Help with choosing a precision training/target rifle

[sven1019]

I am considering buying a precision rifle for training, thinking in .223, solely for training and target shooting over 100 yards. I will mostly shoot from a bench or prone off a bipod and intend to use the rifle to become a better shot and to grow with. I am trying to decide between getting a production rifle and getting a rifle built by a gunsmith. I do not have a fortune to spend but realize that, for precision, I get what I pay for. Can anyone recommend a production rifle or a good manufacturer? The reason I am thinking .223 is that it's relatively cheap to shoot and easy to find ammo for. Also, because I'm relatively new to shooting and don't want to be hypersensitive to the recoil or muzzle blast and acquire bad habits (flinching) if I start with a cartridge that really kicks hard. Would another caliber/cartridge be better?

When it comes to custom-built rifles, does anyone know of a good gunsmith in the eastern PA area? If I get a production rifle, I may change the stock, get a thicker barrel installed, or accurize the rifle for better precision, but can also think of having a custom rifle built for me. What do you think? All information and opinions are welcome. Thanks

 

[Krob95]

.223 is great as it’s cheap but for a few dollars more, kick ass factory match 6.5 creedmoor ammo can be bought. I spend 18 dollars for federal gmm .223 ammo vs 25 bucks for Berger factory ammo (Lapua small primer brass). 6.5 will get you from 100yd to 1000yd whereas .223 will take you out to 600yd. If you’re looking for a good factory rifle that’s already threaded for a muzzle brake I would look at some of Tikka’s higher end rifles such as the CTR, tactical, or Tac A1 models. If you want to upgrade to a chassis most all chassis company’s offer a tikka inlet. (Highly recommend KRG)

 

[b6graham]

bighorn origin
keystone 6.5creed or 223 green mountain barrel
trigger of choice
krg bravo
atlas cal bipod
heathen or hellfire brake

assemble yourself

tikka ctr. krg bravo if you want. will shoot just fine as is. dont need to spend money on a smith

if you're stuck on a production gun just have chad at Long Rifles Inc build you a remington 700 with his upgrades instead of wasting money on a full gun to upgrade everything anyways

 

[Steel head]

bighorn origin
keystone 6.5creed or 223 green mountain barrel
trigger of choice
krg bravo
atlas cal bipod
heathen or hellfire brake

assemble yourself

tikka ctr. krg bravo if you want. will shoot just fine as is. dont need to spend money on a smith

if you're stuck on a production gun just have chad at Long Rifles Inc build you a remington 700 with his upgrades instead of wasting money on a full gun to upgrade everything anyways

It would be hard to beat this.

 

[John Glidewell]

I took a Cabela's Savage 12FV and dropped it in an HS precision stock. Running 73 grain Berger BT at just over 2900fps and hit milg jugs at 1k, 1200 and 1500 yards. It is set up very similar to my 6mm match gun.

 

[MDT_Josh]

These are both on the higher end of budget most likely, but they come factory assembled with great components! Take a look at the BadRock Rifles Southfork (Defiance Tenacity action, MDT LSS-XL Gen2 with SRS Stock, 23" 1:7" twist 223 match barrel) or the newly released Savage 110 Elite Precision (Savage 110 trued action and TiN coated bolt, 26" steel barrel 1:7" twist, MDT ACC chassis and built for target shooting)!

Both are excellent options and you wouldn't need to upgrade anything out of the box.

Josh

 

[ilmonster]

I was like you. I started with my first bolt action around 4-5 years ago. I chose a Rem. 700 SPS Tac in .223. It has a 1:9 twist 20" heavy barrel. As others suggested, over time I replaced the tupperware stock with a KRG Bravo stock (can use detachable magazines), a Timney 510 trigger, a TPS rail and rings for a Vortex 5-25 optic. Without the optic, and waiting for sales (Remington has rebates on right now), I had about $800 into it. Learned how to reload for this and have gotten a receipe that will give me 1/2 MOA groups all day long with Hornady 75 gr. BTHP bullets. Furthest I've shot it is out to 300 yds. and it's totally adequate.

Not a bad rifle to start with. Also might want to consider a Tikka T3x in .223 which comes with a 1:8 twist barrel that will throw some heavier bullets downrange. Heavier typically have higher ballistic coefficients. Also, the Tikka has a super smooth action (have shot the Tikka T3x TAC A1 with the same action, and it's one smooth bolt action) and a shorter bolt throw. One other option is a Howa barreled action from Brownells that you can throw into the stock of your choice.

