• The Shot You’ll Never Forget Giveaway - Enter To Win A Barrel From Rifle Barrel Blanks!

    Tell us about the best or most memorable shot you’ve ever taken. Contest ends June 13th and remember: subscribe for a better chance of winning!

    Join contest Subscribe

What rail for 223 built

Kyskeet

Private
Full Member
Minuteman
Feb 22, 2017
181
54
Help me pick out a picayinny rail for SA rem build. Vortex gen1 5-20 in Spuhr mount.
Steel or Al?
brand?
put the 20 MOA in the mount or the rail?
 
I think most would agree that there are quite a few reputable companies that make quality rails. I have used Seekins Precision rails and I like them, but there are plenty of other options.
 
What is the rationale for avoiding aluminum bases? I also use Seekins rings (like alot of others) which are aluminum and have never had an issue with the rings or base.

I could be sorely incorrect, but I would think any rationale that leads you away from aluminum bases/rings would have the same implications towards aluminum chassis/bedding blocks/etc.
 
Hard to go wrong with a 20 MOA base from any of the reputable companies (Badger, Nightforce, Seekins, etc). And given the choice I'd always go for elevation in the rail vs. the mount if only for ease of resale.

For steel vs. aluminum I always like aluminum bases for aluminum mounts/rings and steel for steel. Just follow the torque specs and they'll be fine.
 
I too am interested in his reasons.

I suspect they're based on anecdotal evidence.


I have no clue, Im not a scientist. It was suggested I use SS and always have used Murphy SS on my Rem 700's. Quick google search turns up endless discussions on the topic. Arguments about expansion and contraction rates of AI vs steel.. Steel being stiffer, especially with hotter loads and larger calibers. How true any of this is or what difference it makes, if any, you got me.
 
There's aluminum and then there's aluminum. Meaning not all aluminum's are the same. The two major alloys of aluminum that you find in the firearms industry are variations of: 6061 and 7075

What is the best material for scope bases and mounts is matching things up. 7075 is significantly stronger than 6061 and likely stronger than the steel that is commonly used for scope bases (12L14).

Rule of Thumb: The Rings should never be stronger than the Base.

-Steel Base: Steel Rings, 7075 and 6061 Rings Recommended

-7075 Base: 7075 and 6061 Rings Recommended, Steel Rings OK

-6061 Base: 6061 Rings Recommended (I use this for low recoil applications only)

If you don't follow this, the rings clamping to the bases have the capacity to deform the base. Limit the amount of torque applied to the clamping nuts to not deform the base.

 
Last edited: