looking to build a .223 rifle

[Jason.S]

i just found this site today and i love it. i have been wanting to get/build a long range rifle i have narrowed it down to .223 caliber because well its cheap to shoot. im looking to shoot out to about 400 to 500yds. what do you guys suggest i start out with. i would like to keep it on a budget as much as i can.

thanks.

 

[trebark]

Jason:
Welcome to LRH. I'm sure you will hear plenty of opinions here. Here's mine....

223, nice caliber, but not great to long range work (I have one). An equally inexpensive round that has much more long-range capability is the 308. Get yourself a Remington 700 SPS Varmint in 308. Put a decent scope on it like a Nikon Buckmaster or Bushnell 3200 and that gets you in the game. From there, you will be able to upgrade as your budget allows.

Here's a thread with the evolution of my 308....

http://www.longrangehunting.com/forums/f53/my-308-1k-rifle-evolution-continues-43510/

Be sure to read it all the way to the end and you will see it's total transformation into a fully custom 260.

good luck and have fun!

 

[LRSickle]

Oh Jason, you poor boy. Your about to get addicted to an expensive hobby. Welcome to Long range hunting.

 

[MTBULLET]

look for used or on sale rem. SPS, then put a BERGARA, Stainless/1-10 twist bbl on it when you can

 

[Natty Bumpo]

.223 Rem will work fine for the distances you're interested in shooting. Plus it's cheaper to feed than a .308 Win whether you reload or shoot factory stuff.

Whatever you decide on, get a barrel with a 1:9 or 1:8 twist to shoot longer 68 - 77 grain bullets.

The Savage Model 12 Varmint Series or Model 10 Law Enforcement series come chambered in .223 Rem with 1:9 twists (some with 1:7 twists). They're pretty accurate out of the box, reasonably priced, and I like the adjustable accutrigger.

There's plenty of other choices: Remington, Tikka, Sako, Ruger, Browning, etc. If you're going to have a smith build one and don't already have a donor action, consider going with a custom action.

Savage makes lighter weight rifles than the Models 10 & 12. If you're wanting a carry rifle, consider one of those. Leave enough money set aside for a decent scope.

 

[MTBULLET]

.223 Rem will work fine for the distances you're interested in shooting. Plus it's cheaper to feed than a .308 Win whether you reload or shoot factory stuff.

Whatever you decide on, get a barrel with a 1:9 or 1:8 twist to shoot longer 68 - 77 grain bullets.

The Savage Model 12 Varmint Series or Model 10 Law Enforcement series come chambered in .223 Rem with 1:9 twists (some with 1:7 twists). They're pretty accurate out of the box, reasonably priced, and I like the adjustable accutrigger.

There's plenty of other choices: Remington, Tikka, Sako, Ruger, Browning, etc. If you're going to have a smith build one and don't already have a donor action, consider going with a custom action.

Savage makes lighter weight rifles than the Models 10 & 12. If you're wanting a carry rifle, consider one of those. Leave enough money set aside for a decent scope.

Just my opinion, but if you want ot shoot the 60 gr. and heavier bullets in a .223, just "bite the bullet" and go to the 22-250. Just because a cart. WILL shoot heavier bullets dosn't mean you should.

 

[Jason.S]

thanks for the input guys that gives me a good start. what is a good scope to start with maybe a mid grade quality. this is all new to me so thanks again for your input

 

[trebark]

thanks for the input guys that gives me a good start. what is a good scope to start with maybe a mid grade quality. this is all new to me so thanks again for your input

Look at Bushnell 3200 and 4200, Nikon Buckmaster and Leupold VX1 and VX2

 

[straightshooter]

Jason,

A 223 is a great practice rifle. I own a Savage 12 FV 223 as my practice caliber. It has shot out to 1050 yards on occasion, and has allowed me to shoot every week. My groups have shrunk do to the extra shooting and reloading practice. This rifle has allowed me to get over the flinch I developed as a kid. Going to a 223 is the best move I have ever made for my shooting ability. Get one and get out there, you won't regret it!!!!