Regarding .223 versus say, a 6.5CM, I'd say go with the .223. I recently came upon a Rem 700 in 6.5CM that I couldn't pass up for the price (don't have a need for 6.5 for the distances I shoot, but who doesn't want another stick!). Just got done building it up similar to my ,223 with the Bravo stock, etc. Having shot both, I have absolutely no regrets beginning with the .223. No recoil, easy to reload for, plenty of accurate factory loads, cheap to shoot. I think spending a few years on the .223 will make me a better 6.5CM shooter as I get more rounds downrange. The 6.5CM isn't a horrible recoiling rifle, (I've shot up to 300WM and 7mm RemMag that others at the range offered up to try), but it is a heavier recoiling rifle than .223. I am certainly not going to sell the .223. Just one man's opinion...

p.s. a .223 with high BC bullets can easily get you out to 600 yards. Wind will test your skills, but you can certainly get that far.

 

[Jefe's Dope]

Get a .22lr and you'll really learn how to shoot and read wind. And the top end stuff sells for about what .223 reloads sell for. The bullet dwell time in a .22lr barrel is longer than any centerfire and will exaggerate any trigger flaws you have. It'll force you to 'follow through' and flinching will be non existent. You'll be able to learn how to watch the bullet trajectory and splash. It's ballistically the same as ¼ scale .308. So a shorter range will still give you long range experience. After shooting .22lr matches all Summer, getting behind my 6.5 CM was like child's play. I've have more fun and learned more by shooting .22lr all Summer than years of other calibers.

 

[danbar54]

I am considering buying a precision rifle for training, thinking in .223, solely for training and target shooting over 100 yards. I will mostly shoot from a bench or prone off a bipod and intend to use the rifle to become a better shot and to grow with. I am trying to decide between getting a production rifle and getting a rifle built by a gunsmith. I do not have a fortune to spend but realize that, for precision, I get what I pay for. Can anyone recommend a production rifle or a good manufacturer? The reason I am thinking .223 is that it's relatively cheap to shoot and easy to find ammo for. Also, because I'm relatively new to shooting and don't want to be hypersensitive to the recoil or muzzle blast and acquire bad habits (flinching) if I start with a cartridge that really kicks hard. Would another caliber/cartridge be better?

When it comes to custom-built rifles, does anyone know of a good gunsmith in the eastern PA area? If I get a production rifle, I may change the stock, get a thicker barrel installed, or accurize the rifle for better precision, but can also think of having a custom rifle built for me. What do you think? All information and opinions are welcome. Thanks

I am in the same position as you, but I started with a Bergara LRP ELite 6.5CM. I do not wish to build a rifle, but would like a pre-built .223 with the precision of my Bergara. Before I ask Bergara to build a custom ($$$), I will be looking at the Savage 12BTCSS. I will be following this thread,since i am still looking.

 

[ilmonster]

Would also concur with Jefe above. I have an Anschutz 1416 in .22LR, and that is also a hoot to shoot and will certainly make you a better rifle shooter. 100 yds on a windy day will really test your skills. Plus, a really fine two stage match trigger will accentuate any flaws you have in your trigger pull and follow through.

Match grade ammo (like Lapua Center-X) will cost $11-$13 per 50, only about $5 cheaper than match .223. If you have the funds, a .22LR and a .223 would be a great way to become a good nut behind the butt.

And remember, even on a .22, don't scrimp on optics. Doesn't mean you need a $2K+ Nightforce (although, who wouldn't want one!), but $700-$1000 will get you a really nice scope with good tracking, clear bright glass, etc.

Let us know what you decide!!

 

[danbar54]

These are both on the higher end of budget most likely, but they come factory assembled with great components! Take a look at the BadRock Rifles Southfork (Defiance Tenacity action, MDT LSS-XL Gen2 with SRS Stock, 23" 1:7" twist 223 match barrel) or the newly released Savage 110 Elite Precision (Savage 110 trued action and TiN coated bolt, 26" steel barrel 1:7" twist, MDT ACC chassis and built for target shooting)!

Both are excellent options and you wouldn't need to upgrade anything out of the box.

Josh

Josh, Would Badrock swictch the LSS to the ACC? The ACC fits my shooting style much better

 

[MDT_Josh]

Josh, Would Badrock swictch the LSS to the ACC? The ACC fits my shooting style much better

Unfortunately the @Defiance Machine BadRock Soutforks are only available in the configurations shown on their website, as far as I know. Alternatively, you could build a similar package with a Defiance Tenacity, MDT ACC and any barrel of your choice, however, it will be more pricey and will need to be assembled.

Josh