Suggestions for new .223 Bolt Gun

[BridgeTooFar]

I'm looking into getting a new bolt gun for the bench and as a back-up (deer) hunting rifle (I also have a Tikka T3 Lite in 30-06 which is my primary deer rifle). I'm limiting my looking to .223 because I want to keep ammo compatibility with my AR (which, for various reasons, I won't be using to hunt).

I love my T3. I really do. For a lite, stainless hunting gun, I honestly don't believe it gets much better for less than $1000 new.

The kicker is that I will only buy a LH gun. I'd like to keep it under $1000, and I'd like to get something purpose built on a short action (as opposed to the magazine block, etc. on the "short action" T3's). I'd like it to be stainless, but that's not a deal breaker. I doubt I'm going to be dragging this one around the woods all that much, so synthetic vs. wood stock doesn't matter, and heavy weight likely won't be a huge issue.

Suggestions?

 

[Vern Humphrey]

The Savage Model 10 comes in .223 and in left-handed versions. Usually available for between $600 and $700, and one of the most accurate out-of-the-box rifles going.

 

[stsimons]

I think the main problem you are going to run into is the twist rate on almost all .223 bolt gun barrels. For some unknown reason most are 1:9, which limits you to bullets less than 70gr. Savage makes a 1:7 on their 12 series, and Tikka has a 1:8, but I think those are the only two new production rifles in .223 that are suitable to shooting the heavier bullets.

 

[ILikeLead]

does Tikka makem left handed?

 

[silence of the lambs]

Yes Tikka does Make Left Handed Rifles.

 

[Red State]

I HIGHLY recommend the CZ 527 which now comes in left hand models.
http://www.cz-usa.com/products/by-category/rifles/

I have the Varmint version and I love it. All 527s have a "micro" action that is built around the .223 cartridge for a very short receiver, a fast bolt throw, and overall trim dimensions. Even my heavy barreled Varmint version is an ok walking/stalking gun.

Fantastic set trigger
Loves 69gr bullets, even with the 1:9 twist (see attached)
Excellent fit and finish
Great bench accuracy and still easy to carry
CZ approved for both .223 and 5.56

 

[nipprdog]

For some unknown reason most are 1:9, which limits you to bullets less than 60gr

Sorry, but that is simply not true. 1/9 twist does very well up to 69 gr. My Savage 10(as well as all others) shoot 68 gr just fine. Mine's favorite is the Black Hills Match 68 gr.

 

[stsimons]

Sorry, but that is simply not true. 1/9 twist does very well up to 69 gr.

You are correct. I said 60 but I meant 70! Woops. I will correct in my earlier post.

 

[Hizzie]

Ruger Hawkeye African.

 

[303tom]

Savage.................

 

[tx_pistolero]

Mossberg MVP?
Even takes AR-15 mags.
Don't have any first hand experience, I've been watching for one to come up for sale around where I live.

 

[Brockak47]

should probably look into savage or CZ

 

[igousigloo]

Savage model 12. and I shoot 75 gr. Amax in my 1-9

 

[nipprdog]

[You are correct. I said 60 but I meant 70! Woops. I will correct in my earlier post./QUOTE]

 

[Fullboar1]

Hi TDooley

So were you ruling out the Tikka T3? I have a Tikka T3 Stainless Varmint in 223 and like all Tikka's it's a tackdriver and for accuracy I would happily put it up against any other factory rifle. Mine is a 1/8 twist and I have shot 75grain AMax bullets with it, as far as the magazine block goes I just pulled it apart and slowly Dremeled around 4mm off the block so I could use and seat the longer heavier bullets (Like the 75grain AMax) out farther in the case. You may want to have a look at the magazine length on other brand guns just to make sure you are not limited in mag length when you are using heavier bullets.

As far as other rifles go have a look at a Sako 85 (dont know if thats in your price range), CZ (Ceska Zbrojovka), Weatherby Vanguard/Howa 1500, Winchester Model 70 ect. Just about everyone makes a good gun these days getting it in left hand is another story.

 

[BridgeTooFar]

Thanks to everyone for their comments. The Savage, CZ, and Mossberg suggestions are something I'm going to look into.

@Fullboar1 - I haven't exactly ruled out Tikka per se, but it's my understanding that they are all long actions retrofitted to short action for those calibers. I'd rather have something that's purpose built on the short action if possible.

 

[engineer88]

I too am interested in the MVP, TDooley if you do get one, please post a review with your thoughts about it.

 

[dc.fireman]

Exactly. Sierra 77 HPBT's, and Nosler BTHP's as well... If you go this route - make sure you're ordering/buying the 1/7 twist, and not the 1/9 twist (they make them in both).