Need help. Looking for trainer rifle.

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CKweigand

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Greenville, Illinois
Hey everyone,
Let me start off with I have several rimfire rifles that I use for practicing/training for the bigger calibers which is great however I’m looking for a specific caliber....

I’m looking for a bolt action rifle in .223 Remington...why .223 you ask?? Because I have thousands and thousands of rounds in storage and I sold all of my AR’s... the black gun thing just wasn’t for me. I’m more old school I guess...

Plus I also figured changing things up from rimfire to centerfire would add some spice to life and I also thought it would be a nice jump into centerfire for my kids as well when they are ready.


So I’ve looked at Winchester M70’s, Remington 700’s, Savage 110’s and I just haven’t found anything that sparks my interest or found one that I felt met my needs

I’m looking for a Bolt action 223 around the $600-$900 range. Something that will perform on paper well at 250 yds with tight groups and can shoot all day as well as something that I’ll have faith in helping me bring down the stray coyote every once in a while.

I can shoot a 223 all day unlike the 416 Rigby in the safe...any help would be great thanks
 
Check out Tikka or Sako if you have passed on the ones you listed above already. Both come with an accuracy guarantee.

I really like the Rem 700 PSS but if that's not your think look to Europe for options.
 
A key consideration with 223 is the barrel twist rate. Different companies and even different models from the same company often use different twists. 1/12 barrels are designed for 55 grain bullets and under. 1/9 will stabilize 62 grain. If you want to shoot 68 grain you probably have to go to 1/7.
 
A key consideration with 223 is the barrel twist rate. Different companies and even different models from the same company often use different twists. 1/12 barrels are designed for 55 grain bullets and under. 1/9 will stabilize 62 grain. If you want to shoot 68 grain you probably have to go to 1/7.

That’s has been a key part for me. I was surprised to see Remington with a lot of 12” twists. I was thinking somewhere between 7-9 would be ideal.
 
Most of the rifles in .223 that do what you want look like what you don't want. I agree with Ohen Cepel, A Tikka or Sako will be your best bet, though I just peeked at Tikka's site, and the only .223 listed with wood is a benchrest/heavy varmint rifle. I don't know their twist rates. My first recommendation in .223 is usually a Savage Axis II or 12, or Ruger American.
 
Before we get all het up about twisties, what are the specifications of those thousands of rounds? The longest bullet governs.

All are Hornady bullets mostly comprised of 55 and 62 FMJ... some are even HP’s

The brother in law and I were prepping back in the Obama days... I do want to load some 75 grainers BT match stuff just to see what I can come up with...

Forgot about CZ guys...I’ll look into em.
 
Ruger American Predator Rifle. Mine shoots sub-MOA with many of my loads @300yds, all day long. Easily my best shooting rifle. And for only $400, there's enough left over in your budget for very good glass.
 
I was beat to it, Ruger makes several sub MoA rifles in your price range. I really like the M-77s.
 
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I like my CZ527 in .223 quite a bit -- I have a total of three 527s, but the fullstock .223 is the beauty queen of the trio. The bolt design is very clever and easy to take apart without tools; you get controlled feed and excellent extraction, and the single-set trigger is likewise excellent. With the .223, if you don't like the single-stack magazine sticking down, there is a factory 3-round option that fits nearly flush. In this photo, the 3-round mag is shown installed -- the other long mags were included in the photo to prove I like this rifle enough to buy several spares:

CZ527FS.jpg

I presume from your 250 yard range comment that you plan to put a scope on it, so be advised that the bolt handle root on CZ527 requires a slightly higher mount than most other bolt actions. Some rifle packages come from the factory with a set of rings included, and there are several aftermarket alternatives if you prefer something different. The fixed base positions on the receiver will also limit mounting flexibility fore-and-aft a bit. Not a major problem, just something to be aware of and plan around accordingly.
 
CK, I know you specified a bolt action. But you might look at the Henry single shot rifle in .223/5.56. They come with iron sights and are tapped for a scope. The reviews have been very positive. Just a suggestion.

Jeff
 
You need to be looking at CZ rifles. They are as nice of a rifle as a man can buy without going custom or crazy expensive.

Yea, that. 110% that. CZ's are, in my mind, some of the finest rifles being made currently. I don't have a .223, but did have a 22 Hornet for a little while last year before finances forced it's sale. To me, the CZ rifles are what Winchester and Remington used to be, and should be.

Mac
 
Another vote for a 1:9 twist CZ 527 based on experience with my .223 CZ 527 Carbine.
 
I’m sure there are other great options, but I’d probably look at CZ first and maybe only. I’ve got two and both are awesome accurate

Actually, I’m looking at a third that I’ve got little use for, but they are so good that I’m sorely tempted and the price is great
 
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I run a synth stocked 700ADL. Yes it is utilitarian. Thats why I bought it. Agree.....nothing new in 700s is exciting. Same ol same ol.

But i do keep an eye out for an old....700
BDL VS. Want around 74.....solid panel cut checkering , 24" heavy bbl. In .222 rem

A classic mild mannered varminter.

I mention this....because they made em in .223 also.
 
Sorry. While newer synth stuff may shoot better out if the box. They and the entry level rifles just dont have that heirloom quality.

Kids when grown.....grandkids when grown .

..will want that pretty rifle they shot when young.
 
I appreciate all the help everybody....With everything considered I’m looking at the Tikka T3x lite stainless .223 in 8” twist. 22.4” barrel

Reasons being I can take it out in all adverse weather conditions and not worry (as much) when hunting. It will be just a hair heavier than 7.5 lbs with my scope on. It has a sub moa factory gaurantee. I won’t get heartbroken if I or my son accidentally damage/bang up the synthetic stock a bit. (Which is a modular design)..and the rifle as a whole seems pretty simple to service,maintain, and work on...

Another reason is I found a new one for 600 bucks out the door cost at a mom and pop dealer locally where as the other guys want somewhere just a little north of 800 for it.

Thank you everyone! I do see a CZ coming up in the future. Cough cough 6.5X55.

CK
 
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