Which way to go?

[jLorenzo]

I'm getting a .223 for range fun ,local matches, Prarie dogs nothing crazy.
Obviously want to run 69+ gr bullets with the option on loading up bulk with 53gr vmax, 62 fmj, etc.
Im heavily considering a Tikka varmint, has the right twist, known shooter, quality gun.
My question is would I be better off going with the Tikka or grabbing a Savage Hog Hunter or FV for 450$ and changing the barrel (want a 20" threaded)
Or the same thing but with a Howa 1500?
I have 2 Savage rimfires, they shoot but I wore one of them out and had to send it back.
I'm torn because I like the Howa and Savage actions but then will have to deal with getting a barrel, I'm guessing around 300$, getting it put on. Will that be around the the same price as the Tikka varmint 750$ish?
The gun I get will go in the B&C target/comp adjustable (A5 adjustable copy).

 

[m6z]

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/9...ist-5-groove-20-1-2-28-thread-stainless-steel

Here's a Proof Research barrel for Savage threads.

 

[m6z]

The Bergara Pro would be a good ready to shoot option.
http://www.bergarausa.com/bergara_premier_series_hmr_pro_rifle.php

 

[XLR308]

I like Savage rifles myself but have to say it before someone else does, run the action on a Tikka a few times and then pick up a Savage and work it.
The Savage action will seem tore up like a hillbilly bicycle from then on, and like I said I actually like the Savage rifles just not the action so much.

 

[m6z]

You can get a RPR for less than $800.

https://grabagun.com/ruger-precision-5-56mm-20-10-1-mb.html

 

[jLorenzo]

Not a fan of the RPR, whichever I go with will go in this Bell&Carlson

I know the Savages are rougher and probably have looser tolerances but the do work in after awhile. I do feel like both the Tikka and Howa are probably a little more solid (kinda sad the 2 guns I'm looking at aren't American made, nothing against the Finns or Japs lol). I have literally zero experience with putting on an after market barrel, with the Tikka I'd just keep the stock one and maybe chop it to 20" and thread it. I've seen videos of savage barrel changes, seem Fairly straight forward but what about the Howa? Does anyone make after market prefit Howa barrels or will it be made to order? I assume with the Howa a gunsmith will be needed to change the barrel?

 

[jram]

Not a fan of the RPR, whichever I go with will go in this Bell&Carlson
View attachment 6897195
I know the Savages are rougher and probably have looser tolerances but the do work in after awhile. I do feel like both the Tikka and Howa are probably a little more solid (kinda sad the 2 guns I'm looking at aren't American made, nothing against the Finns or Japs lol). I have literally zero experience with putting on an after market barrel, with the Tikka I'd just keep the stock one and maybe chop it to 20" and thread it. I've seen videos of savage barrel changes, seem Fairly straight forward but what about the Howa? Does anyone make after market prefit Howa barrels or will it be made to order? I assume with the Howa a gunsmith will be needed to change the barrel?

Xlr308 is right, try to run the actions before you decide. I own a savage that I put in a B&C stock and rebareled with a criterion 6.5 creedmoor, pretty similar to what you described. It shoots good and I learned a lot in the process, but after you factor in headspace gauges, a barrel but wrench and action wrench or barrel vise it will cost quite a bit more than the Tikka. And it’s atill not as nice as say a tikka CTR.

If you already had the savage I’d recommend rebarreling it, but not buying a complete gun just to get the action.

 

[redneckbmxer24]

Tikka is the far better rifle.

 

[jLorenzo]

Yeah deep down I think I'm gonna go Tikka and save the hassle with the barrel change. I still want a Howa at some point, maybe I'll grab one in a different caliber down the road that won't require a rebarrel. Now the question is how can I run mags with that stock? I'm fine with a 5 rounder, would be nice to get bottom metal down the road.

 

[jram]

Yeah deep down I think I'm gonna go Tikka and save the hassle with the barrel change. I still want a Howa at some point, maybe I'll grab one in a different caliber down the road that won't require a rebarrel. Now the question is how can I run mags with that stock? I'm fine with a 5 rounder, would be nice to get bottom metal down the road.

Check out Brownells, they sell Howa 1500 barreled actions pretty regularly. Off memory they are $450 or so and quite a few of them are already cerakoted. If money is a factor that might be the cheapest way to go

 

[jLorenzo]

Any idea on the twist rate of the Bergamo in .223?

 

[redneckbmxer24]

Yeah deep down I think I'm gonna go Tikka and save the hassle with the barrel change. I still want a Howa at some point, maybe I'll grab one in a different caliber down the road that won't require a rebarrel. Now the question is how can I run mags with that stock? I'm fine with a 5 rounder, would be nice to get bottom metal down the road.

Tikka 223 mags have a pretty short mag OAL. Inletting the factory stock isn’t very cost effective either. You best bet is to shoot it as it for a while and then upgrade the stock to a KRG Bravo or X-ray that will accept AICS mags.

 

[jakelly]

The OAL is pretty pathetic in those Tikka Mags. They can be modified, but it’s not nothing. I can’t believe the same company that chambered those rifles made those mags. There must not be any measuring tools in one part of the shop, maybe the headspace guys are bogarting them all.