Which budget bolt 223?

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BigBL87

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So, recently I decided I want to pick up a .223 bolt gun. Main reason being I'd like to set up my AR with a 1-4 or 1-6 scope, but also want to have a rifle that can reach out a little better when hunting coyote. I do have a Savage 10 in .308, but that just seems excessive and its notably more expensive to feed. My AR currently has a Primary Arms 4-16x on it, my plan would be to move that over the my new bolt gun and buy a new scope for the AR.

I'm not looking to spend a load on the my new 223, looking around the $300 mark or so. So far I'm thinking about:

Axis/Axis II - The Axis can be found SUPER cheap ($230ish) it seems, but I hear alot of complaints about the trigger. I can buy an MCARBO spring kit or even a new trigger, but at that point I'm pushing myself up into the range of other options. The Axis II ($310ish) has the Accutrigger (I have 2 rifles with them and love them) and it seems a nicer stock with the new ones they're putting out.

T/C Compass ($300ish) - This is the one I'm leaning towards but have never held one and can't find anyone that carries them locally. The 5R rifling and the sub MOA gurantee are nice. I've read both that the trigger is bad and very nice, so not sure what to think on that. I'd probably buy the MCARBO spring kit anyway. I've also read some complaints about some very rough machining with the barrels on some? I also like the fact that it is .223/5.56 rather than .223 so I can safely shoot 5.56 and not worry about voiding the warranty or anything.

Ruger American ($360ish) - A little more expensive but not much more than the Axis II. Haven't really read much bad about it.

I'd love input from people that owned/have owned them or if there are other options I'm missing. Like I said, not looking to spend alot, it'll mostly just be for coyote and fun.
 
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I'm not sure about the T/C or Savage, but I know Ruger came out with Americans last year that take AR mags and that's only available in the Predator model, which is fine as that barrel is thicker than the standard American and also the really budget Axis rifles. Also, the Ruger Americans... I've seen the way the actions are bedded to the stock and it looks A LOT more solid than the way the Axis' are bedded.

I'm not trying to bash Savage in any way, I really appreciate that they make an accurate, budget bolt action almost anyone can afford. That said, the Americans are better rifles for more money and I'm able to afford them. Just having AR mag capability makes all the difference in the world as those awful 4 round proprietary mags Ruger and Savage use in some of their rifles are not built to last and they cost a lot. Literally, you could buy several 20 rd AR mags for the price of one of them.
 
Ruger American hands-down! You can get an American that will take AR mags which is awesome in my opinion. Plus Magpul makes their Hunter stock for the Ruger American also which would be another cool upgrade possibility down the road.

If there were me, there is no question I would choose the Ruger. The Savage and T/C wouldn't even be a blip on my radar.
 
I recently faced this same choice. For me it was for a youth gun and I chose the savage axis. The trigger on my son’s is actually quite nice. It’s not the accutrigger. I don’t like how tough the bolt is to cycle, but there are fixes for that. I was pleasantly surprised by its accuracy. I agree that AR mags would be fantastic.

All in all, I chose it because my first centerfire was a savage which has served me well and sentimentally I wanted his to be, which has no bearing on your situation at all.
 
you can clean up a standard axis trigger pretty easy if yer handy at all... no need tospend big money tofixit... wont be onces trigger weight but plenty good!

I grabbed a couple last year too cheap to pass up... ar mags would be great but the ones they have work well enough for a huntin/truck gun
 
Ruger American Predator, for the AR mag capability, and they are a good solid gun. I had an Axis (not a II) and the trigger was fine, good accurate gun. My son has it now, and has taken many deer with it and the one he sold a while back. (he regretted it, and traded the AR he replaced it with to me for my Axis and his old 870) Stocks and magazines are the weak point on the Axis.
 
lacking experience with the TC, Ruger American.

there's nothing about the axis, except the newest stocks, that I prefer over any American.
 
