Cheap-to-shoot range Rifle for 50, 100 and 200 yards

[Smaug]

I have a few .22 LR rifles. One, the Ruger 77/22 built in the 80s, is accurate enough to shoot at 100 yards, though it is obviously pushed around by the wind a bit. It shoots right around 1.5-2" @ 100 yards. I love that gun. It's fun to hear the light crack and then hear the bullet punch the paper separately a second later.

I have a Remington 788 in 6 mm Rem, but I was never able to do better than about 3" @ 100 yards, even with many different hand loads. It's kind of a junky gun, but it was my uncle's.

I was thinking of a 22 Mag; no need to reload and the rimfire ammo is reasonably affordable. Will it do OK on paper out to 200 though? I started reading up on 22 WMR in these two old threads:

https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/22-wmr.850570/
https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/22-wmr.828474/

There were some comments that 5.56 or .223 costs about the same as 22 WMR. Maybe a nice bolt action rifle in one of those calibers then? I could use cheap bulk ammo just for shooting at 25 and 50 yards standing offhand, and better ammo for 100 and 200. Maybe even hand load for it. It'd probably be a lot better at 200 yards than 22 WMR, too.

.22 Hornet was mentioned a few times, but there isn't much factory ammo and it's not exactly a reloader's dream, with its thin case walls. Out of a bolt gun, I think I'd do just as well with down-loaded .223 with light bullets. (and free brass everywhere from the AR guys)

Budget would probably be under $800. I have a nice scope set aside for it already.

I read in the above threads that CZs are pretty well regarded. I looked with interest at the Ruger Precision Rimfire in 22 WMR, but Rugers don't seem to be highly regarded except in their higher-end guns, like the 77 or 77/22. I sure do like their rotary magazines, and the grip and stock look comfy for the bench. At $600, the price seems fair, too. Has anyone tried one?



What specific recommendations have you got for a new gun?

 

[gotboostvr]

It's really hard to beat 223 for the price/ performance ratio.

Like you said, cheap ammo for short range plinking is... well, cheap.

It'll still return you great accuracy at well beyond even 200yrds with good ammo.

And there is alot of options for factory rifles and ammo at reasonable prices.

Heck, with your budget you could even build a decent shooting AR. Find a decent barrel on sale, a LaRue trigger and PSA everything else and you're in business and under budget. Just an outside the box option.

If you're only interested in bolt actions, you've got so many good options.

A Ruger American Ranch will be super handy and light, great for carrying around and offhand shooting. It will also be well under budget. A Predator will be a little less handy, but a very good shooter. They're so far under budget you could add a nice adjustable target stock like a Boyd's AT-1 or chassis system and still be under $800.

Howa 1500 would be another good lower price option. Lots of options within their line up, from short heavy barrels to longer light weight ones.

Tikka T3x would be closer to your max budget, but still under and another rifle people can't seem to stop raving about.

 

[KansasTrapper77]

A Ruger American is hard to beat for cheap accuracy. My father’s .243 will shoot sub MOA with zero modifications.

If you want cheap cheap ammo .22LR will go as far as you want really. My uncle shoots .22LR out to 400yrds with adjustable scope rings adding extra adjustment range to the scope so he can zero at 400. Just buy quality .22. No bulk cartons and Ruger has some quite nice options in .22LR and .22 Mag with an MSRP of less than $700

In centerfire .223 would be hard to beat because it is wildly available in all ranges of cost and precision loading. The Ruger American Predator has a bit longer and heavier barrel and in .223 uses a reliable AR mag vs Ruger’s troublesome rotary magazine. And once again an MSRP of less than $700 which would leave you a bit of coin to upgrade the stock with a plug and play BOYD’S stock.

Less than $800 with proven precision capabilities. Ruger American is hard to beat.

 

[Varminterror]

50-200 yards, my mind goes straight to 22LR.

I wouldn’t be terribly convinced that a 22WMR is really going to feel like a change of pace - just incrementally so - compared to 22LR. Same said about 17HMR - and I would expect 17HMR to shoot smaller than 22WMR, so between the two, I’d get a 17HMR over a 22WMR. I WOULD expect the Ruger Precision Rimfire to shoot smaller than the 77/22 - and frankly expect the Ruger Americans, with at worst a little stock work, to shoot smaller than the typical M77 Hawkeye.

But really, if you’re shooting 22LR already at 200, I’d recommend a larger step in performance and pick up a 223rem. Louder, flatter, faster, and I’d expect most 223’s to shoot smaller groups than most 22wmr’s.

