Help me put together new rifle

[00Buck]

I'm wanting to put together a new rifle in either 223 or 308. Wish to use it out to about 500 if I can find the range to do it and would want it to be capable of good accuracy at that range in the event I do find somewhere to shoot that distance sometime down the road.

Please keep in mind I am in Canada so many of the options are not available to me or are so high priced I wouldn't be able to afford them anyway!

- First question should I go with 223 or 308? I do not reload and don't indend to start at this time so I am limited to what is available as factory ammo. Any advice on which I should go with?
- I was considering getting a Rem 700 tactical with 20" barrel and putting that into the AICS. For optics I believe I will go with the Viper PST in FFP mil/mil.

Is this a good way to go about it or are there other options I should look at?

I also considered the 700 5R milspec but don't know if it is worth the extra cash compared to the tactical (about $600 extra) or if that rifle shoots well with factory ammo. I believe there is a difference in the rate of twist but know which is better for factory ammo. I've also seen the XLR chassis and have heard about the new AI AX chassis about to come out but have limited knowledge on if these would be a better option for me over the AICS.

I'm hoping to get all of this together for about the $2600 mark if possible.

Do you guys have any advice or suggestions on what I should be looking at here?

By the way, I've searched and read and searched and read more before I posted this topic.

thanks

 

[coldboremiracle]

Re: Help me put together new rifle

Buck, sounds like your off to a good start. If your not gonna reload, then .223 or .308 is a good idea. the questions is which. the .223 will do fine at 500 IF you use some heavy bullets 68, 69, or better the 75-77 range. Of course you need the twist for those heavier bullets which is unlikely to come in a factory SPS.Though I have heard some people saying they have had good luck with 75's in a 9 twist. If you want to eliminate the doubt about that whole can of worms, then go with the .308. While a bit more expensive it will easily handle your range envelope and beyond.The good news is that either way you go, both rounds have a ready supply of fine match ammunition.
I didn't read that this was your first rifle, which an SPS tactical is fine for. But it is a great platform that you can grow with, should you decide to change it for the better in the future.
The AICS is a fine way to go, both for you to use and upgrade, as well as it retains value should you decide to go another way. I think if you can bring all these components together as you've described you will be in great shape. I have the Vortex Viper PST 4-16X50 and absolutely love it, it would make a fine optical choice for this project. I think you should charge on with your plans as stated, you have done your homework and should have great results. Shoot shoot shoot!!!

 

[00Buck]

Re: Help me put together new rifle

Thanks for the info.

That is what I was wondering about...twist rate. I believe the tactical 223 has a 9 twist, so perhaps I will go with the 308 just to be sure I can reach out there a little with the factory available ammo. The only downside will be I can't use the 308 for coyote hunting should I wish to do so every now and then.

Do you have any info on the 5R and if that would be a wise alternative to the tactical in either the 223 or the 308? It costs more but will it be worth it in the long run?

I currently have, and have had several rifles over the last many years but have never really got into any serious long distance shooting mainly due to the lack of dedicated ranges in these parts. The longest I've shot at targets so far has been 400 yards and that has been rare. That being said, I usually move about every 3-4 years for my job so I may get lucky and end up somewhere with a nice range!

Lately I've been doing a lot of my shooting with a Savage TR in 22lr which has been interesting to say the least.

 

[ksmith13]

Re: Help me put together new rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 00Buck</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
The only downside will be I can't use the 308 for coyote hunting should I wish to do so every now and then.


</div></div>

How come you cant use a 308 for Coyotes? Is it a Canadian law? I have used a 270 lots of times and there is not much difference in the 270 and 308.

 

[00Buck]

Re: Help me put together new rifle

You can only shoot coyote with a 22 centerfire rifle (ie 223, 22-250, 222, 220 swift, etc). I believe this regulation differs from Province to Province so it also depends where you live.

 

[ksmith13]

Re: Help me put together new rifle

That is cool to know. I used to hunt coyotes in Texas lots and we used whatever we had!! Good luck!

 

[coldboremiracle]

Re: Help me put together new rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 00Buck</div><div class="ubbcode-body">. The only downside will be I can't use the 308 for coyote hunting should I wish to do so every now and then.




</div></div>

Damn, that is stupid. and a shame.

 

[00Buck]

Re: Help me put together new rifle

Yeah it certainly limits choices for anyone wanting to get into it.

That's one of the issues I was strugling with when trying to decide on which way to go. (223 / 308)

 

[x ring accuracy]

Re: Help me put together new rifle

Buck,
Before buying anything, do some searching as to what is available in either caliber. Myself, GAP, etc have rifles in both calibers that will do anything you want and more. No waiting, readily available, just pull the trigger. One thing to keep in mind. The .473 bolt face, (.308) can do MANY calibers if you wish to change. The 223 bolt fact is stuck where it is or you can have it turned for more dollars. Just my .02

 

[00Buck]

Re: Help me put together new rifle

That would be a great idea but I'm in Canada and I don't think it is very easy to have a rifle shipped up from one of the builders you mention. I do plan to check on the process but I have a feeling it won't be easy.