The Ruger Ranch that takes AR magazines is a great, accurate little gun. I love mine and for those who worry about such things it is stamped 5.56 instead of 223. I'd shoot the 2 rounds interchangeably in a bolt gun, but some folks won't. No worries with shooting both rounds in the Ruger. And it has a fast 1:8 twist which works well with the heavier bullets. I'm not certain about the others, but most bolt guns have 1:10 twist barrels and are limited to bullets on the lighter end of the spectrum.

that take AR mags and that's only available in the Predator model,

The Predator is 223 with a 22" barrel and they make a version that takes AR mags. The Ranch rifle is basically the same gun with a tan stock vs green. But the Ranch is a 16" barrel with 5.56 chamber that will work with either 223 or 5.56.

https://ruger.com/products/americanRiflePredator/specSheets/26944.html
https://ruger.com/products/americanRifleRanch/specSheets/26965.html
 
The AR mag thing would be nice so I wouldn't have to buy more mags since I already have an AR and prefer 20 rounders to begin with. I also like the heavier barrel profile. I might have to look hard at the Predator, being over $400 hurts a little because I'll be saving awhile to get one (I do side stuff like surveys, etc. for gun money so it doesn't come out of our budget) but it may be worth the extra wait.
 
The Predator is 223 with a 22" barrel and they make a version that takes AR mags. The Ranch rifle is basically the same gun with a tan stock vs green. But the Ranch is a 16" barrel with 5.56 chamber that will work with either 223 or 5.56.

https://ruger.com/products/americanRiflePredator/specSheets/26944.html
https://ruger.com/products/americanRifleRanch/specSheets/26965.html
OP specified .223 rifle, if he intends to only shoot .223, then there's no reason for him to get a 5.56, unless he wants that shorter barrel.

Which for a .223 is not the best for power. 6 extra inches of barrel is easily and extra 150 fps.
 
OP specified .223 rifle, if he intends to only shoot .223, then there's no reason for him to get a 5.56, unless he wants that shorter barrel.

Which for a .223 is not the best for power. 6 extra inches of barrel is easily and extra 150 fps.

Being able to shoot 5.56 would be nice but isn't a requirement. Since I have some 5.56 for my AR it would be nice to be able to use it but if I can't it's not the end of the world. The shorter barrel of the Ranch is kind of what made me lean away from that one, I'd prefer a longer barrel since I already have a 16" AR.
 
Being able to shoot 5.56 would be nice but isn't a requirement. Since I have some 5.56 for my AR it would be nice to be able to use it but if I can't it's not the end of the world. The shorter barrel of the Ranch is kind of what made me lean away from that one, I'd prefer a longer barrel since I already have a 16" AR.
Understood. If the ultimate goal is specifically for coyotes at distance, I'd look into which of the three rifles is better able to shoot heavy bullets, like projectiles over 70 grains. At those distances it retains a lot of power vs 55 grain .223 and could allow you to do more than just take coyotes if the need ever arose.
 
I have the RAR in 300 BLK and 6.5. 100% happy with both. I believe the RAR in 223 is available that will use AR mags, which will make the project cheaper in terms of accessories. 10 and 20 round Pmags would be perfect.
My bolt action 223 is this Mossberg thunder ranch model. It also uses 223 mags, and shoots 1 MOA with the right ammo. Very happy with it, but a little pricier than $300.
MVP turkey.jpg
 
Axis with accu trigger. I have two of them and the heavy barrel outshoots my buddies rem 700 that cost 3x more.

My take on Ruger American vs Savage Axis.

I was told by the Savage gunsmith that the axis heavy barrels are the exact same as a 10/110, etc. this is why they shoot so well. Accu trigger is great. They offer new stocks that are a little more ridged and the bolts on the axis while loose, they don't feel cheap like the Ruger. This is just my opinion but they just feel cheap to me.

I attached some Savage accuracy pics. :cool::D Factory and hand-loads.
 

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I have a Howa Mini and a 1500 HB, both .223. I also have a 5.56 Ruger Mini-14. I don't have a problem with the 5.56/.223 issues because I don't buy ammo, I reload. My experience with Ruger barrels hasn't been good. YMMV.

