Need advice on building a 223 model 700

[Gdbyrd]

I have a 17 remington sitting in my safe. I never shoot it. I picked it up used from a friend of a friend for very little cash. He used it for prairie dog hunts up north. I have the stuff to reload for it, but I was told by him that it's a difficult caliber to reload, being so small and from what I've read it does poorly with wind.

What I'd like to build out of this gun is something very accurate out to 400 yards on paper. I would consider keeping the 17, but wind is a constant issue here. Yesterday when I went out to the range, it was blowing 25 mph. And this is very common here, the coast ruins it.

My first idea was a 223, since I already reload for it and I own 5 or 6 of them. I was considering a fast twist rate to use heavy bullets to help with the wind.

Am I on the right track with this? Just for the rebarrel and the stock I have about 1200-1500 budgeted. Not sure on optics yet, but after the gun is done I'll have to wait a little while before buying anything really nice. This will be a range gun only. Usual distances will be 300 yards for the most part. But further is definitely possible, especially with this setup.

 

[Jim Watson]

He used it for prairie dog hunts up north.

Ok, it is used, probably well used, there are a lot of prairie dogs to shoot at.

I have the stuff to reload for it, but I was told (all sorts of stuff)

I would not rely on second hand information, I would load some up and see how the rifle actually shot. If it does well, great, shoot it as long as the barrel lasts. If not, you are only out a little time and powder.

When time comes to rebarrel, your budget would allow for having the action "blueprinted" before installing a new barrel and pretty nice stock.

With consideration of 300 yards, 400 yards, and "further" I would set it up like a Match Rifle. I'd get a rather long 8 twist barrel to handle 80 grain bullets to 600 yards. (I have a 6.5 twist .223 for 90 grain bullets but now think that an evolutionary dead end.)

 

[Gdbyrd]

What's the effective range on the 17? I've seen some stuff online that it shouldn't be used on game past 500 yards. But in the conditions I have to deal with, what am I looking at as far as wind shear? The drop I'm not so concerned with as that can be adjusted for.

I need to order some brass for it and load up a couple dozen rounds and see what it can do.

What would you consider a long barrel if I built that 223? Also, what should I be looking at in a stock?

Is there anyway to know if an action has already been blueprinted? All of the guns I purchased from this man were highly customized. This was the only one that still had a factory barrel and stock. The trigger has definitely been reworked and the action is a whole lot smoother than my other 700s.

 

[witchhunter]

Can I also suggest that you shoot it before making any decisions. Buy a box of ammo or reload some if you have the makin's. You might just fall in love with the little .17. I did. They are not for everyone as they have their quirks like special cleaning rods and tips. However mine is accurate, with absolutely no recoil.