Were it my money, wanting to shoot small groups at 50-200yrds for low cost, I’d look for a Savage 12 BVSS in 223rem - which is what I DO shoot when I want to shoot small groups at 200yrds for low cost…

 

[FL-NC]

My 223 bolt rifle is a Mossberg MVP thunder ranch. It is very accurate with 75 and 77 gr match ammo, never tried anything else though. There is a similar Ruger American.

 

[Dave DeLaurant]

Cheap is a very subjective topic in general, and especially so when it comes to ammo. In the last couple years the bar has moved way up on what people are willing to pay per shot.

My target price point for centerfire ammo is around .20/round. Even with handloading and recycled brass, at present I can only achieve this thanks to primers and propellant stockpiled during Trump's presidency. I don't believe that prices on cast or plated bullets have risen at the same rate as jacketed bullets, so lately I've been using the former almost exclusively.

Even at today's prices, garden-variety .22 LR isn't horribly expensive wherever availability is good -- although I still choke when I see the current price on a 100 round box of CCI MiniMags. .22 WMR is fun from a rifle barrel, but I agree with Varminterror's conclusions here.

BTW, if you want to shoot a whole lot for pennies, consider using a precision air rifle. These present a whole new set of interesting ballistic challenges at backyard distances (assuming you have the right neighbors). Check out this classic article by Peter Capstick:

http://www.minisniping.org/articles_petercapstick.html

 

[jak67429]

I am with varminterror. either a 17 hmr or 223. Lots of good 223 bolt guns and most all will shoot reasonably good. 17 hmr works pretty well out to 200 yards I have shot Prairie dogs and ground squirrels with mine out to 200. but ammo is not that much different in price than a 223.

 

[Smaug]

Heck, with your budget you could even build a decent shooting AR. Find a decent barrel on sale, a LaRue trigger and PSA everything else and you're in business and under budget. Just an outside the box option.

What is considered "decent-shooting" for an AR?

A Ruger American Ranch will be super handy and light, great for carrying around and offhand shooting. It will also be well under budget. A Predator will be a little less handy, but a very good shooter. They're so far under budget you could add a nice adjustable target stock like a Boyd's AT-1 or chassis system and still be under $800.

Lots of recommendations so far for Ruger American. With the .223, it has the AR magazine. Would I have reasonable clearance to be able to shoot from a bench?

Howa 1500 would be another good lower price option. Lots of options within their line up, from short heavy barrels to longer light weight ones.

Never thought about Howa; I'll have a look.

Tikka T3x would be closer to your max budget, but still under and another rifle people can't seem to stop raving about.

Tikkas are ghetto Sakos, right? I shot a really sweet Sako .243 the other week. I was impressed.

If you want cheap cheap ammo .22LR will go as far as you want really. My uncle shoots .22LR out to 400yrds with adjustable scope rings adding extra adjustment range to the scope so he can zero at 400. Just buy quality .22. No bulk cartons and Ruger has some quite nice options in .22LR and .22 Mag with an MSRP of less than $700

What kind of groups is he getting at 200 on a calm day? I'm finding they open up quite a bit at 200, compared to 100, as it is well past its effective range for anything but targets.

In centerfire .223 would be hard to beat because it is wildly available in all ranges of cost and precision loading. The Ruger American Predator has a bit longer and heavier barrel and in .223 uses a reliable AR mag vs Ruger’s troublesome rotary magazine. And once again an MSRP of less than $700 which would leave you a bit of coin to upgrade the stock with a plug and play BOYD’S stock.

This is compelling, to me. That's a good-looking stock. However, the gun is $650 and the stock is $300, so that puts me around $950. Doable, but pushing it. That's why I'm tempted by the Ruger Precision Rimfire, as the stock already looks comfy and adjustable and the 22 WMR isn't completely out of its envelope @ 200.

My 223 bolt rifle is a Mossberg MVP thunder ranch. It is very accurate with 75 and 77 gr match ammo, never tried anything else though. There is a similar Ruger American.

I forgot that Mossy is into rifles now. I'll take a look.

I think I'm going to look at T/C Encores, also. I've never had a single shot, and for my stated use here, it might fit the bill. They used to have an MoA Accuracy Guarantee, too...

 

[Smaug]

I am with varminterror. either a 17 hmr or 223. Lots of good 223 bolt guns and most all will shoot reasonably good. 17 hmr works pretty well out to 200 yards I have shot Prairie dogs and ground squirrels with mine out to 200. but ammo is not that much different in price than a 223.

