Canadian Airgun Forum

I think I have caught a bug - I'm now looking for two more powderburners! I can't get enough... I need a second job...

One of the two guns I want to get next is a centrefire for 100 and 200yard target shooting. I'd like something that is still relatively cheap to shoot, and don't really want to get into reloading (just yet). So how does the .223 peform? I can get 1/2" to 3/4" groups at 100yards with my HMR, how would a .223 compare? Any recomendations?

-Chris

Accuracy depends on the firearm. I have owned .22 centerfire rifles that would group .25"-.30" and others that did 1" or slightly more. A good bolt action .223 might be something you would enjoy.

Cheers,
Todd

Any recomendations for a decent bolt action .223? (Around $500 or under new or used)

thanks

I heard alot of good thing about the CZ ......
I'm looking for one too ...

Savages have good reputation for "Out of the box accuracy" and quite cheeper than its counterparts.

Remington 700 have a lot of aftermarket parts available.

Tikka's are good too but will cost a little more.

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Don S

I like the Rem 700. I've owned a couple of 700 Varmint models and the 40XBBR and they were good shooters. The old Rem 788 was a low priced model with good accuracy potential. Sometimes you can find them used. I had a Win 70 sporter in .222 that was quite accurate too.

I heard the low priced NEF .223 (bull barrel) can be reasonably accurate. Russell Sports has them for $280. Laminated version is slightly more.
http://www.russellsports.com/files/41-60hs06.pdf

Rem 700 SPS is $520. Available in .223.
http://www.russellsports.com/files/1-20hs06.pdf

Savage bolt actions are in your price range but I have never woed one so cannot comment.
http://www.russellsports.com/files/61-80hs06.pdf

Most other stuff is over $500.

Cheers,
Todd

I called RS, that gun is very good price and the light version is only 5.5 lbs
The only problem I guess it's a single load and break action but for the
price it's perhaps one of the best .223 for the money.

I'm now thinking on buying the NEF sportster three barrel combo, you get the .223,and .22LR, and .17 cal barrels as well, for around 350 at SIR>

Break action rifles like NEF, or Ruger#1 are fine, except that the cartridge will never chamber consistantly in the precision manner only obtained by a quality bolt action, this of course affects accuracy. Not to say break/semi are inferior rifles, just depends what you want to do with one.

Strongly recommend Savage 12FV heavy barrel/accutrigger.
Then Remington 700 VLS, Heavy barrel again.
Check these out at wholesalesports.com and when looking secondhand many of these rifles are often traded as "shot out" after 2000 rounds or so, meaning they no longer hold a tight group- in my experience the common problem is copper deposit build up, no biggie to clear out this "restriction" and then you're shooting tight groups for cheap!

If you can pick up an older Sako or Tikka you'll be laughing also, I do have a love for the heavy barrel "varmint" models which are inherently more accurate and withstand a longer shot string before heating up.

.223 is a wonderful fun caliber to shoot, very cheap yet surprising potential..
Flat trajectory is wonderful- and you get to see the hit through its lack of recoil.
50 grain ballistic tipped bullet at 3400fps is a thing of beauty! Small game is "Bangflop"!!

Try one..

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I reject your version of reality, and substitute it with that of my own..

Thanks for the info 1shot.

SIR also has Rossi Matched Pairs for close to 300 dollars I think. They come in various calibres, they're combination guns. They got one that comes in .223/12 gauge.

savage stevens in .223 lots of guys on www.canadiangunnutz.com like them.

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www.jerzeedevil.com
www.geocities.com/london_offroad_team

Yes, they're excellent for the price, we have some members at the club
that use them, very good for the value .....

I was considering it too, other than the CZ 527 BUT now I found
even better the Tikka T3 Lite SS, accuracy 400 -500 yards some
people get upto 600 yards good accuracy with good ammo.