Bcwitt
Member
My next gun buy. Always wanted a 223 bolt gun. Any suggestions? Stanag mags a plus, but definately not required.
556/223 Bolt action.
- Thread starter Bcwitt
- Start date
American_Fusilier
Member
If you want Stanag mags, then the Ruger is your only choice I believe.
Edit: actually, now that I think about it, I think the Mossberg mvp line can also take AR mags
Edit: actually, now that I think about it, I think the Mossberg mvp line can also take AR mags
redneck2
Member
Do you really want “the best”, or simply something decent?
Budget?
Budget?
Steel Horse Rider
Member
Some years ago I bought a Savage Model 12 in .223 with a stainless steel barrel and the accu-trigger. It is one of the smoother actions I have shot and very accurate. I put a nice variable power scope and a Harris Bipod on it for eliminating prairie rats.
rabid wombat
Member
I believe CZ builds a 223 bolt…Tikka does….either should be good
adcoch1
Member
Cz. Tikka, then Ruger for the stanag pattern mags.
If it matters to you the Ruger Ranch is the only option stamped 5.56, at least that I know of.
Ruger American® Rifle Ranch Bolt-Action Rifle Model 26965
To the best of my knowledge all of the others including the other Ruger's are stamped 223. By the book, if it is stamped 223, then you should only use 223 ammo. If it is stamped 5.56 either can be used.
But as far as I'm concerned the only time it might be an issue is with semi-auto's. 5.56 can be loaded to slightly higher pressures that could damage a 223 semi-auto if used long term. In a bolt rifle as far as I'm concerned they are interchangeable. But some guys feel differently. Just so you know.
I have the Ruger Predator in 223. When I bought mine they were $350, today they are closer to $500 so they aren't the bargain they used to be. My brother has a Tikka in 223. The newer ones are twisted fast for heavier bullets. Older Tikka's were not. If I were buying today, I'd rather have the Tikka. But I don't want a Tikka bad enough to spend the money for it. The Ruger is fine for what I need.
Ruger American® Rifle Predator Bolt-Action Rifle Model 26944
Ruger American® Rifle Ranch Bolt-Action Rifle Model 26965
To the best of my knowledge all of the others including the other Ruger's are stamped 223. By the book, if it is stamped 223, then you should only use 223 ammo. If it is stamped 5.56 either can be used.
But as far as I'm concerned the only time it might be an issue is with semi-auto's. 5.56 can be loaded to slightly higher pressures that could damage a 223 semi-auto if used long term. In a bolt rifle as far as I'm concerned they are interchangeable. But some guys feel differently. Just so you know.
I have the Ruger Predator in 223. When I bought mine they were $350, today they are closer to $500 so they aren't the bargain they used to be. My brother has a Tikka in 223. The newer ones are twisted fast for heavier bullets. Older Tikka's were not. If I were buying today, I'd rather have the Tikka. But I don't want a Tikka bad enough to spend the money for it. The Ruger is fine for what I need.
Ruger American® Rifle Predator Bolt-Action Rifle Model 26944
Turkeytider
Member
- Joined
- Oct 19, 2021
- Messages
- 623
Really like my Savage 110 Storm in .223. Has functioned flawlessly through several hundred rounds. Hunting rifle in all respects as opposed to a long range precision target rifle but more than capable of sub-MOA groups at 100 yards if I don`t screw things up with my less than stellar shooting.
NIGHTLORD40K
Member
CZ, Tikka, Howa,
kmw1954
Member
I won't suggest a brand or model but I will give a big thumbs up to the fun in the cartridge. I have been shooting one in a local bench league for the past 2 winters and having a blast. Mine has a 26" barrel with a 1:9 twist and with 69gr bullets it shoots consistent quarter size groups, some smaller, at 100yds and easy 3/4MOA at 200 and 300 yards, 1/2MOA when I'm on. These are costing me about $.40 to load using Sierra Match King bullets. Would love to try it with a 1:7.5 twist and an 80gr bullet.
MarshallDodge
Member
I've own(ed) the Ruger American, Tikka T3, Remington 700 and 783, Howa Mini, and Mossberg MVP.
The 783 is my favorite for the budget guns. The stock and magazine are higher quality, action is a little bulky but smooth, and the trigger can be adjusted to around 3 pounds. Accuracy is typically sub MOA with good ammo. Unfortunately, I'm not sure if Remarms is making them in 223.
Remington (Remarms) is now making the 700 with a 1:8 twist but I haven't seen much on quality or accuracy.
All that said, I would look for a Tikka Varmint as every one I have had experience with shoot really well.
The 783 is my favorite for the budget guns. The stock and magazine are higher quality, action is a little bulky but smooth, and the trigger can be adjusted to around 3 pounds. Accuracy is typically sub MOA with good ammo. Unfortunately, I'm not sure if Remarms is making them in 223.
Remington (Remarms) is now making the 700 with a 1:8 twist but I haven't seen much on quality or accuracy.
All that said, I would look for a Tikka Varmint as every one I have had experience with shoot really well.
