Max is a little long for the factory magazine. However there is a guy working on a fix for that problem. __________________ NRA Life Member

August 29, 2014, 09:29 AM	#14
taylorce1 Senior Member Join Date: November 18, 2005 Location: On the Santa Fe Trail Posts: 8,242	I wouldn't count on a bolt action being more precise than a AR at 600 yards. __________________ NRA Life Member

August 31, 2014, 08:22 PM	#16
4runnerman Senior Member Join Date: January 16, 2010 Location: Minnesota Posts: 3,577	I wouldn't count on a bolt action being more precise than a AR at 600 yards. Say what?. Now Taylorce while AR's have come a long way in the last say 5 to 7 years,They are no where near as accurate as a bolt action rifle. __________________ NRA Certified RSO NwCP- Performance Isn't Optional

August 25, 2014, 06:03 PM	#2
s3779m Senior Member Join Date: November 12, 2012 Location: Lometa, Texas Posts: 333	Have a tikka lite with the 1 in 8", shoots 1/4" groups with federal fusion 62 grams. Also shoots Winchester varmint loads 45 grain under 1/2". Does not really like any of the inexpensive target loads. It does not have a heavy barrel like you are looking for but it might be worth a look.

August 25, 2014, 06:27 PM	#3
Unlicensed Dremel Junior member Join Date: February 13, 2014 Location: Flathead Valley, MT Posts: 2,187	I think Tikka is the ONLY one aren't they, save custom? However, Savage used to make a LRPV or similar model 12 in BOTH a 9 twist and a 7 twist, but not 8 - otherwise the same rifle. Dunno if they still do. It was definitely a heavy barrel and nice rifle.

August 26, 2014, 05:47 AM	#5
cryogenic419 Senior Member Join Date: March 29, 2009 Location: NW Ohio Posts: 569	If you have an AR laying around Rock River sells a varmint upper with a 1/8 24in barrel. Same barrels they use on their NM models which are pretty accurate and shoot a wide range of bullet weights quite well. http://rockriverarms.com/index.cfm?f...ategory_id=270

August 26, 2014, 08:14 PM	#7
berettaprofessor Senior Member Join Date: November 23, 2008 Posts: 1,091	Stag Model 6 is a varmint upper in 1:8 twist.

August 27, 2014, 02:30 AM	#8
trg42wraglefragle Senior Member Join Date: April 21, 2008 Location: new zealand Posts: 856	Tikka T3 lite/varmint/super varmint/tactical all come in 1:8. Pretty sure the heavy barrel CZs are 1:9. At least they used to be. Looks like all Savages in 223 are 1:9. Some 1:12 223 will stabilize long heavy bullets, and some wont. The 68hpbt Hornady would be something I'd try. 1:9 twist should stabilize round a 70gr bullet, whilst 1:8 should get you to 80gr. My Tikka seems to shoot anything from 40gr bullets up to 69gr bullets well at 100 yards, 55gr bullets definitely stabilize. I hope to try out either the 75gr Amax or Berger VLD in it some day. Get a Tikka T3 Tactical, they seem to have a good reputation for accuracy (like all Tikkas) and they look cool! Also have an insanely nice factory trigger.

August 27, 2014, 06:23 AM	#9
jehu Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 2005 Posts: 433	The question is what varmints are you trying to kill and how far are you trying to kill them???

August 27, 2014, 05:31 PM	#11
Unlicensed Dremel Junior member Join Date: February 13, 2014 Location: Flathead Valley, MT Posts: 2,187	Is he also working on a way to run the bolt even with the duct tape keeping the mag from falling out is wrapped around the top? Where's that troll icon?

August 27, 2014, 05:52 PM	#12
trigger643 Senior Member Join Date: April 22, 2011 Posts: 322	My Armalite bull barrel AR is 1:8

August 28, 2014, 04:23 PM	#13
BIGON Junior Member Join Date: December 9, 2012 Posts: 3	I have plenty of AR's with 1:7 twist but I want this to be a bolt action for better precision out to 600 yards.

