which 223?

[Billdogge]

Longest shot at my range is 300yards so I'm looking for a .223 that will fit this purpose. Which bolt gun would you get? Also wouldn't mind a kind range pistol in that caliber. Any thoughts?

Thanks

 

[HARPERC]

Tikka T3 Tactical

 

[northernexposure]

If you're looking at tikka, take a peek at the T3 stainless varmint. Comes as a heavy barrel. Myself, I have one in 300wsm and love it... though I still haven't found a varmint "needing" a 300wsm pill.

 

[benchracer]

I made this decision myself not long ago. I went with the Mossberg MVP Varmint and I am very happy with it. They also make a version of this rifle with a muzzle threaded for a suppressor, which is a nice touch.

 

[Billdogge]

What rounds are you finding the most accurate in the Mossberg? What's the barrel twist?

Thanks

 

[benchracer]

The barrel is a 9 twist. I have fired 75 grain AMAX through it and they stabilize, but I haven't had time to go through load development with them, yet, so I don't know how well they will shoot.

Again without going through load development, it shows a lot of promise with 69 grain SMK's and CFE223, loaded to mag length. I shot a fast 10 round group @ 100 yards that went into less than an inch, with 5 of those rounds going into one ragged hole. With some tuning, I think that combo is going to be VERY accurate.

I want to work more with the 69 SMK's and do development with 53 VMAX's. With the heavies, I intend to use a single shot follower in the mag to allow me to tune seating depth.

IMO, the MVP Varmint is a feature packed rifle that gives a lot of value for the money. With Savage like features (barrel nut, an Accutrigger style trigger, and replaceable bolt head), the MVP also has a lot of potential for user customization later. I REALLY like this rifle!

 

[Billdogge]

Thanks Benchracer

 

[Unofficial Gun Addict (UGA)]

I love tikkas... I own 3 t3 lites in stainless from 243 to 30-06, and a t3 tactical in 308 which is my favorite of all the 308s I own. However, I picked up a Savage Hog Hunter 223 on a whim last year and it is quite simply amazing. It shoots fiocchi 69gr HPBTs into one ragged hole at 100 yards, and just a week or so ago, I took it out to sight in a new scope and it shot cheap American Eagle 50gr Varmint Tips into .3x groups. After the first group... I ran the rest of the box and the first 3 of the next because I just couldn't believe it. Thank god I picked up a ton of that AE 50 Vts... Because it shoots a dream out of this rifle also.

So far, everything has shoot well out of it, but the fiocchi and American Eagle shoot astoundingly well, out of a $400 rifle with absolutely no upgrades.

Add to this you get a semi heavy contoured threaded barrel, as well as open sights if you choose to use them, and there's nothing out there at that price point that really compares in my book. Heck, it shoots better than some rifles twice + the cost. Here's a pic of what it can do out to 100 yards with cheap ammo.

 

[Unofficial Gun Addict (UGA)]

Oh... And if you ever decide to hunt with it... Doesn't do too bad on coyotes either. This is from this morning.

 

[Billdogge]

That will do the trick. Have you tried any heavier rounds in it?

 

[HARPERC]

I have one in 300wsm and love it... though I still haven't found a varmint "needing" a 300wsm pill.

Launching chucks with a .338 RUM can redefine "need" in a varmint rifle.

 

[northernexposure]

Launching chucks with a .338 RUM can redefine "need" in a varmint rifle.

I never said it stopped me.

 

[Unofficial Gun Addict (UGA)]

That will do the trick. Have you tried any heavier rounds in it?

I tried the 77gr fiocchi HPBT and they grouped about .5 at 100, but haven't shot them at distance so don't know if they are stabilizing at longer distances. Looked good out to 100 though.

 

[HARPERC]

I never said it stopped me.

....And didn't it put a big ol' grin on your face.

This word and life "needs" more big grins, and stuff to do just cause it makes us grin!