Smallbore Target Bolt Under $1000

[drannor]

I'm looking for a bolt action smallbore centerfire rifle for target and range use with scope at under $1000. I don't hunt so weight is not a concern, nor is hitting power. I plan on punching paper out to 400 yards or so. I realize many folks trick out ARs for this purpose. I have a Colt/RRA 20" heavy barrel flattop setup with JR Enterprises trigger, it's fun, but a bolt is more appealing.

Requirements:
Laminate/Wood Stock
Heavy Barrel
Smallbore Centerfire (.223, .22-250, etc)
Quality Variable Power Scope (3-9X)

Considering:
Tikka T3 Varmint (not wood, I know)
CZ 527 Varmint Laminated
Leupold VX-II 3-9x40mm

Questions:
What calibers aside from .223 should I consider and why?
Is there a particular reticule choice I should consider?

I own a CZ 452 American .22lr and Tikka T3 .308, both are fine rifles and informed my considered choices to date. I've got Leupolds on both which have served well to date. I have very limited experience with most of the American makes (Remington, Winchester, Weatherby, Ruger, Savage, etc...) aside from a Rem 700 BDL in .300RUM that was an ill considered and regretted purchase. I'm really leaning towards a .223 given availability of loads and milsurp for plinking and practice.

Thoughts? Suggestions? Thanks.

 

[nipprdog]

Savage 223s are hard to beat.

 

[CZguy]

CZ 527 with a 4.5x14 Burris in .223.

Meets your price requirements, and would be hard to beet for accuracy.

As you pointed out, .223 is a VERY cost effective round.

 

[Rimmer]

The Savage Model 12 Low Profile with Savage's excellent AccuTrigger system, fully adjustable, in Ruger .204

Very accurate with the factory Hornady ammo.

 

[hessy]

tikka

Tikka T3 in .223, of course!! I have a 6-24x40 Bushnell Elite 4200 on it, a great setup, sub-MOA all day, $800 total with optics.

 

[drannor]

Well, I went to the local gun store today and handled the Tikka T3 varmint and Savage Model 12 VLP SS. They had CZ 527's but not in the configuration I was looking for. The Tikka bolt is very smooth compared to the Savage, but the laminate stock and heft of the Model 12 won me over. I considered the less expensive 3-9 power Burris scope but ended up with a bit more magnication. I walked out about $100 over budget (tax!) with:

Savage Model 12 VLP SS in .223
Burris Nickel 4.5-14x42mm Fullfield II
Leupold base and rings

So a combination of some of your rifle and optics suggestions.

The rifle has 1 in 9" twist, any recommendations for ammo choice? I've got Black Hills 68gr Match HP and Remington 62gr Match HP lying around for my AR, I'll probably start with those.

Thanks for everyones suggestions and advice.

 

[nipprdog]

The rifle has 1 in 9" twist, any recommendations for ammo choice? I've got Black Hills 68gr Match HP

Congrats on the new rifle!

mine, as well as most Savages, love the BHM 68gr

 

[Onmilo]

Try the CMP
http://www.odcmp.com
They offer two excellent Anschutz smallbore target rifles complete with sights and accessories for just a bit over that thousand dollar price range.

Either rifle would be hard to beat as dedicated smallbore target specific shooting rifles.

 

[CZguy]

Either rifle would be hard to beat as dedicated smallbore target specific shooting rifles.

Except for his four hundred yard requirement.

 

[rangerruck]

if you wanna go long, get anything in 6.5 especially 6.5 swede or 6.5-284.

 

[ArmedBear]

I love my Burris Fullfield II. I have the 3-9x40 BPlex on a hunting rifle, so I could mount it low. For a target gun, I'd want it higher, and 14x sounds awfully nice!

I'm toying with the idea of a .223 boltie, for cheap, low-recoil practice at real distances. I'd have to sell a few things to buy it right now, but one day...

Have fun!

 

[rection47]

grats on your gun!

 

[Dionysusigma]

What about a CZ 550 Varmint (if you want .22-250) or CZ 527 Varmint (if you want .223), and a Meopta 3-9x42 Artemis 3000? Basically, a Sig-quality rifle and Swarovski-quality optics for about the $1000 you've got?


CZ 527 Varmint Walnut, 520.99 @ Impact Guns


Meopta 3-9x42 Artemis 3000, 488.95 @ SWFA Rifle Scopes

Total is $1009.94 before shipping.

Hope this helps some... it's a setup I've been wanting for myself for a long time (except I'd prefer the 550 in .308 with a laminated stock... but that's just me).

 

[nipprdog]

Hope this helps some...

psssst....., he picked up his rifle yesterday.

 

[Dionysusigma]

psssst....., he picked up his rifle yesterday.

Huh?

Well, shoot. He only gave us 15 hours--whaddya expect?

Besides, next time he's thinking about a new rifle, he might keep my suggestion (and everyone else's that was posted late! ) in mind...

 

[YodaVader]

Savage 223s are hard to beat.

I recently bought a Savage 12BVSS like the one picture above in the 2nd post. It is a great shooter with the reloads I have shot using 52,53 and 69 grain bullets.

I have tried the BH 68s but have not had the great results that nipprdog has with his. Those are great groups!

Congrats on the new Savage! I think I am going to drive over to the range and shoot a few through the Savage today.