The best 223 rifle

coyote bait

New member
What would be the best 223 bolt action rifle to get? I like rifles from Ruger, Howa, Tikka, Weatherby, CZ. I don't want something with a barrel a mile long. Something nice and light since the 223 doesn't have much recoil. I will get a heavy barrel when I get a .204 Ruger later on. Does anyone know if the Ruger compact rifles with the 16" barrels are very acuarate and if so, out to how far? Would it be better to mount a compact scope on a Ruger compact rifle to keep it all low profile? I already have a lot of brass and bullets for the .223. Now all I need is a rifle and powder and primers. Any advice is welcome. Thanks guys.
 
CB--I have shot rifles from all you've mentioned. Personally, I wouldn't go with the Ruger compact. Barrel is too short for me. Takes away too much velocity also. When I wanted a really light carry rifle in 223, I ended up buying a 204 with a 20" tube. That way I could still have a light rifle without out giving up velocity. Anyway, of the rifles you mentioned, IMHO the Tikka's are generally more accurate. I would be able to give you much more info on the gun/loads/ and scope if you told me what the main purpose of it's use will be--2MG
 
My main purpose will be using it when I call coyotes and bobcats. I imagine most shots will be under 100 yards, but you never know. I imagine a few other kinds of critters will get shot with it, but the main ones will be the coyotes and bobcats. Thanks.
 
I use a Ruger .223 stainless with the laminated stock. Topped with a Leupold 2.5-8x. It did not shoot factory loads all that well, but it shoots my hand loads with unbelievable accuracy. Last Saturday my son and I were out shooting ground squirrels and I vaporized some of them just over 250 yards. From the bench it will just enlarge the same hole. So, I am very happy with the Ruger (Sandard Barrel). Another thing that influences my purchases is if it is "Made in USA". To me that is most important.
 
Coyote Bait,

I don't know what is best for you, but of the rifles you listed,
the Tikka T-3 Blued/Syn, in .223 Rem. was best for me.
It is light, it is very accurate, it has a trigger that breaks
like glass, and the bolt is oh so smooth.

I looked ar the CZs, and I already have one Howa. Both
are nice rifle brands, but the lines and features of the
Tikka, just were "best" for me. I have never been a
big fan of Weatherby rifles, or Ruger bolt action centerfire
rifles, but that is more of a confidence, and looks, thing.
I would suggest seeking out as many of these brands, as
you can in the local gun stores, and see which one trips your
trigger. I do have a hard time passing up a deal on Tikkas.

Squeeze
 
I kind of do like the Tikka rifles. And they probably are the least expensive of all of the other rifles for the accuracy that you get out of them. Do Tikkas come with rings?
 
You should also look at the sako's. they make some very fine rifles. You pay for it but to me they just seem to have a better fit and finish than many of the other brands.
 
I have 3 .223s, an AR, a Rem 40X and a Sako Sporter.

The 40X is in a class by itself, accuracy wise.

And while the accuracy is not quite as good on the Sako as the 40X, it IS accurate! It is also about 1/2 the weight.

It is also smooth as silk, very pleasing to the eye, and a great (small) all around carry rifle.

One thing about it that can't be said about many other rifles is that it feels very "solid".
 
Last year I bought a Browning Micro Hunter specifically for calling. I love it! Light, short(20" bbl"), and accurate. I really like the 60(?) degree throw that Browning has too. Makes for a quick cycle. Goes good with my Burris 3x9 Ballistic Plex. A good calling combination. Greg
 
Well, I was trying to stick with the choices you already had it narrowed down to. But since, as usual, everyone is giving you all sorts of suggestions on rifles you never mentioned, if you can afford a Weatherby, you can also afford a Sako (unless we're talkin' vanguard here). Buy a Sako Finnlight and thank me later. Yes it costs more, but it is STILL more gun for the money than any mentioned here. You will never regret the purchase, IMHO--2MG
 
I would suggest the Savage Varminter.....they have the reputation of being the most accurate rifle right out of the box.......very reasonably priced also.
 
Tikka T3 hands down. I have had The weatherby (i liked it), savage, remington, and winchester. i like my Tikka the best. It just feels the best in my hands which matters to me.

C
 
Over the years I have owned or currently own all of the models mentioned above, and without a doubt, a Tikka is the best value in my mind.

Its not even close, especially if you can find one of the short action 595's. However, the T-3 is a great rifle, also, but only comes in one action length. - BCB
 


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