Good reference on the ammo pricing. Is that apples:apples though? For example, is it junky bulk .223 vs. quality 17 HMR, or quality vs. quality?

Also, is .223 cheap or just the bulk 5.56? (which I couldn't shoot in a .223 rifle)

Although I can reload, I don't have as much time for it as I imagine I do. (family man) Rimfire is compelling for never having to reload, but .223 would give me so many more options.

I kind of got out of reloading years ago when WWB 9 mm Luger was $12 a box everywhere and a 500 brick of quality Winchester Super-X 22LR was $15.

 

[KansasTrapper77]

@Smaug hits on a man size target at 500 yards. At 100yrds 1 to 2 in groups. Very very ammo dependent.

 

[Smaug]

Just did a quick search on the prices of in-stock inexpensive ammo at Midway:

223 Rem (brass cases) - $0.80/rd (200 round box)
223 Rem (steel cases) - $0.47/rd (20 round box, CheaperThanDirt)
22 WMR - $0.34/rd
17 HMR - $0.34/rd

The 22 WMR @ $0.34/rd is quality stuff, which would compare more to 223 ammo costing probably $1.50/rd.

I guess if I wanted to really go for accuracy, 223 would have a huge advantage with fire-formed brass in reloads. 22 WMR doesn't seem to be known for top accuracy.

 

[CoalCrackerAl]

I'll also vouch for 17 HMR.

 

[gotboostvr]

What is considered "decent-shooting" for an AR?

With appropriate ammo, I'd say at or under 1MOA is reasonable

Lots of recommendations so far for Ruger American. With the .223, it has the AR magazine. Would I have reasonable clearance to be able to shoot from a bench?

With the correct, shorter magazine, it shouldn't be an issue. I belive there's nearly if not entirely flush fit mags avaliable

Never thought about Howa; I'll have a look.

They're a very good buy, it's essentially a Weatherby Vanguard, without the Weatherby logo on it.

Tikkas are ghetto Sakos, right? I shot a really sweet Sako .243 the other week. I was impressed.

As fine a product as the Tikkas seem to be, "ghetto" seems a bit dishonest. But yes, they are the budget Sako's. Apparently, they use the same quality barrels, just on a easier to manufacture action and stock.

Supposed to be one of the better factory synthetic stocks as well as being very lightweight guns.

 

[Mauser fan]

I agree with everything Dave said in post 6.

 

[Smaug]

I just read that 223 Rem is allowed for deer in Wisconsin. I think I'm sold on 223. It can do anything here that I want to do.

 

[Smaug]

BTW, if you want to shoot a whole lot for pennies, consider using a precision air rifle. These present a whole new set of interesting ballistic challenges at backyard distances (assuming you have the right neighbors). Check out this classic article by Peter Capstick:

http://www.minisniping.org/articles_petercapstick.html

Great post, and I will add that the reason I haven't been here in 10 years (until the past couple weeks) is that I've been shooting air rifles. The pre-charged pneumatics (PCP) in particular are amazing. I have a couple of them and shoot the .177 out to 55 yards, sometimes competitively. The .22 is good out to about 85 yards, and that is with the very inefficient diabolo shaped pellets. They are starting to use "slugs" (which are actually bullets) to get the aerodynamic efficiency of firearms. Big bore air rifles are coming out now and are allowed for big game in some places; they perform about like a muzzle loader rifle. I even hand-pump my PCP rifles and get a nice whole body workout, too!

I've kept the squirrels out of my back yard with my .177. It has a "moderator" that makes it whisper quiet. Much quieter than even subsonic 22LR out of a bolt action. Muzzle energy is only about 19 ft-lbs, but that sends a 10.5 gr. pellet through the lungs , and usually doesn't exit. It stops just under the skin on the far side. Head shots exit. In this way, I've killed at least 80 of them over the last year. (house backs up to a wood lot and people feed them)

I have some spring piston rifles, including a couple nice British and European ones and even one that uses a gas piston, like what holds up the hatchback of a car. Those are harder to shoot well, as things are moving around in the gun while the pellet's still in the barrel; one has to hold it the same way every time for consistency. (I post in the airgun subforum here sometimes, too)

One more cool thing about air rifles: When hunting squirrels with them, the noise is often just enough to pique the interest of other squirrels to come have a look, rather than spook them away, like firearms do. I've read that some deer hunters also get their small game license and bring a PCP air pistol up in their tree stands, and if they get skunked for deer, they often don't get skunked for squirrels.

 

[LiveLife]

Cheap is a very subjective topic in general, and especially so when it comes to ammo.

So true.