August 29, 2014, 09:44 AM	#15
Unlicensed Dremel Junior member Join Date: February 13, 2014 Location: Flathead Valley, MT Posts: 2,187	Oh, ok - in that case, your options are... Ruger American Tikka T3 Custom I'd go with one of the last 2.

September 3, 2014, 03:53 PM	#18
ch47gunner Senior Member Join Date: May 28, 2007 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca. Posts: 204	1:8 is an odd-ball twist. Most bolt guns I've seen, in .223, are 1:12, 1:9, or maybe 1:7. My CZ527 Varmint is 1:9 - I've found that 69gn BTHP's work best in mine. __________________ http://militarysignatures.com/signatures/member1197.png

September 3, 2014, 05:03 PM	#19
NHSHOOTER Senior Member Join Date: November 26, 2012 Location: Concord NH Posts: 1,002	Even easier, get a 243, then you can shoot from 65's to 100's...just a idea..

September 5, 2014, 01:05 AM	#20
mtlucas0311 Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2008 Location: Shelby Township MI Posts: 125	Savage 12 LRPV left port or 12 VLP DBM if you want a repeater more than the target action and trigger. Both are offered with a 1:7 which will stabilize about anything you want. Personally, if you've got AR's laying around, I'd just hang a High quality target barrel and free float tube on it. Out to 600 and likely beyond it'll pry outshoot or hang right with any off the shelf bolt gun. If you dump the time and money into a bolt gun to really make it shoot, you still might not be able to see a big difference, depending on your skill. There's no magic involved in making an AR shoot.

September 5, 2014, 11:37 AM	#21
4runnerman Senior Member Join Date: January 16, 2010 Location: Minnesota Posts: 3,577	So then you're saying all bolt actions are more accurate than all ARs I'll take that bet. Like he said I wouldn't just assume the bolt will be more precise Mavracer- What I meant to say is equally match-Yes a bolt will out shoot an AR almost always to always. Now I don't hunt anymore ,but I do Comp shooting. There are a few that will run the Ar's at 600 and a few that will even run them at 1000. I am not saying they are not accurate. They have come a long way in a short time. __________________ NRA Certified RSO NwCP- Performance Isn't Optional Last edited by 4runnerman; September 5, 2014 at 11:43 AM.

September 5, 2014, 11:49 AM	#22
mtlucas0311 Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2008 Location: Shelby Township MI Posts: 125	"There are a few that will run the Ar's at 600..." A few? Like nearly every rifle on the line at Perry for the NTI...

September 5, 2014, 02:34 PM	#23
4runnerman Senior Member Join Date: January 16, 2010 Location: Minnesota Posts: 3,577	"There are a few that will run the Ar's at 600..." A few? Like nearly every rifle on the line at Perry for the NTI Not familiar with that one- Is that the required Rifle there?. __________________ NRA Certified RSO NwCP- Performance Isn't Optional

September 5, 2014, 10:02 PM	#24
TimW77 Senior Member Join Date: September 21, 2008 Posts: 485	"If you have an AR laying around Rock River sells a varmint upper with a 1/8 24in barrel. Same barrels they use on their NM models which are pretty accurate and shoot a wide range of bullet weights quite well." The RRA Varmint models do NOT use the same barrel as the NM... The Varmint is a BULL barrrel... The NM has a HEAVY Match barrel... The RRA ATH uses an 18" HEAVY Match barrel... The RRA Predator Pursuit uses either a 16" or 20" HEAVY Match barrel... My RRA 20" NM will outshoot either of my RRA 24" Varmint models. T.

September 6, 2014, 05:56 PM	#25
mtlucas0311 Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2008 Location: Shelby Township MI Posts: 125	The NTI is pretty much the main service rifle event at the National Matches (held at Camp Perry every year since, like, 1903?) during CMP week. It's fired at 200, 300, and 600 yards. While the vast majority of the shooters use AR's, M14's and Garands are also legal. It isn't meant as as a comparison between bolt guns and AR's, simply that AR's are very, very accurate at 600. AR's v. bolt guns has likely been beaten to death and the OP has stated his preference so there's no sense in pushing the AR option. Besides, looking back at both of our original posts it looks like we have similar taste in bolt guns. Regards, Mike