The trigger on the 1500 is pretty good out of the box and it's for sure a 1 moa rifle. Howa is the action that Weatherby uses. No flies on those rifles.

If you wait around for a sale you can usually find a standard 1500 for around $400.
 
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I think I grabbed by 527 fir ~$500, you can find them if hunt....new in box.

The CZ is so much better over the ruger, however if you must have that AR mag then you get to play the ruger lotto and hope you get one that will hit the planet earth if you point it straight down.

If the CZ is out then the Savage would be my pick.
 
I think I grabbed by 527 fir ~$500, you can find them if hunt....new in box.

The CZ is so much better over the ruger, however if you must have that AR mag then you get to play the ruger lotto and hope you get one that will hit the planet earth if you point it straight down.

If the CZ is out then the Savage would be my pick.
perhaps I was expecting too much from my 527, but honestly I think besides being the correct size for the Grendel it's chambered in, and not using AR mags, I prefer the Amy's for the cost. I
want to try a Howa mini, and honestly if buying a .223 sized case that's what I'd suggest as a viable upgrade to the Amy. Savage also has the m25 which is another I'd look at if buying a .223 bassed rifle.
And this isn't to say I don't like my 527, but for the 700 bucks I spent it could have been a little smoother. Accuracy with what I've tried so far hasn't been spectacular either 1.25-1.5" or so. I need to get some other projectiles all I've used are 123s


I keep hearing that rugers arnt accurate, but so far none of mine have been anything less than boring.
Perhaps I've just been lucky.

As a note on the Savage 10/axis barrels, I've had it confirmed that ALL Savage line rifles carry the same quality barrels. My experience is that they tend to be rough, but consistently accurate.
The accu-trigger is a decent factory trigger, but I dislike that it only blocks the sear from dropping, not the trigger itself from actuating. My trigger fingers been broken and the tip ends up down, joint high, this means I have to very carefully pull an accutrigger to keep from dropping the sear with side pressure on the upper part of the trigger. The rugers blade blocks the trigger from traveling at all, which allows me to be sloppier on placement.

again just info, honestly I think you'll have to TRY to actually find a bad choice for a simple shooter.
 
Axis with accu trigger. I have two of them and the heavy barrel outshoots my buddies rem 700 that cost 3x more.

My take on Ruger American vs Savage Axis.

I was told by the Savage gunsmith that the axis heavy barrels are the exact same as a 10/110, etc. this is why they shoot so well. Accu trigger is great. They offer new stocks that are a little more ridged and the bolts on the axis while loose, they don't feel cheap like the Ruger. This is just my opinion but they just feel cheap to me.

I attached some Savage accuracy pics. :cool::D Factory and hand-loads.

My accent results are similar to yours with axis 2 I stoned the sear and replaced trigger spring with a g2 ball point pen spring cut to 5/8 inch. Threaded in a # 10 screw and lock nut for overtravel stop. Trigger was 2.5 lbs crisp and cost less than 5 dollars.
Trigger was almost as good as the Timney 512 on my rem 700.

My son in law has it now and is very happy with it. I upgraded to a m11 savage. Shot this 4 shot group at 300 yds. Center bull m11, 5 shot at upper left at 15 open sight both 68 gr hornandy hpbt match, and top 3 m11 55gr hornandy fmjbt reloads. IMG_20190715_202152.jpg
 
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My list. In order. But honestly, most budget guns are good enough.

Savage 11 is my top vote.

I've seen it around lately for about $350. The recoil lug and ability to upgrade are well worth the upgrade over the axis to me.Mags are a real downside to it though. There are models with a blind mag like the hog hunter. I have one in 223 and 308. They are heavy but quite accurate.

Howa.
I see these for $350 or so. Bottom metal. Accurate. Smooth.

Ruger american.
I have a dozen Rugers. I like them. However, they have been letting some real sloppy stuff out in the last couple of years. Chances are, if you buy an American it will shoot well though. It will likely just be a bit rough.

Tikka
A mot like the American but much better finished. It is $100 more on average.

Rem 700
Light and usually accurate enough.
 
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