Which 223 rifle?

[BsChoy]

I am expecting a big retro check after our contract negotiations finalize and was wondering peoples opinions. Of the following guns which would you recommend?

1.Remington 700LTR
2.Remington 700P
3.Savage tactical
4.Any upper quality AR platform with no more than 20 inch barrel

Application will be punching paper out to 300 yrds and the occassional coyote or crow. light to medium bullets to be used 55-69 grains so twist will have to be appropriate. Let'er rip gentlemen

 

[mustanger98]

For the money, I'd recommend a Savage Model 11G (or GL if you happen to be left handed, like me) as it's available in .223 also and if memory serves, it won't cost quite as much as the tactical model. Past price, it is of course a matter of personal taste.

 

[dakotasin]

if it will be used for occasional hunting, you will really enjoy the versatility of the 700 ltr.

 

[esldude]

Well the Savage Tactical has a heavy barrel. Useful when punching paper to deal with barrel heating. And the extra weight makes it more stable for slightly increased accuracy. Really any on your list will work. Nothing wrong with a Remington.

 

[BillinNH]

Mind if I ask why you want to limit it to 20"? Is it to make it faster handling, or do you think the shorter barrel is more accurate, or what? I thought a 22" barrel would be more effective out to 300 yards do to increased velocity.

I'm always willing to learn

Bill

 

[Bartholomew Roberts]

The difference in velocity between a .223 in 20" and a .223 in 22" is pretty minimal. IIRC the drop difference between a 16" and 20" is only 2" at 300yds.

 

[dakotasin]

run 'em over a chrony sometime... there really isn't a lot of difference between barrel lengths in 223 - especially practically speaking from a varmint, paper punching, or hunting perspective.

 

[lycanthrope]

Go AR. A good AR will shoot .5 MOA and having the ability to change barrels and uppers relatively easily is a nice investment. Not to mention 30 round mags......

As for velocities....

 

[michael_aos]

I had a 700P in .223.

VERY heavy and long. Shot 69gr Sierra Matchkings very well though.

I've always wanted a 700P LTR.

Mike

 

[45crittergitter]

Love my Tikka T3 Lite.

 

[ocabj]

I think the bolt guns will work for your specific bullet weights. I'd go Savage instead of Remington because of the easy barrel swaps.

I think the AR would be a better choice because of the modularity. You can customize it as you see fit and for different situations. The key in choosing the AR platform for you is which upper. Do you want a scope? Go with a flat top upper. You want to shoot 55-69 gr bullets? A 1 in 9" will work but a 1 in 8" will probably be more accurate for this weight range. Stay away from chrome lined if you desire accuracy. Chrome lining will result in a longer overall barrel life, but it doesn't do much for throat wear, which is the underlying factor in any barrel's longevity.

If I were going to get an AR with your requirements, I'd get one of the 20" SAM-R or SDM-R upper clones from ADCO Firearms. They make some with 20" SS barrels which will be perfect for precision use. As far as the lower receivers and parts, just get any of the decent names and you'll be find. It's hard to pick a bad AR lower.

 

[BsChoy]

Love my Tikka T3 Lite.

I like the Tikkas too but want to keep it easy to fix if it breaks...I heard Tikkas aren't

 

[BillinNH]

Great comments and data on the effectiveness of barrel lengths. Thanks, Guys. Looks like 20" is about optimum for all-round use.

So I'll just order my new Steyr AUG in 20", right?

Bill