I used to think ammunition cost factor was not as big but over the decades and certainly during lifetime after seeing over 90% of shooting cost of over $170,000 went to ammunition cost ... made me have some realizations:

• If you want to shoot "cheaper" (or save the most money), shoot the caliber that is lower in per round cost
• If you shoot a lot, purchase cost of firearm becomes less relevant or irrelevant so buy the best firearm you can afford or one that you WANT and/or NEED
• If you reload, cost of equipment will be overshadowed by cost of components over time so once again, buy the best equipment you can afford/want/need, even better with lifetime warranty.

 

[jmr40]

A 22 long rifle at 250 yards. It can be done with an accurate rifle, accurate ammo and good optics. It does put the challenge in shooting.

A budget 223 bolt action is another option. In fact the larger hit on this target was from a 223 fired earlier in the day. I hit 6 out of 8 shots fired with my Tikka T1x.

 

[someguy2800]

17 HMR for me

 

[JShirley]

If you wanted to try something different and inexpensive, RIA has a .22TCM carbine. Ammo is $.40/rd, and the cartridge can be reloaded, using .22 Hornet load data and lightweight .223 bullets. There are lots of upsides, including cheap ammunition and no recoil, but the downside is that it will be a reload only proposition if Armscor stops making ammunition, and no other ammo maker picks it up.

John

 

[Turkeytider]

i have two rifles, one a Savage 93R17 FV ( 17HMR) and the other a Savage 110 Storm in .223. I enjoy shooting both and both are 1 MOA or better rifles when I don`t blow the shot and feeding them the loads they prefer.
The 17HMR is my main range gun and I enjoy the challenge of shooting for sub-MOA groups at 100 yards ( and it certainly can be a challenge! ). One issue with the 17HMR is variability in ammo quality which certainly can impact accuracy and precision. Currently, CCi and Winchester are the only manufacturers of 17HMR ammo and neither produces match grade in that caliber. It is varmint ammo and I believe I`ve read where CCi`s expectation is 2 MOA for their 17HMR ammo ( could be in error there and would welcome correction ). I find it to be a very fun gun and caliber for the range.
My .223 is a hunting rifle as opposed to a precision long range target rifle. With its preferred loads, 3 round sub-MOA groups at 100 yards are routine.
Either .223 or 17HMR would certainly fit the OPs stated objectives.
Just a personal opinion on the .223 and white tail deer hunting since the OP mentioned it. Plenty of deer have been taken with the .223, no question. Would I hunt deer with my .223? No. It`s a varmint and casual range rifle. Shot placement is important in all hunting situations IMO, but with a .223 and a deer, it becomes a no room for error critical issue. 243 or 308 would be my personal lowest for deer. I try for DRT with everything I hunt and the thought of a dwindling light or night track over wooded terrain after a suffering animal is not my idea of fun.

 

[MarshallDodge]

22LR is a lot of fun at those distances but 223 is inherently more accurate.

Bulk ammo is cheap but it doesn't perform real well on paper. Loading 223 is easy and inexpensive, even with match bullets. I use the Hornady 52 BTHP or Nosler 52 Custom Competition, either one that goes on sale for around 15c each. You can get great results with Benchmark, 4895, 8208, etc but others have had success with 748 and H335 ball powders.

Primers are a bit spendy right now but even in this environment, you could make some really good ammo for 30 to 40c a round.

Here is a link to a post that I made about my experience with different 223 bolt actions
https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/used-bolt-action-223.887302/#post-11900624"]Used bolt action .223[/URL]

 

[MikeInOr]

I have a Remington 700 18" heavy barrel target rifle in .223. It easily does 1moa with hand loads. Any better than that is on me as the shooter. It also shoots well with Federal match.

I also have it's older brother, a Remington 700 22" heavy barrel target rifle in .308. Between the two I have all the local rifle ranges around here covered. The .223 is more fun to shoot due to the very mild recoil.

 

[Armored farmer]

I know this is not on your mind. Perhaps it isn’t out of the question.
A .36, .40, .45 caliber round ball muzzleloader in either flint or cap lock is about as cheap shooting entertainment as you can get and so much fun.
I enjoy it so much that I always suggest black powder to anyone looking for a change of pace

 

[JShirley]

I know this is not on your mind. Perhaps it isn’t out of the question.
A .36, .40, .45 caliber round ball muzzleloader in either flint or cap lock is about as cheap shooting entertainment as you can get and so much fun.
I enjoy it so much that I always suggest black powder to anyone looking for a change of pace

That sounds like fun. What's 100 yard accuracy like?