Help me decide

[WormCan]

Im going to buy a 223 for my two sons to grow up with shooting deer. I know its not a big caliber but will work just fine since I will be with them to limit the angle of the deer before shooting as well as the distance. Anyway I cant decide between some rifles which are Savage, CZ, and Tikka. Here is what I do know and that is I will be shooting deer loads of 55 to 65 grains so first question is what would be the best twist rate for this weight ? Also I certainly want open sights with possible factory fiber optic sights or after market replacements.
Thanks

 

[Art Eatman]

I don't know of any regular twist rates which won't be accurate with bullets in the 55-grain to 60-grain range. I've done okay with blunt-nosed 70-grain bullets, insofar as group size in my Ruger 77 Mk II light sporter. Generally, half-MOA for three-shot groups.

I've never run into an occasion where I had scope problems such that I needed see-through mounts or needed to remove the scope and use the irons. One of those "It never happened to me!" things. And that goes back to 1950...

 

[WormCan]

Thanks for the help Art Eatman. I too through the years have never had any trouble from any scopes Ive owned. This rifle will be for mostly short ranges in combination with some thick cover hunting. Can you tell me the name of the blunt-nosed 70-grain bullets you use ?

 

[ThomasT]

When you added the requirement to have open sights all I can think of in bolt actions are the CZ 527 compact and full stock rifles.

Maybe an older Remington model 700 or model 7. There was a model 7 I watched for a while on GB.

If you can do without the open sight option look at the Howa Ranchland rifles. I'm guessing you want something lighter weight for your son's.

For deer hunting the nosler 60gr partition and the barnes X bullets would be a good choice.

 

[Loggerlee]

Short range a mini 14 is fine for deer,myself I don't hunt deer with a .223 Win,unless I have to.

 

[sturmgewehr667]

.223 imo is way too small for deer, get them an ak

 

[RSVP2RIP]

.223 is fine for deer if the correct bullet is used and ranges are close. I would use the Barnes triple shock 53 or 62 grain bullet or the Nosler partition 60 gr. If you factor in about $150 extra you can get a good set of aftermarket sights installed on just about any gun you want. I know you didn't mention this but the Savage 14 Euro Classic comes in 22-250, the recoil difference is hardly noticable and it does come with irons.

Edit: I forgot to mention that it must be legal to hunt deer with a .22 where you plan on hunting before you consider this. I know in Texas for sure at one time, it was legal to use a .223 because the deer are the size of small dogs...but I have never hunted there to be perfectly honest. I hunt deer in Canada where the average buck weighs over 200lbs dressed, IMO, I'd get them a 260 remington or 257 roberts instead.

 

[Sinixstar]

.223 will work for deer - but some careful consideration will have to be given (shot placement, etc). Sounds like you've got that pretty well covered though.

If you're looking for a cheap, light, easy to use gun - the Stevens 200 (basically a savage with a cheaper stock and no accutrigger) might fit the bill. Comes in at or just under $300 - no factory sights though.

You might also consider something like the Rossi Trifecta (or are they calling it Triple Play now?). Break action single shot - comes with 3 barrels : .22LR, 20ga shotgun, and I believe .243? Might be a version with a .223 barrel. The .22 and .243 barrels have rifle sights. I think those go for around 200-300 as well. Might be good for a little more versatility - basically getting 3 guns in 1.

Really any of the 3 you mentioned (savage, CZ, Tikka) are probably going to be good rifles. Can't really say i'd turn any of 'em down if offered.

 

[trstafford]

Why handicap your boys

Why not get them a CZ 527 carbine in 7.62x39. It is a much better deer round than .223 for beginner hunters. IMHO.

That is what I use now for woods hunting instead of a 30-06.

 

[sig220mw]

Get 'em a 243. I got one for my son and he loves it. Very little recoil and consequently he shoots it very accurately.