Since I sold my remy 700 aac-sd,I have the itch to get another bolt action rifle. But,I think im going to stick with .223 this time. I only shoot at 100-300 yards. For out of the box accuracy,what should I be looking at? Budget at $600 or so. I have a scope and rings already to use. And Il be shooting factory ammo,no reloading equipment yet but hopefully plan on getting into it by the end of the summer.
.223 bolt action on a budget
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Re: .223 bolt action on a budget
I'd say look at a Remington SPS Varmint or a Savage vamint configuration of some sort. You can replace the stock later.
I'd say look at a Remington SPS Varmint or a Savage vamint configuration of some sort. You can replace the stock later.
Re: .223 bolt action on a budget
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jagged77</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The R700 SPS Tactical is a good choice, the 1:9 twist works well with 69gr match rounds. Plenty of upgrade options as and when. I'd also have a look out for a Tikka T3. </div></div>
I do plan on upgrading later on,but right now I just want something that is capable of good accuracy out of the box.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jagged77</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The R700 SPS Tactical is a good choice, the 1:9 twist works well with 69gr match rounds. Plenty of upgrade options as and when. I'd also have a look out for a Tikka T3. </div></div>
I do plan on upgrading later on,but right now I just want something that is capable of good accuracy out of the box.
Re: .223 bolt action on a budget
To me if buying new, the Remington SPS-T pops to mind right away but right on its heals is the Savage 10FP-SR.
Unless you come across a good deal on a used Remington 700P then that would be at the top of my list.
I had bought an SPS-T for my wife and it was like most others you read about here as it didn't disappoint besides the crap stock (replaced it with a bedded McM HTG). To get back going again you really can't go wrong with one of these.
I've had a few Savage FP's (223 & 308) over the years and one early Model 112 BVSS (223 pre-short action) and they were all very good shooters right out of the box but also suffer from poor stocks. When funds were tight that's what worked for me.
To me if buying new, the Remington SPS-T pops to mind right away but right on its heals is the Savage 10FP-SR.
Unless you come across a good deal on a used Remington 700P then that would be at the top of my list.
I had bought an SPS-T for my wife and it was like most others you read about here as it didn't disappoint besides the crap stock (replaced it with a bedded McM HTG). To get back going again you really can't go wrong with one of these.
I've had a few Savage FP's (223 & 308) over the years and one early Model 112 BVSS (223 pre-short action) and they were all very good shooters right out of the box but also suffer from poor stocks. When funds were tight that's what worked for me.
Re: .223 bolt action on a budget
Tikka T3 or scout. Very accurate from the factory, no action truing or extractor upgrading, good trigger, and the stock isnt complete garbage like the SPS. comes with 1:8 from the factory so you can shoot the 75gr projo's. Scout even feeds from a box mag as is.
Before anyone starts flaming me for recommending an alternative to the almighty coveted sps, check my sig line, I own one.
Also before you consider the Rem varmint in .223, know that it is a 1:12 twist barrel.
.223 is a great round and tons of fun to shoot in a bolt. With some good 69 or 75gr it is a decent LR shooter. Plenty functional for the range your shooting, and longer.
Get one and order yourself some BH 69 or 75s and have a blast. Check out .223 offerings from Hide sponsor SWammo too.
Tikka T3 or scout. Very accurate from the factory, no action truing or extractor upgrading, good trigger, and the stock isnt complete garbage like the SPS. comes with 1:8 from the factory so you can shoot the 75gr projo's. Scout even feeds from a box mag as is.
Before anyone starts flaming me for recommending an alternative to the almighty coveted sps, check my sig line, I own one.
Also before you consider the Rem varmint in .223, know that it is a 1:12 twist barrel.
.223 is a great round and tons of fun to shoot in a bolt. With some good 69 or 75gr it is a decent LR shooter. Plenty functional for the range your shooting, and longer.
Get one and order yourself some BH 69 or 75s and have a blast. Check out .223 offerings from Hide sponsor SWammo too.
Re: .223 bolt action on a budget
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: nly205</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Tikka T3 or scout. Very accurate from the factory, no action truing or extractor upgrading, good trigger, and the stock isnt complete garbage like the SPS. comes with 1:8 from the factory so you can shoot the 75gr projo's. Scout even feeds from a box mag as is.</div></div>
*raises hand*
You mentioned that the scout box mag can be used "as is." is the scout mag capable of holding the longer .223 reloads such as the 75gr Amax and HPBT where the normal T3 mag is not?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: nly205</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Tikka T3 or scout. Very accurate from the factory, no action truing or extractor upgrading, good trigger, and the stock isnt complete garbage like the SPS. comes with 1:8 from the factory so you can shoot the 75gr projo's. Scout even feeds from a box mag as is.</div></div>
*raises hand*
You mentioned that the scout box mag can be used "as is." is the scout mag capable of holding the longer .223 reloads such as the 75gr Amax and HPBT where the normal T3 mag is not?
