700 SPS tactical .223 - optics and loadings

[aus_Rob91]

So I just put the deposit down on a new .223 sps tactical with a one piece rail and leupold 30mm rings. I cant decide on scope options though so wanted to hear what other people have gone with? This rifle will be used primarily as a range rifle 90% of the time at 100-200yds but hopefully up to 300-500yds. It will also be used as a backup hunting rifle for pigs, wild dogs etc
My preference would be a clear, tactical style scope with positive turret adjustments. I don't mind fixed power if need be.
Also, I am unfamiliar with suitable ammo for the 1:9 .223 so wanted opinions on a good loading for mid range target shooting as well as good load for close to mid range hunting. Factory loads would actually be preferrable.

 

[repiv]

Re: 700 SPS tactical .223 - optics and loadings

Mine liked the Hornady 53gr VMAX Superformance. I know you didnt ask about the stock however I hope you have plans to replace it sooner or later. The stock is that guns weak point.

 

[Former0302]

Re: 700 SPS tactical .223 - optics and loadings

Not sure of your budget, but check out the Super Sniper line. Great quality for the money. I have both the fixed 10X power on an M1A and the 5-20X50 HD on a R700 PSS in .223. Love the 5-20.

Each barrel is a little different, but a 1:9 twist will probably stabilize bullets up to 75 gr. My R700 PSS doesn't like anything heavier than 55 gr and shoots 52 gr SMK bullets REALLY well. Anything heavier and the groups open up a lot.

For target shooting, I think trying Black Hills or FGMM 69 gr BTHP Match rounds would be a good starting place. Bet it'll shoot lights out. If they group well, you could try 75 gr match rounds, and maybe even 80 (though that may be a stretch for a 1:9). If the 69 gr's don't group well, try lighter bullets (52 gr). If they don't work...send it back.

At the distances you're talking about, even the lighter bullets in the 52-55gr range would be fine.

For hunting, I'd try an A Max or Nosler bullet in the same weight as what works on the range.

 

[aus_Rob91]

Re: 700 SPS tactical .223 - optics and loadings

Ok cool beans! Yes I am planning on replacing the stock, but that will likely be down the track some time. I am really wanting to spend the rest of my coin on a quality scope atm and worry about extras later.
And the SS scopes look like the real deal, but I contacted SWFA and they don't ship out of the US which is a bummer but oh well. The only real good options I have looked at in my price range are the Viper PST 2.5-10x MRad and Bushnell Tactical.

As to the loadings, I have my fingers crossed that Federal Factory 55gr and 64gr soft points will shoot well caus that is what is cheap here!

 

[fdkay]

Re: 700 SPS tactical .223 - optics and loadings

The Bushnell tactical and viper are both excellent choices.
Are weaver tactical scopes available there? If so, the 3-15 would also be a top pick. You should also check out Sightron. Many folks have reported good results with Hawke sidewinder tactical series.

As far as ammo goes, mine shoots the hornady 55 grain soft point very well.
It actually shoots the prvi partizan 75 grain load pretty well, certainly well enough for hunting. The consistency of the load itself isn't all the great, but the bullets perform very well.

 

[BoilerUP]

Re: 700 SPS tactical .223 - optics and loadings

I was very impressed with Hornady 75gr Steel Match ammo; 0.65" @ 105yd 5 shot accuracy and easily able to hit steel at 275 and 645yds from my 9 twist 223 Savage 12FV.

$20-25 per box of 50 (at least here in the States), which is pretty economical if you can't or don't reload.

Bushnell Tactical & Vortex Viper (especially HS or PST) are great options for optics.

 

[jagged77]

Re: 700 SPS tactical .223 - optics and loadings

Got mine in an AICS, the thing shoots lights out up to 800 yards, scope wise I'm running a cheap Falcon 5.5-25 which does the job just fine. Mine loves 69gr SMK's with a hot load of N140 (26.4gr, CCI 400's and RP Brass). Last time I took it out I got a 6 shot group inside 4" at 750 yards (it was a still day!).

