Need to build a .223 multi-purpose rifle

[Creature]

I'm going P-dog hunting 4 weeks so it'd be nice to have it done before. I'm going to use it for coyotes and the like so don't want to go super heavy. I only have about $500 to get this done (bbl, trigger, stock).

The action will be a Stevens 200. I'm thinking a med-heavy contour with a 1-9 twist. I'm kind of up in the air about the twist rate. I was thinking with the 1-9 I could use 50gr VMAX on dogs and 60VMAX on coyotes. For a stock I'm looking at a Duramaxx for $100. Trigger- $120 Jard.

Any opinions on this build would be greatly appreciated. Who has Savage bbl ready to ship at a decent price these days?

 

[gszeto99]

Re: Need to build a .223 multi-purpose rifle

If you want to go cheap then see if you can find a 10fp 20" tactical .223 barrel. They are 1in9" twist and they shoot really well. You should be able to find them for about $100 to $150. That is the cheapest accurate handy barrel I can think of for your build. Are you doing the work or is a smith going to do it for you. If you have the tools you can do it faster and cheaper than going to a smith since you have a time constraint. Let me know if you have any other questions.

Gene

 

[Creature]

Re: Need to build a .223 multi-purpose rifle

My friend swaps barrels on Svages all the time and can help me do it in a few minutes. Searching right now for a 10fp bbl, thanks for the info.

 

[bohem]

Re: Need to build a .223 multi-purpose rifle

Have you fed handloads through that barrel yet and worked on a load?

I have a light sporter contour 223 Savage barrel that handled 25 rounds of 75 Amax for load testing in under 5 mins yesterday, 3rd 5 round group was the best, with the 4th and 5th being close seconds. It shoots very well.

Look into the Choate stocks for a good value, stiff, accurate stock (theyre heavy though)

I was recently told that the non-accutrigger Stevens triggers can be adjusted down t 2.5lbs reliably, I don't know how true that is, they're adjustable for sure. You might try to figure out how far you can get it adjusted down before dropping the money on it.

That would allow you to get a pre-fit Shilen barrel with the saved trigger money if your OEM barrel doesn't shoot to your liking.

EDIT: I think Savage Shooter's Supply has barrels in stock generally, you can try them.