Recommend me a .223 Varmint/Target Turn bolt

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JDGray

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I'll have $700 to play with, so be gentle:D I reload for my AR15, so I'd like to stay with a .223 Anybody shooting a CZ Varmint? I know the reputation of their rimfires, does it go for the centerfires, too? Lets here what your happy with:)
 
I'd cruise through the used racks. Local dealers here have plenty at very good prices. As for brands, ask a dozen people and you'll get a dozen answers.
 
I have a Remington LTR and it is great. Super accurate and makes a nice varmint rifle.

I am also going to get a FN TSR XP US in .223. They are new, but look very interesting. They have an action built for .223 sized cartridges.
 
Yeah, the Savage really has a lot going for it. You would most likely want to junk the flimsy OEM stock on the 12FV, but the Bell & Carlson replacement is only $120, bringing to only ~$650 overall.

The CZ 527 Varmint is pretty darn nice, too, though. The laminated version is $700 on Buds--the Savage equivalent of that, the 12BVSS, is $740, but that's stainless, and two pounds heavier, despite its fluting. Judging by the weight and the 24" barrel, it looks like the CZ Varmint is an attempt to retain some of the handiness of a sporter rifle.
 
+1 on the 527 Varmint.... but I like the Kevlar stock.. more $ though... awesome guns.
 
twist

When looking @ .223 bolt guns, think about what bullets you want to shoot. Most .223 bolt guns have slow twist barrels......for light varmint bullets. If you are an AR shooter, and are thinking about heavier, high BC bullets, you will want something with a faster twist.

The TIKKA T3 features a 1/8" barrel, and really shoots!
 
Funny you should mention the Tikka - I was about to chime in with the same comment.

I have a Tikka T3 Varmint (with 1:8" barrel), and it's easily one of the finest rifles I own from an accuracy perspective. Any rifle that can put the cheap Adcom 55gr fodder into sub-MOA groups has got to be pretty special.

It doesn't do so shabby with with Hornady 75gr OTMs, either. :)
 
Another vote for the Tikka T3 "Lite" in 223.. Bought one for the wife. Easily capable of 1/2 inch groups with 69 grain Black Hills Match. I will try 75 Hornady next to take advantage of that 1:8 twist.
 
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CZ or Savage, there really is no other debate on this. the 12 fv, for the savage, or the cz varmint kevlar, with the single set trigger, like buttah.
If looking for out of the box, accuracy, plus simple tweeks to improve accuracy on either, and both should be 700 bucks, or less if you get lucky.

the 527 is not a true varmint gun, it is super short and super lite, with a slow twist, the varmint kevlar
as well as the savage, is a big, heavy bbl'ed rifle, with a beavertail type forestock,so it sits flat, and barely jumps for recoil. they are made for lots of shooting, alot, and alot more fast.
The tikka is a nice rifle, but again like the cz 527, not a true varmint rifle.
 
I bought a like-NIB Ruger 77 Mk II Light Sporter, some ten years back. I installed a Timney trigger, adjusted to about three pounds. Leupold Vari-X II 3x9.

Even before the trigger, it was a half-moa critter for my usual three-shot groups. The trigger just made it easier. That's been the reliable, usual grouping with bullets in the 55-grain range--both factory and handloads. And, surprisingly, even with a round-nosed 70-grain.

I've found it to be good for prairie dogs to 300 yards or so.
 
The answer is, it depends. What general *weight class* are you looking at? Target/varmint .223s come in a variety of weight classes, depending on use. If it's for taking to the field for varmints, it might be *relatively* lightweight like the Savage 10 Predator or similar. Or a medium weight like some of the CZs, some Savages, some Remingtons, and the Weatherby Vanguard Sub-MOA. And then some are truly heavy target rifles. There are many choices in all categories beyond the few I mention here. The 527s have versions in all categories, and should be a great choice, with the set trigger and all.

In the latter category, however (heavy bench gun), I'd recommend this one (the 12 LRPV):

http://www.savagearms.com/12PrecVarm.htm

If you find it used, it may fall into your price range.


Also, different CZ 527s in .223 have different twists. Go look at the website. Most are 1 in 12, but on or two versions are 1 in 9. Decide what general weight/class you want, and then decide what twist you want (12, 9, 8, or 7), and go from there. If you want an 8, then Tikka or AR15 it is. If you want a 7, then a custom or AR15 rifle will be your choice.
 
I have a Tikka T3 Varmint (with 1:8" barrel), and it's easily one of the finest rifles I own from an accuracy perspective. Any rifle that can put the cheap Adcom 55gr fodder into sub-MOA groups has got to be pretty special.
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Same here. Odd barrel for a varmint rifle, it works quite well though. I haven't even shot any sub 52 gr. bullets through it yet.

The Tikka "feels" a lot nicer than the savages. Although I know the savage rifles shoot well too.
 
+1 on the Remington LTR or a SPS tactical (the SPS cost less money).
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My LTR is easily the most accurate rifle I have owned but is well beyond your $700 budget these days. The above mentioned SPS Tactical is similar - 20" , 1 in 9" twist barrel just with a Hogue stock and no barrel flutes.
 
Are heavy barrels more accurate then hunting profiles? or is the extra barrel there to help with the heating, or both? I've got a heavy barrel on my 20" AR, and it keeps em in an inch at a 100yrds pretty easily, so what ever I get, I'm hoping to improove on that.
 
Have been looking for a similar rifle in a similar price range. Seems like there are some great rifles in that range. Great values. Everything I found has already been named.

I ended up getting stuck on the weight of the rifle. I wanted something that I could hike around with a bit. After scoping (maybe a b-pod) some of the varmit rifles, it seems likey that are bench or truck only guns, which is fine, but I alway seems to want to see what is over the next hill.

So, I was focusing or re-looking for lighter MOA rifles in .223. Would not need to do a bunch of rapid shooting, but do want a wood stock. This narrows down the list.

Would the Tikka T3 Hunter work for you? That is on my list and I have been looking around to see on in person.
 
Would the Tikka T3 Hunter work for you?
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I'm impressed with the Tikka line up, not gonna rule the Hunter out. My Savage 10FP, with the Accutrigger, has impressed me also, a 12BVSS is also a consideration.

How sturdy are the Tikka synthetic stocks?
 
Heavy barrels tend to be more accurate because they are less affected by harmonics and heat overall.
 
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