Re: .223 bolt action on a budget
If you are only going to 100-300yds, I would recommend looking for 20 inch barrels. You don't need the additional length at those distances. Think about the Rem 700 SPS Tactical or the a similar Savage. Either will fit the bill nicely and match up fairly close to your budget.
If you are only going to 100-300yds, I would recommend looking for 20 inch barrels. You don't need the additional length at those distances. Think about the Rem 700 SPS Tactical or the a similar Savage. Either will fit the bill nicely and match up fairly close to your budget.
Re: .223 bolt action on a budget
Forgot to ask the OP... Is this rifle going to see any other use than simply paper punching? Varmint/predator hunting? Will you be carrying it and walking with it? If so, the shorter barreled SPS Tac or T3 Scout would be very handy. I have personally handled both and would not feel terrible about lugging one around.
Forgot to ask the OP... Is this rifle going to see any other use than simply paper punching? Varmint/predator hunting? Will you be carrying it and walking with it? If so, the shorter barreled SPS Tac or T3 Scout would be very handy. I have personally handled both and would not feel terrible about lugging one around.
Re: .223 bolt action on a budget
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jay Ell Gee</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Forgot to ask the OP... Is this rifle going to see any other use than simply paper punching? Varmint/predator hunting? Will you be carrying it and walking with it? If so, the shorter barreled SPS Tac or T3 Scout would be very handy. I have personally handled both and would not feel terrible about lugging one around. </div></div>
I might use it for hunting coyotes down the road,but for now it will be pretty much a bench rifle.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jay Ell Gee</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Forgot to ask the OP... Is this rifle going to see any other use than simply paper punching? Varmint/predator hunting? Will you be carrying it and walking with it? If so, the shorter barreled SPS Tac or T3 Scout would be very handy. I have personally handled both and would not feel terrible about lugging one around. </div></div>
I might use it for hunting coyotes down the road,but for now it will be pretty much a bench rifle.
Re: .223 bolt action on a budget
My vote would then be to find a gently used 700p or 700ltr. The advantage of already having a solid stock would keep you from having to upgrade for a long long time. Also, the 700p takeoff stocks sell quite well to fund a nicer one down the road and are quite desirable to budget shooters, and the LTR would still be short enough for a walk around rifle later down the road!
My vote would then be to find a gently used 700p or 700ltr. The advantage of already having a solid stock would keep you from having to upgrade for a long long time. Also, the 700p takeoff stocks sell quite well to fund a nicer one down the road and are quite desirable to budget shooters, and the LTR would still be short enough for a walk around rifle later down the road!
Re: .223 bolt action on a budget
While I gladly 2nd (3rd/4th/5th) the Tikka recommendation, the only problem I see with it is your total budget of only $600. The Tikka (either the Varmint or the Scout) will be roughly $200 over your buget at around $800-850. Now, you obviously get what you pay for with the Tikka including arguably superior components (especially the stock which is a real POS on the Remy) and an overall superior product, but if the money isn't available, there is nothing per se wrong with the SPS Tactical .223 other than the stock and the slower twist barrel which limits your bullets selection somewhat (certainly to 68-69gr and less). Since I prefer the 75-77gr pills, it is a deal-breaker for me, but for shorter range work, you will be fine with the slower twist running 69gr and lighter pills unless you just WANT to run the heavier ones.
As for the Remington LTR (or a PSS/P), I don't know that you will find one (even a good used one) for much less than a NIB Tikka. While the stock on the LTR/PSS/P models (HS Precision) is a big improvement over the SPS stock, you are still stuck with a slower twist barrel.
Again, it all comes down to what specifically you want/need from the rifle and how much (if you want to go over your current budget) you are willing to spend.
While I gladly 2nd (3rd/4th/5th) the Tikka recommendation, the only problem I see with it is your total budget of only $600. The Tikka (either the Varmint or the Scout) will be roughly $200 over your buget at around $800-850. Now, you obviously get what you pay for with the Tikka including arguably superior components (especially the stock which is a real POS on the Remy) and an overall superior product, but if the money isn't available, there is nothing per se wrong with the SPS Tactical .223 other than the stock and the slower twist barrel which limits your bullets selection somewhat (certainly to 68-69gr and less). Since I prefer the 75-77gr pills, it is a deal-breaker for me, but for shorter range work, you will be fine with the slower twist running 69gr and lighter pills unless you just WANT to run the heavier ones.
As for the Remington LTR (or a PSS/P), I don't know that you will find one (even a good used one) for much less than a NIB Tikka. While the stock on the LTR/PSS/P models (HS Precision) is a big improvement over the SPS stock, you are still stuck with a slower twist barrel.
Again, it all comes down to what specifically you want/need from the rifle and how much (if you want to go over your current budget) you are willing to spend.
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