Looking to buy a new 223 bolt action. Help Please.

[Turkeytider]

“Upgrade” is quite vague, but if we make the assumption on limited info here and base our bets on your other posts that you will be pursuing casual 300yrd shooting with an eye on sub-MOA performance, WITH a twist of limited expense, then I’d point you towards a Savage 12 BVSS, with a fast follow of the 12 VLP-DBM.

Comparing the two, the BVSS is a slower twist, but has favorable stock ergonomics and design for bench riding to produce itty bitty groups. 300 yards doesn’t benefit from a 1:7 twist, as 50grn pills will easily hang on (often better so) to sub-MOA and supersonic speed at 300. The 1:9 BVSS will also print well with the 69 and 77 SMK’s, gaining reach to 600+. The VLP-DBM is a faster twist, but is more svelte and designed more for field use, such it concedes a little for absolute stability.

The Savages may not be as sexy and refined in some eyes as the CZ, so maybe not an “upgrade” in some eyes, but when I think of shooting the smallest groups possible at 300yrds with an affordable factory rifle, I think of the Savage 12BVSS.

I would hazard a guess that most Savage rifles are more capable than the folks that shoot them. I know for sure mine is!!

 

[high country]

In order to better understand what you would consider an upgrade, what did you like/not like about the CZ? What is your budget to get into this next rifle? Knowing that would help us help you.

Lots of good suggestions here, but I would agree particularly with those steering you toward the savage 10 or 12 models. Those will be the easiest to modify as you grow in your pursuit. My .223 CZ is one of my favorites, but it isn't the platform I would choose for a dedicated bench rifle. I would build on a Savage action for the aftermarket support.

Another one that occurs to me is the potential for an AR15 platform build. If you are planning to stick with the lower end commercial ammo discussed in a previous thread, you won't be using the advantage that handloading for a bolt action offers. To be clear, that is not a criticism of that ammo, it just is what it is. There is a reason that people chasing accuracy end up reloading, and gravitating towards 6mm or 6.5mm cartridges for heavier higher BC bullets that tend to fare better at longer range. ARs can be very accurate when properly speced and assembled. Also, they are fun to build and shoot...

 

[MR WICK]

Bought this bad boy today.

Benelli Momentum Varmint Elite OPTIFADE Subalpine/Cerakote Bolt Action Rifle/Compensator - 223 Remington- 24in

Free-Floating Barrel
TSA Recoil Pad
Cold Hammer Forged Barrel

 

[high country]

Bought this bad boy today.

Benelli Momentum Varmint Elite OPTIFADE Subalpine/Cerakote Bolt Action Rifle/Compensator - 223 Remington- 24in

Free-Floating Barrel
TSA Recoil Pad
Cold Hammer Forged Barrel

Interesting, definitely a less common newer kid on the block. Seems pretty well thought out all in all. Let us know how it goes.

You might want to consider some shorter scope rings, that scope looks uncomfortably high. Might just be an illusion. With the 60 degree bolt throw, you can get that that thing down low and still have plenty of clearance between the bolt handle and scope.

 

[horsemen61]

Bought this bad boy today.

Benelli Momentum Varmint Elite OPTIFADE Subalpine/Cerakote Bolt Action Rifle/Compensator - 223 Remington- 24in

Free-Floating Barrel
TSA Recoil Pad
Cold Hammer Forged Barrel

@MR WICK why did you chose that particular rifle? Details are always appreciated here at THR (Nice looking rifle btw)

 

[MarshallDodge]

Bought this bad boy today.

Benelli Momentum Varmint Elite OPTIFADE Subalpine/Cerakote Bolt Action Rifle/Compensator - 223 Remington- 24in

Free-Floating Barrel
TSA Recoil Pad
Cold Hammer Forged Barrel

That's a fine looking rifle. Can't wait to see some tiny groups

 

[Walkalong]

You might want to consider some shorter scope rings, that scope looks uncomfortably high. Might just be an illusion. With the 60 degree bolt throw, you can get that that thing down low and still have plenty of clearance between the bolt handle and scope.

Looks about right for positional shooting. Bench shooting too.

 

[Lo-Profile]

Howa 1500 with a heavy barrel

If you can find one. Good luck

 

[MR WICK]

250 yards first time shooting it. Was going to go farther but I had to rush home. It's a Beast.

 

[MR WICK]

@MR WICK why did you chose that particular rifle? Details are always appreciated here at THR (Nice looking rifle btw)

I wanted something with a 24" barrel, that came with a solid Break. These were some of the other prerequisites.

• Free-Floating Barrel
• TSA Recoil Pad
• Cold Hammer Forged
• Twist Barell
• Light Trigger

 

[codytrucker]

I wanted something with a 24" barrel, that came with a solid Break. These were some of the other prerequisites.

• Free-Floating Barrel
• TSA Recoil Pad
• Cold Hammer Forged
• Twist Barell
• Light Trigger

Curious what your rate of fire is . Most people shoot 3 , 5 or sometimes 10 round groups, and let the barrel cool between groups . hot barrels tend to shift point of impact and open up group size .Looks good though , keep practicing .

 

[MR WICK]

Curious what your rate of fire is . Most people shoot 3 , 5 or sometimes 10 round groups, and let the barrel cool between groups . hot barrels tend to shift point of impact and open up group size .Looks good though , keep practicing .

I shoot 5 then cool.

 

[rust collector]

Although Beretta owns both Benelli and Franchi, the internet references call this a Franchi. The specs and your initial target certainly indicate that it will be accurate. Is it made in Italy?

 

[Walkalong]

250 yards …..It's a Beast.

Nicely done.

 

[dranrab]

Usually a heavy barrel.

And usually a slow twist.

 

[dranrab]

This is really a bad time to be in the market for a 223 bolt gun. There is very little availability out there. Even less availability for an upgrade over the CZ.

 

[FL-NC]

VERY satisfied with my Mossberg MVP thunder ranch model. 1 MOA with 77 grain MK 262 or Hornady 75 grain BTHP.

 

[MR WICK]

Although Beretta owns both Benelli and Franchi, the internet references call this a Franchi. The specs and your initial target certainly indicate that it will be accurate. Is it made in Italy?

Yes, made in Italy.

 

[Walkalong]

Don't shoot it prone in the dirt.

Is the muzzle brake replaceable in case you ever want to shoot prone on the ground?

 

[MR WICK]

Don't shoot it prone in the dirt.

Is the muzzle brake replaceable in case you ever want to shoot prone on the ground?

Yes. It is detachable. I don't shoot from the dirt. All bench shooting. I want to compete.

 

[MR WICK]

300 yards second time shooting. I'll get them closer. So getting used to The Rifle.

 

[Walkalong]

…….,.. All bench shooting. I want to compete.

300 yard reduced target FClass?

Target’s looking good

 

[Frostbite]

My next upgrade in .223 is dreamed as a Sako: https://choose.sako.fi//global/sako_85/85-varmint

But I appreciate your choice also, thank you for sharing it. I learned about a rifle I didn't know and I always like that.

 

[rust collector]

Italy seems to be making more bolt action rifles. The Sabatti looks interesting. https://www.italianfirearmsgroup.com/sabatti/firearms/rifle-hunting/

 

[MR WICK]

I absolutely love this rifle. Aside from my VP9 with Compensator it's my favorite firearm.