Need help choosing a rifle

[mugsie]

I'm in the market for a bolt action rifle - 223 maybe, for strictly target shooting. What are some of the thoughts? Is 223 accurate enough or should I be looking at something like 22-250 or 6mm? How about various models like Savage, CZ, Marlin, etc.? Any better or worse out of the box? Again this will be mostly 100 to 200 yard target shooting. No hunting with this rifle.
Thanks....

 

[BigFatKen]

If you want the best and will handload, get a 6mm PPC or 6mm BR. They are inherently more accurate. Just no cheap mil-sup ammo availble and you can't run out as it is not for sale in most places

 

[ArchAngelCD]

If you are only looking for a target gun then you should get something in .223 because of the availability of cheap ammo. If you were looking for a Varmint gun I would suggest a .22-250.

 

[redneck2]

If you're not at the point that you're confident about caliber, then probably any one would be "adequate". If you're just shooting paper, a .223 should be fine. Unless price is a big concern, you might look at a super accurate AR.

I have a couple of .223's, a 22-250, and a 25-06. If I were just paper punching, I'd take the AR or other .223. The 22-250 is louder, more expensive to shoot, and doesn't kill paper any deader.

I bolts, there are lots of good ones. You'll get 10 replies with 10 different answers and non are right or wrong.

About the only thing I'd suggest is trying to find something lightly used. If it's not what you want, you can get most or all your money back.

 

[CB900F]

Mugsie;

You haven't given us a budget figure, but I'm going to presume that you're not looking for a high-dollar Cooper/Kimber, etc. I'm also going to presume that if targets, and therefore accuracy, are the prime criteria that you're willing to spend something above a bargain-basement number.

If you're left master eyed, and are then shooting from the left shoulder, the only reasonable choices these days are the new left bolt Tikkas, or the higher dollar Remingtons.

If you're right master eyed, then the CZ 527 might just be the item you're after. Other choices would be the Howa/Weatherby bolts. There are also the Savage bolt .223's which are capable of good accuracy, but have longevity issues. They have a history of extractor and bolt head problems according to sources I believe to be reliable.

900F

 

[Macchina]

I'll be the first to say it. Get a Savage model 12 (heavy barrel and laminate stock). Savages are known for superb accuracy right out of the box. The model 12 has a bull barrel (it's thicker) so that it can take more shots before it heats up and you have to let it cool. I am planning on getting one of these in .223 when I get the money. Also, spend a lot of money on the scope, it will make target shooting a lot more fun if you have a quality high power scope.

 

[dfaugh]

IF all you'ver do is punch paper .223 is great. Even for occasional varmint hunting it's fine. If you plan on doing much long-range varmint shooting, THEN I'd consider a .22-250. Barrel life is less with the .22-250, if that's a consideration. the .22-250 MIGHT be slighly more accurate, depending on many factors (the gun, the load, handloads, distance,etc.). But for the most part, I doubt you'll see any difference at all. And there's many more choices available in .223.

While you can spend more, Savage is making some really sweet guns for the money. Lot's of model, it would depend on you'r style/preference.

 

[gbran]

.223 is great for target work, especially the ranges you want to shoot. Having said that, it really doesn't make much sense to buy a gun for target work based on the availability of cheap ammo. If you want to drive tacks, consider reloading, regardless of caliber.

 

[Essex County]

.223, Heavy Bbl, Savage andGood quality optics wii serve you well...Essex

 

[1911JMB]

I watched a guy use his .223 Remington 700 to put 5 shots into one quarter sized group at 100 yards. Thats about the best piece of info I can give you. Would something else be better? I'm sure. But you can get one cheap.