 

[hunthard44]

Re: 700 SPS tactical .223 - optics and loadings

My AR-15 loves Georgia Arms 55 gr soft points for hunting. I like Georgia Arms ammo. Good price

 

[GSRswapandslow]

Re: 700 SPS tactical .223 - optics and loadings

i bought an sps tactical last week....so far it's gotten:
Timney 517 trigger
Bobby Hart LRT stock w/accublock
EGW 20moa rail
Vortex Viper PST 6-24x50 with MOA EBR1
Harris bipod/pod lock

only think i'm waiting on is to figure out what rings i want to run...right now it's in some cheap cheap "TMS" rings that are coming free with the scope....i think i might go with some weaver 6 bolts or burris XTR...just waiting for the scope to show up today or tomorrow

 

[S_Lunsford]

Re: 700 SPS tactical .223 - optics and loadings

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jagged77</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Got mine in an AICS, the thing shoots lights out up to 800 yards, scope wise I'm running a cheap Falcon 5.5-25 which does the job just fine. Mine loves 69gr SMK's with a hot load of N140 (26.4gr, CCI 400's and RP Brass). Last time I took it out I got a 6 shot group inside 4" at 750 yards (it was a still day!).</div></div>

Wow, that some good shooting!

 

[redbullitt]

Re: 700 SPS tactical .223 - optics and loadings

I have a 223 sps that shoots very well. Around 24g of varget with a 69 smk has been working well, but it needs tweaked a bit. My SD is no where near where I would like and at distance I start getting a good bit of vertical stringing in there.

Load chronos at 2740ish at 1000ft elevation. I have cleaned the dot target with it fairly regularly and it shoots very well out to 300 yards. I almost hate to change anything and just use it close up lol.

I might try looking at another powder to get that SD down a little lower if I can't figure anything else out.

FWIW mine stabilizes the 70 vld here. I have not tried anything heavier though.

I have killed more than a few white tailed deer with this bullet. I assume there is a factory loading.http://www.midwayusa.com/product/66...liber-224-diameter-60-grain-spitzer-box-of-50

As far as optics, I can second the SWFA SS scopes. I have had good experience with the NIkon Buckmaster as well.

 

[Huckleberry75]

Re: 700 SPS tactical .223 - optics and loadings

Mine loves the 69 SMK and varget as well. For hunting, you might look at the Sierra 65gk or 60gn Nosler v-max.

 

[Niles Coyote]

Re: 700 SPS tactical .223 - optics and loadings

Adventures with my 223 tactical, one thing to note, I have since revisited 80 grain BTHP’s in the Nosler CC flavor and they are working well at about 2800-2850.

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthre...886#Post3031886

My best two bullet/loads to date are 69smk and 75 berger vld both powered by varget.

As for optics, I have used a NF 3.5-15x50, Nikon tactical 2.5-10x44, Mk4 2.5-8x36 M2 and now am using a 5-15x ?? Vortex midway special. They all have worked out well and my rifle is 50/50 varmint hunting and range rifle.

 

[Lima Bravo]

Re: 700 SPS tactical .223 - optics and loadings

Mine likes 25.3 Varget and 69 smk's loaded in mil brass.
Leupold MK4 6.5-20 and HS LTR stock make a cool and lightweight setup for me that also affordable and fun to shoot!

 

[aus_Rob91]

Re: 700 SPS tactical .223 - optics and loadings

All great replies thanks. I think I might email the importers and get a quote for those vortex pst scopes...
And those bullet suggestions are pretty surprising in the wide range of projectile weights used. I guess it just depends on each particular barrel... it was a little bit shocking when I unboxed a few federal 55gr .223 rounds caus they seemed so tiny compared to my .308! But they did look mean that's for sure. I think I might get some vmax and some 64gr sp too and try those. If push comes to shove, they sell factory 69gr federal match but they are $50/20!!!!!

 

[repiv]

Re: 700 SPS tactical .223 - optics and loadings

As long as we are talking reloads Mine really likes the 77gr SMK. Easily under MOA to 600, Planning to test 750-800 next time out.

 

[Russ D]

Re: 700 SPS tactical .223 - optics and loadings

75 grain Hornady HPBT 24.0 grains of Varget CCI primer.