223 bolt guns

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JustinNC

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Looking for a 223 bolt gun. Don't have anything special in mind. Maybe a Savage 16 to match the 7/08....thinking maybe and after market heavy barrel.

I'm so out of the loop on all things Remington these days. They have a wide array but I'm not sure what to make of the various models.

I'm not much of a custom fixer upper guy so chances are it'll stay stock, barring a possible barrel change to a heavy barrel on the Savage and or potential stock change....if that.

Don't have a set price range, but trying to stay above axis/770/Mossberg kind of range but I'm no bench rest shooter either. Just a good solid practical gun out nod the box that will most likely just be relegated to range duty and truck duty.
 
I've been very happy with my T/C Venture in .223 Rem. (blued fluted barrel, synthetic stock). It's fun to shoot, and more fun to load for!
 
I bought a Savage model 11 BGTH a few years back and could not be happier. No fixing up needed, just add scope and have fun! She is a tack driver.

Savagemod11BGT.jpg
 
I've got an older 788 Remington thats a tack driver! I got it at a GS, gave $175 for it, the original trigger sucks, but I had a Timney put in it, 30oz.'s now, smooth as glass. 5 rds, into less than dime size @ 100 yards, handloads. Look around, they're out there.
 
Savage makes a great inexpensive bolt gun with a standard 1:9 twist on all models that I'm aware of.

Remington has 1:12 on some models and 1:9 on others. They're not hiding anything, twist rate is advertized on each model. Different twist rates for different weight bullets.

I have no personal experience with CZ, but they have an excellent reputation according to anyone who has owned them.
 
Before you pick out a rifle, decide upon a range of bullet weights and styles you want to fire. There are so many in the .224 diameter, you will want to match your intended style of shooting with a twist rate. The 223 has been made in twists ranging from 1:14 to 1:8 and sometimes tighter in a custom application. Not all rifles will be available in the twist of your choice. The long traditional twist is 1:12, but 1:9 and even 1:8 are becoming more prevelant.
 
love my savage 12 with the laminated stock and stainless barrel. it's a varmint gun though and quite heavy. very accurate.
 
If you have a Dicks sporting goods near by they have a dealer exclusive Savage rifle called the Savage 11 VT. It comes with a 24in heavy barrel, accutrigger and a pretty nice stock. Not too flimsy for a bipod. Twist rate is 1/9. Overall a great rifle and it produces groups well under MOA. Best of all it was $550 bucks out the door. ImageUploadedByTapatalk1395297438.657339.jpg
 
I like the Savages - for the price.

If you have the couple of extra bucks - take a long look at the CZ527 Varmint. I think it's worth it.

CZ527 Varmint w/ Nikon Buckmaster 6-18x40SF
P8070005.jpg
 
That CZ looks great. Take a look at the Sako Stainless Varmint in 1:10 twist, it's a ground hog's nightmare.:scrutiny:
 
I just bought a CZ527 Varmint and just put a Nikon Buckmaster 6-18x40SF on it. Just like the one in the picture above. I just got the scope on it on Sunday. Have not shot it yet, but the fit and finish is great. Great wood too. I don't like the exposed magazine, but I got a 1 shot insert to fix that. I look forward to shooting it soon.

I have a couple savages and those are nice too.

I agree regarding the bullet weight, and then barrel twist, to help select the rifle. And use so you can pick the right weight. Some heavy barrels are just, well, heavy. Also, get one that has a good trigger.
 
Weatherby Vanguard S2. Match grade 2-stage trigger and sub-MOA guarantee right out of the box. I have a 1:12 one, and it easy surpasses their accuracy guarantee. For 2014, they now only offer them with 1:9 twist.
 
Just bought a Reminton 700 SPS Tactical in 223. Came with a 1/9" twist for heavier bullets, a hogue overmold stock, and 20" bull barrel. Sighted it in, and the next 4 groups of 5 shots were all under an inch @ 100 with my handloads. Below is a pic of the best one. Used 69gr Nosler Custom Competition bullets. The rifle is compact, but a little beefy. The hogue stock feels nice, but has quite a bit of flex to it that could be an issue if not addressed. Overall I like it a lot... only a month and 25 rounds on it though.
 

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Definitely gives me something to think about. How does the faster twist handle the lighter end of the spectrum, if I wasnt using say 60-80gr bullets all the time?


Now, do I want a pretty gun or something that can get banged around if need be?
 
For the love of all things that are decent in the world, get wood.

Even if it gets banged around, it still looks better, and each scratch is a good shooting memory that you can embellish, like when you were hunting lions in Africa, it was a scratch from a lion claw :)
 
12many said:
For the love of all things that are decent in the world, get wood.

Even if it gets banged around, it still looks better, and each scratch is a good shooting memory that you can embellish, like when you were hunting lions in Africa, it was a scratch from a lion claw

I love wood too, but my dings, I mean memories, generally consist of turning around and slamming it into the truck door while slung across my back, or leaning it up against something, and it falling over :D
 
Savage

You can't beat the value & accuracy of the Savage line. My model 11 is an older model is still a tack driver even though it doesn't have the greatest trigger.The newer models with the improved trigger must be awsome. I have had 3 different Savage bolt guns and they have all been tack drivers.
 
First hand experience with fast twist and light bullets?

Not sure yet. Just loaded some 55's to try. Also ordered some 53's to load and try. Probably not going to try anything lighter than that.
 
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