Ideal .223 Bolt Action Plinker (?)

I know most people have had Tikka's that shot everything with the 8 twist. Mine would not. It shot 77's into 1 hole, but anything lighter was not good. Some stuff was 4-5 moa bad. So, while probabilities are on your side, it's not 100% the easy button.

Used 9 twist 700 or model 7, the CZ I mentioned before was also 9 twist, a Savage will bang out one holers as well, and for next to no money since everyone turns their nose up at them. Just don't put any money into any of them and have fun burning through your ammo.
well that sucks but sounds like a rare instance. I have only shot 68-77 grain bullets in mine but know 55 grain blitzkreigs are popular for trainer ammo in an Tikka 8 twist
 
I know most people have had Tikka's that shot everything with the 8 twist. Mine would not. It shot 77's into 1 hole, but anything lighter was not good. Some stuff was 4-5 moa bad. So, while probabilities are on your side, it's not 100% the easy button.

Used 9 twist 700 or model 7, the CZ I mentioned before was also 9 twist, a Savage will bang out one holers as well, and for next to no money since everyone turns their nose up at them. Just don't put any money into any of them and have fun burning through your ammo.
That isn't my experience.

I shot this target years ago in arfcom's MOA All Day Long challenge with my 1:8 Tikka Sporter. Rules were 100 yards, off a bipod and a small rear bag. Five, 5 shot groups had to average sub MOA
20140901_220854.jpg


The rifle was new to me and I was trying to see what it liked, so I threw random loads together with 8208 and 77 and 52 SMK, 53 Vmax, and I think there is a 77 Nosler Custom Competition in there as well. All the groups combined averaged under .75"
 
+1 For a Ruger American Rifle or American Ranch.

I have a 16" Gen 1 in 5.56 which uses AR magazines. I bought it on the recommendation of a gun tester/writer with whom I conversed over a few social beverages years back (RIP Ed.) I swear that rifle punches so flipping far above its weight. Mind you, I've been feeding it a bit heavier bullets (closer to the 62, 69, 77 grain flavor) but that thing is an MOA rifle all day with ammo it likes. I didn't even put a great scope on it, just a 1-8 LPVO. I'm pleased as hell with that rifle and I'll never get rid of it. Light, handy, and accurate. Perfect knock-around bolt gun, especially for the price.
 
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CZ 600 Alpha

Any thoughts on this guy? Propriety mags, I'm sure. I guess I have to call to see if they have 10 rounders.

Personally, I’d stay away from the 600 series. I own three of the previous model, the 527 mini-mauser type action, in 204, 17 Hornet, and 22 Hornet. They made a variety of that model in 223 as well. The 527 is one cool action and my three guns are very accurate.

The 600 series was supposed to have a simple barrel change feature. I think this was for Euro customers that had to get permission to buy each new gun, but they could buy barrels without paperwork (or something similar).

Anyway, either there was an engineering mistake or the potential liability of a user mistake was too great so they recalled them. Now the barrels are bonded into the action so you cannot change them.

I think CZ destroyed their centerfire lineup.
 
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+1 For a Ruger American Rifle or American Ranch.

I have a 16" Gen 1 in 5.56 which uses AR magazines. I bought it on the recommendation of a gun tester/writer with whom I conversed over a few social beverages years back (RIP Ed.) I swear that rifle punches so flipping far above its weight. Mind you, I've been feeding it a bit heavier bullets (closer to the 62, 69, 77 grain flavor) but that thing is an MOA rifle all day with ammo it likes. I didn't even put a great scope on it, just a 1-8 LPVO. I'm pleased as hell with that rifle and I'll never get rid of it. Light, handy, and accurate. Perfect knock-around bolt gun, especially for the price.
2,000 + rounds thru mine shooting prairie dogs. Mostly 55 grain soft nose Hornadys at 3,200 fps. It shoots with my buddies custom guns.
 
Personally, I’d stay away from the 600 series. I own three of the previous model, the 527 mini-mauser type action, in 204, 17 Hornet, and 22 Hornet. They made a variety of that model in 223 as well. The 527 is one cool action and my three guns are very accurate.

The 600 series was supposed to have a simple barrel change feature. I think this was for Euro customers that had to get permission to buy each new gun, but they could buy barrels without paperwork (or something similar).

Anyway, either there was an engineering mistake or the potential liability of a user mistake was too great so they recalled them. Now the barrels are bonded into the action so you cannot change them.

I think CZ destroyed their centerfire lineup.
Yeah the more I read and research around I think a $600ish generic 223 bolt is going to land me in a Ruger American Ranch. Not sure whether to go with a gen 1 or a gen 2. Gen 2 is more $ out of the box at retail whereas gen 1, being still out there, I can get for low $500 somewhere. And if I want to throw it in another stock it won't turn it into stupid money.

Plus I really do want easy access, double stack, at least, 10 round magazines.