best 223 factory load groups

[WormCan]

I know I want a 223. My choice is between a Tikka(1 in 8 twist) and Savage(1 in 9 twist). I know both rifles are capable of very tight groups with match grade ammo or hand loads. I probably wont get an answer Im looking for because I would simply need to buy the rifle and try the factory hunting load ammo for myself but I thought someone my have first hand experience. My question is which one do you think would shoot the heavier 55 to 65 grain Factory Hunting ammo the best ?

 

[rangerruck]

There is no way to know this; if they are both the same, but one has a heavy bbl, then that would be the one, FOR GROUPS!!!!! As strictly a hunting rifle, both are capable , after a warm up shot or two , to put a shot, right where you are aiming. But then again, as a hunting rifle, most are. Even from a cold shot start, most rifles are within 2 inches of their zero, at 100 yds, with a cold shot.

 

[WormCan]

Thanks rangerruck. Im having a hard time justifying spending more money on something that I wont be shooting long distances or competition with but rather just a hunting rifle. Sounds like the cheaper rifle will more than likely serve me just fine.

 

[browningguy]

Either twist will work fine with those weights, for deer size game try the 60 Gr. Nosler Partition load or the 53 gr. Barnes TSX, they both work well.

 

[Will Durant]

Whats Best(?)

We have an old Swiss proverb-Spend a Little More-Cry Only Once! Will

 

[browningguy]

You won't be crying with the Savage. This is typical for 100 yards with my Savage .243 with handloads, when I don't twitch too much.

 

[rangerruck]

for a plain janer, I like a bunch of cheapies, I would say, the top o the line cheapy, and it is well made by the way, is going to be the Howa, really nice rifle, and you can get them allready with a scope on for under 400 bucks. AAbout 5 months ago, I saw one at gander, in 243, with a Hogue overmolded stock, that was also on sale because of their discount for the store, for 279!!!
Totally sick, even though I have a allready smokin 243, I shoulda bought that one, just for tricks.
A also good buy would be the remmy 710, the ones they made before the new 770's. Why? if you can find one they made during their last year of two of production, they switched to having all steel parts, inside the receiver, and on the bolt. The stock, was made stiffer than all the other cheapy stocks, especially the Savage and Stevens, and with it's very rough exterior, it was a great stock, for painting any color you like.