Optimal 223 general target rifle?

Research the barrel twist in all of the rifles that you are considering. In my humble opinion, target shooting (accuracy) would be done with accurate ammunition. One of the best all around bullets for the .223 is the 68 grain match hpbt from Black Hills Ammunition. This ammunition functions best in a barrel twist of at least 1:10 or tighter.

I use it for both match and hunting. It functions perfectly on paper or meat.

For a bolt gun, consider the Winchester Coyote. For a semi auto, consider the AR-15.

Phil,

You have probably heard countless things about the Mini-14 and probably shot it several times, I would still give it some consideration. I own one, and it has proven to be COMPLETELY accurate for me. Of course, I'm a total Ruger pusher. Plus, it's only like 600 bucks...in cali.

Get a Remington 700 and a quality scope from Burris or Leupold.

Phil,

I would check out Savage's model 12bvss rifle. I bought one this past summer and have been very happy with it's performance. The rifle also looks great (IMHO) due to its stainless steel barrel and laminated wood stock. I've received a lot of compliments about it at the range (AGC, Marriottsville, MD). The rifle is considered a varmit gun but I use it it exclusively for target shooting (200 yrds. is the longest range that I've tried so far). I can't speak to it's ultimate accuracy since I cannot out shoot the rifle yet but I have gotten some 2-3 inch groups at 200 yards. One thing to be aware of is that the rifle is very heavy and is best shot from the bench rest or prone position. I'm not saying that this is without question the rifle you should get - just my suggestion of one to look at.

Best of Luck,

Dave

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# I will be shooting almost exclusively at a target range where the longest # range is 200 yards. I would like to use a 223, since that caliber is more # than sufficient for the range (according to responses from a previous # message). But, which gun?

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Remington 700's are a good entry level rifle, Sako's very good, though pricey.

A Steyr Scout Rifle is a cool little all around bolt action. Austrian made. Available in California. 5 or 10 round magazines. *Expensive*
http://remtek.com/arms/steyr/scout/scout.htm

Savage Mod 12 FV

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Like you, I live in CA. I have a Savage Model 12 FV in .223. It has a twist of 1 in 9'. (The best auto loader can't be made to be as accurate as the best bolt gun). The best group aggregate (5, 5 shot groups) I've shot with it was .430' at 100 yds, with handloads. It's now being fitted with a match grade Hart barrel. The purpose of the project is to learn benchrest technique and the ins and outs of reloading and load development, and to find out how good a .223 Rem can be made to shoot.

The next step, should I decide to take it, would be a serious ($$$) bench gun in 6mm PPC or 6mm BR. The best of these are completely custom made with actions such as Stolle, Hart, Nesika, and the like, just to name a few.

What are your goals? I chose both the Savage and the .223 Rem cartridge for it's performance per dollar while I learned, and I have not been disappointed.

If you want high accuracy and just want to shoot, a good .22 rimfire (Anschutz, Fienwerkbau, Suhl etc) is the way to go. If you want to shoot a centerfire cartridge at high accuracy then a certain commitment is required in time (spent not shooting) and money. Reloading is a must as well as a chronograph and good bench equipment. It all depends on what you want to do.

Check out this magazine;
http://www.precisionshooting.com/

You can't buy it on the news stand and some gunsmiths and other suppliers advertize only in this magazine. I think they sell back issues if you don't care to subscribe at first.

I hope this helps.

Bill Smith

:it has proven to be COMPLETELY accurate for me. Of course, I'm a total :Ruger pusher. Plus, it's only like 600 bucks...in cali.

#From looking at the Mini 14 forum on www.perfectunion.com, it seems like if you install the double muzzle brake from cheaper than dirt and a recoil buffer, that it makes a significant improvement in accuracy.

I've got the parts and I'm going to install them on mine. Total cost about $60.

cloverleafed 4 out of 5 at 100 yds. with reloads, using match grade compontants...I can crank up the scope to 300 yds. and hit the 300 yd. gong every time. I have only the standard barrel and could maybe pull in the fifth shot if I had the bull barrel...I'll admit I'm not a great shot, but on a good day, if I get lucky and do my part, the Ruger is dependable...I've heard some good stories about the 6mm PPC and If I get one, it will be a Ruger #1.....Just a thought... Enjoy your new rifle..... Jerrybo > ...

If money is a real issue, then the Savage is the way to go. It doesn't take a back seat to accuracy to much of anything in general production at most any cost. Not the prettiest thing going, and one has to get past the looks of the 'jam nut', but they are shooters non the less. Two good shooting buddies of mine have them, and one is shooting groups less than a half inch on occasion with carefully crafted handloads. The other one shoots nothing but factory stuff

Savage's rifles are probably the best value for the money. The only downside seems to be their triggers, but I understand that good, drop-in replacements are quite reasonable (I don't own a Savage, but have shot a few).

If your heart is set on a semi-auto, I believe the Browning Auto-loading Rifle is OK in CA. With a BOSS on the end of it, it will be as accurate as a bolt-action. But a new one is probably more than you want to spend if money is an issue.

Shannon

'An armed newsgroup is a polite newsgroup.' (with apologies to R.A.H.)

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