I was going to chime in on that comment too. My Kimber 1:9 twist won't shoot mid-weight bullets worth a darn (50-60 grains). Nosler 40 grain ballistic tips, Sierra 63 grain Semi Point and any of the 68/69 grain hollow points are one-holers. It also likes the Speer 70 grain round nose bullet.
223 bolt actions..?
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WelshShooter
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I love my CZ 527, it has a 1:9" twist varmint barrel and a kevlar stock which has been glass bedded (not sure if this is factory done or by previous owner). Bought it used at two thirds the price of new around 5 years ago and its a great shooter. It's favourite load is with a 69gr SMK but it also shoots 69gr Lapua Scenar's quite nicely too. I would say this rifle is fairly accurate up to 600m (I define accurate as "hitting a man sized object from the chest up", as that is the size of target I shoot at), anything further and you should be using 77gr+ bullets and therefore a faster twist barrel. The rifle is good quality, very robust and very light. You could carry this rifle around all day. There are two gripes with this rifle, but can be fixed.
1.) The first is that the bolt handle is weird, it protrudes quite a bit before bending, which means you need high scope rings so that the bolt handle doesn't hit the eyepiece of the scope. See the first picture below.
2.) This leads onto the second issue, to rectify the former problem you need high rings. The cheek piece is too low to use high ring scope mounts, therefore I needed to add one of those velcro cheek piece risers (you know the ones that hold some bullets too) and pad it out with foam. See my remaining pictures below.
With these bug bears in mind, I'd still say the rifle is excellent and should not be passed on based on these shortcomings. I've added a sound moderator (ie suppressor) and this rifle is like a 22lr when shooting. The snapping of the 223 is gone and the recoil is non-existent, it's very pleasing to shoot without hearing protection and it's a great for introducing new shooters with.
1.) The first is that the bolt handle is weird, it protrudes quite a bit before bending, which means you need high scope rings so that the bolt handle doesn't hit the eyepiece of the scope. See the first picture below.
2.) This leads onto the second issue, to rectify the former problem you need high rings. The cheek piece is too low to use high ring scope mounts, therefore I needed to add one of those velcro cheek piece risers (you know the ones that hold some bullets too) and pad it out with foam. See my remaining pictures below.
With these bug bears in mind, I'd still say the rifle is excellent and should not be passed on based on these shortcomings. I've added a sound moderator (ie suppressor) and this rifle is like a 22lr when shooting. The snapping of the 223 is gone and the recoil is non-existent, it's very pleasing to shoot without hearing protection and it's a great for introducing new shooters with.
Bottom Gun
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It has been my experience that you really can’t tell if a certain twist rate will work with your favorite bullet until you try it. My older Sako .223 rifles all have a 1 in 12 twist yet they will consistently shoot sub-MOA groups with all bullet weights from 50 to 70 gr. I mainly shoot 62 to 65 gr bullets in all three of them.
Congrats. Enjoy shooting it.
I looked at and handled several .223 bolt action rifles before I bought my CZ 527 Carbine (1:9 twist). I put a 3-9x32mm AO scope on it. For me, it's the right combination of size, function (love the mini-Mauser action) and accuracy. It's an MOA shooter at 100 yards (called the flier).
bikemutt
Member
I have a Savage 10 in .223 that's an outstanding shooter. It's my go-to rifle when I need the gun equivalent of comfort food. It's favorite factory food is Black Hills 69 gr SMKs, I've worked up some handloads as well but really, when you are in the 1/2 MOA range, it's hard to say I'm any better than Blackhills. Not to say it's a robot gun, I have to do my part, I don't always.
You're not the first person to point that out to me.
rayatphonix
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Welsh, are you aware CZ can provide replacement bolt handles that solve that problem? Not too expensive and you can replace yourself.
Captcurt
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The most accurate 223 that has come into my hands was a Weatherby Vanguard. I say was because I had a weak moment and sold it. I stuck a cheapo 6X24 Tasco on it and it was boring to shoot. If the crosshairs was on the x-ring when the trigger broke it was a done deal.
WelshShooter
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I am aware that replacements can be bought, however, at the time there were only third party vendors that would not ship to the UK. On the other hand, I did not realise that CZ make them themselves so I will get in touch with them. Thanks rayatphonix!
grandpawj
Member
Captcurt, while reading through the whole thread I was hoping to see someone mention the Weatherby. That's my 223! I use it on crows, if I squeeze the trigger the crow flies(apart). Those crows are smart, they are shot at a lot with 22LR's knowing to keep their distance to greater than 50 yards, never realized that the 223 can reach out there and touch 'em. 100 to 150 yards with the Nikon bolted to it is just a walk in the park.
Another option is to go with a scope that doesn't have a large ocular ring diameter. That's what I do on my hog-back CZs to enable low mounting of the scope. You can also re-contour the bolt handle yourself -- I've done that on one hog-back CZ where I wanted to mount a scope with a larger ocular bell.
Panzerschwein
member
That, my friend, is a peach. BEUT!
CoalTrain49
Member
I have a mini Howa and a 1500, both .223. The mini will heat up pretty fast because of the light barrel. The 1500 has the heavy varmint barrel and heat doesn't seem to affect the groups. I also have a CZ but it's a 22LR so there is really no comparison there. I would have a CZ but I don't like set triggers altho most who shoot them seem to like them. I think either one would be a good choice. I don't own a Tikka so I can't compare. Down the road I would like to replace the stock on the 1500 but not sure what I would buy. It shoots just fine the way it is with the ugly plastic stock. I've got about 500 rds thru the 1500.
Both have 1/9 twist and 55 grn Hornady FMJBT (cheap) seems to be a good choice. I reload.
Lots of good suggestions here.
Both have 1/9 twist and 55 grn Hornady FMJBT (cheap) seems to be a good choice. I reload.
Lots of good suggestions here.
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TN Outlaw
Member
Thats a pretty cut of wood.
I have a few CZ's. 3 527's and none of the 527's with such a pretty example as your stock.
grandpawj
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That is really good lookin combo.
WelshShooter
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My scopes are mil/mil, so the choice is a lot less than moa/moa rifle scopes out there. So one must adapt to suit the scope!
Just get ONE, and buy 2 barrels for $189 a piece from Shaw.
I've heard Shaw barrels really aren't that good compared to a savage barrel. Besides once I buy headspace gauges, barrel wrench id be at $300.
HOWARD J
Member
I have a Savage heavy barrel in 223 with 24 X scope
I t is so accurate it is boring to shoot.
I picked up a Ruger American Ranch in 7.62 x 39--a fun gun to shoot.
I t is so accurate it is boring to shoot.
I picked up a Ruger American Ranch in 7.62 x 39--a fun gun to shoot.
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