Last edited:
nastynatesfish
Member
I like remington and savage just because of aftermarket support. I’ve had several of both. I recently got back into a rem 700 tactical and love it. Got from a pawn shop. I don’t mind used as long as the actions and trigger aren’t beat up. Mine has a 20” 1-9 twist and shoots 55gr soft points and 75gr bthp really well. I didn’t even work a load up for the 75s, I just took the rounds I shoot in my ar and tried them. I took mine and had it threaded. I’ll eventualaly replace the barrel with a 1-8 so I can shoot other bullets that I want that the 1-9 won’t. But I’m happy with it. the target is 55gr and n130. Shot 2 then adjusted windage to get over the corner of the target. It’s my general purpose round. 55gr Hornady btsp. They run about 3300fps
Attachments
gotboostvr
Member
If I had a 1:9 that shot 75gr's well, I'd probably just leave it alone.
But if you're trying to shoot real small, real far out, an aftermarket barrel is probably in the cards even if the factory barrel had the right twist anyways.
Nuke8401
Member
I have the Ruger American Ranch. I bought it for range use/plinking. I bought it because it has almost everything I was looking for; light weight, uses AR mags, threaded barrel, scope mount/rail. With a reduced power trigger return spring its trigger is 2 3/4#. It will likely be my first suppressor gun. I have two Savage 110s, a 30-06 and a 6mm Creedmoor (re-barreled 308). The Savage actions are smoother and seem stronger (bolt material) to me than the Ruger, but the Ruger has been great in 5.56/223.
WisBorn
Contributing Member
I voted for the Savage and Remington after having heavy barreled rifles in them. The Remington was a 700 sps varmint in 223.
The Savage was a model 12 with a laminated stock in 300wsm.
Both were super accurate, though the Savage had a slight edge over the Remington.
If you are looking for a walkabout rifle I would look hard at a Ruger American.
The Savage was a model 12 with a laminated stock in 300wsm.
Both were super accurate, though the Savage had a slight edge over the Remington.
If you are looking for a walkabout rifle I would look hard at a Ruger American.
I have a couple bull-barreled Remington 700 that I've pimped, 223 and 6.5cm/308. Boyd's stocks to replace the flexy tupperware factory stock and aftermarket trigger. After all the effort, maybe I should have bought a dedicated precision rifle with fancy stock for $1500 instead. I'm just a range rat, no hunting or long treks so weight doesn’t matter. Both are well over 12 lbs with scope.
OP
OP
Bcwitt
Member
After a decent one. I like the idea of the Savage, as I have tooling to change barrels. The Ruger is interesting for the mags, but a lot of there products are kinda iffy. I was kinda fishing for others experience.
bihj
Member
Look for a used CZ527. If you can, shoot it a few times first. You WILL NOT regret a purchase weather you get to shoot it first or not.
redneck2
Member
If I were buying a new bolt rifle and truly wanted “the best” (which I assume means accuracy, fit, and finish) in a fairly common factory rifle it would be a Sako. Second for me would be CZ or Browning.
Ruger and Savage would not be in the team photo. Perhaps they are adequate or even good, but would not be in “the best” conversation. That would be equivalent to saying a Kia is “the best” family passenger car. Perhaps adequate, but not the best IMO. Now, if you want to say “best rifle under $500”, that’s a different story. If I were a moderator, I’d require every thread like this to give a dollar value up front.
I buy a bolt rifle because they are typically slim and easy carrying. Something taking AR mags would defeat this purpose for me. I have a hard time wrapping my head around a bolt rifle with a 20 round mag hanging out the bottom. I’ve got two CZ’s and a X-Bolt with detachable mags but they’re flush fit. And yes, I’ve got three AR’s
Ruger and Savage would not be in the team photo. Perhaps they are adequate or even good, but would not be in “the best” conversation. That would be equivalent to saying a Kia is “the best” family passenger car. Perhaps adequate, but not the best IMO. Now, if you want to say “best rifle under $500”, that’s a different story. If I were a moderator, I’d require every thread like this to give a dollar value up front.
I buy a bolt rifle because they are typically slim and easy carrying. Something taking AR mags would defeat this purpose for me. I have a hard time wrapping my head around a bolt rifle with a 20 round mag hanging out the bottom. I’ve got two CZ’s and a X-Bolt with detachable mags but they’re flush fit. And yes, I’ve got three AR’s
Last edited:
Shanghai McCoy
Member
I've had a Savage Varmint version with the "slightly" heavy barrel for 10 years or so. It has the 1/9 twist barrel and is a very accurate rifle.
That said, if the Ruger American had been around I would have gone with that because I really like the idea of being able to use an AR magazine in it.
That said, if the Ruger American had been around I would have gone with that because I really like the idea of being able to use an AR magazine in it.
RainDodger
Member
CZ
Legionnaire
Contributing Member
Can't vote. All make good options. Savage may be best bang for the buck. My favorite bolt action .223 is a Remington 700 XCR Compact Tactical. I'd prefer a faster-twist barrel, but it does pretty well with the 1:9.
Last edited:
JeeperCreeper
Member
Since there's no more specifics I'm gonna say Steyr Scout... because why not?
