223. rifle

[James swan]

hello, looking at putting in a variation for a 223.
the minefield that it is, I'm looking at recommendations for models, twist rates, barrel length etc.
have looked at a Tikka T3 24" barrel, varmint, but there is a 6-9month waiting list (which if its worth waiting for, then of course i will.)
others i have considered are the Howa (i have 2 already but i find they are picky with what factory ammunition they like), Remmington 700, and the CZ.
it will be a foxing Rifle, replacing my 243. i understand that everyone will have differing views but would just like recommendations to be able to do some research, price points etc.
Thanks in advance James

 

[NP435]

My vote is CZ, or Savage and Ruger. All rifles may have quirks regarding ammunition . Twist rate 1-9 or faster

 

[nf-fuse]

hello, looking at putting in a variation for a 223.
the minefield that it is, I'm looking at recommendations for models, twist rates, barrel length etc.
have looked at a Tikka T3 24" barrel, varmint, but there is a 6-9month waiting list (which if its worth waiting for, then of course i will.)
others i have considered are the Howa (i have 2 already but i find they are picky with what factory ammunition they like), Remmington 700, and the CZ.
it will be a foxing Rifle, replacing my 243. i understand that everyone will have differing views but would just like recommendations to be able to do some research, price points etc.
Thanks in advance James

To be honest I would just go for a sporter barrel not a varmint. I think my max number of foxes in one night is 4 plus a few rabbits.

I would add the mauser m18 or m12 to your list (not sure the m12 is available in 223 tbh).

Anyway like I say I don't think the weight of the varmint barrel is doing you any favours imho. Guess it depends on your foxing. I tend to walk about quite a bit.

I have a Remington 700 in 223 for the foxes. It's fine but the bottom plate and bolt release are a pain.

 

[nf-fuse]

My vote is CZ, or Savage and Ruger. All rifles may have quirks regarding ammunition . Twist rate 1-9 or faster

Really? I think 55g ballistic tip is more than fine for foxes.

 

[Will the chippy]

Sporter weight for me. I bought a howa 1 in 8 and put it in a grs laminate stock. It's a great bit of kit.

 

[NP435]

Really? I think 55g ballistic tip is more than fine for foxes.

You are correct but a faster twist gives room for experiments with heavier/ higher BC projectiles.

 

[UpNorthMI]

James,

I was in a similar position about 12 months ago and ended up with a Tikka T3X lite in .223 for my UK fox shooting, I cannot remember the barrel length (maybe 20") but know they are available in 16", 20" and 22". I use an over the barrel moderator (Stalon X108) which will extend the length a little, I selected a 1:8 twist as I also wanted to shoot 62 grain ammo for smaller deer, it works great with 50-55 grain fox loads. I fitted this gun with a scope rail built to take Blaser QR mounts as I shoot a Blaser R8 and wanted to have quick change using a regular scope, thermal scope and red dot scopes all while maintaining zero and being able to swap to my Blaser R8 rifle too.

I was also buying a .223 night shooting rifle in the US at the same time, I split my time between the US and the UK, I would have purchased another Tikka T3X but they don't come with threaded barrels here in the US. My final choice was a Ruger American Gen II Ranch rifle which came in a 16.1" barrel. I really like this little Ruger and it was nearly half the price of the Tikka. We don't get many over the barrel moderators so I went with a short end of barrel moderator it was like having a 22" barrel. I fitted this gun with a high end Pulsar thermal, it is only used at night. Ruger also sell a Standard model which has a 20" barrel and Predator model with a 22" barrel. The Rugers also come with a factory scope rail installed. All of the new Rugers are 1:8 twists in .223 / 5.56.

I really like both of these rifles but I'm also a CZ fan. I own several older CZ and Ruger rifles in .223 but they are all with a 1:12 type twists and generally in my opinion do not stabilize bullets that are over 55gn very well. Personally I would not buy a Savage, I've only purchased 2 Savage rifles and both had to go back to the factory for rework.

Good luck in your decision making and search, it's always fun getting a new rifle.

 

[nick.308]

using a Tikka Super Varmint T3 20" 1:8 twist with 60gr vmax
Heavy but doesnt bother me.

 

[nick.308]

Using a T8 moderator, which I like coz it sounds like a M1 garand ping on last round

 

[pablo.222]

Get a semi custom t3 from @BE Precision precision on here. Barrel to suit your needs. he has tikka action. Can add aftermarket stock or stick with factory.

 

[gixer1]

You would struggle to go wrong with the Tikka, there will be endless options for aftermarket items, mounts etc for it.

I have a lovely Supervarmint with a 20” barrel, 1/8 twist, it gets used for long range gong bashing out to silly distances and is a joy to shoot - the 20” heavy barrel doesn’t make it that heavy and it’s still a rifle you can carry around all day.

Of course, there is also a nice Sauer .223 for sale in the classifieds…..

 

[sillbeam]

My vote is CZ, or Savage and Ruger. All rifles may have quirks regarding ammunition . Twist rate 1-9 or faster

None of the above are a patch on a Tikka!

 

[gixer1]

None of the above are a patch on a Tikka!

To be fair most people over the pond will be familiar with the Savage, Ruger and CZ’s…

Seems like they are catching onto Tikka now and realising how good they are, I remember recently seeing Erik Cortina being asked to review a Tikka and guessing it was far higher value that it was…they are catching onto Tikka.

Not being cruel but I wouldn’t want a savage as a gift based on the previous ones I’ve seen but I guess they likely have improved over time.

Regards,
Gixer

 

[shbangsteve]

Just spoil yourself and buy a Shultz and Larsen Legacy. Enjoy your shooting be it work or leisure.

 

[Greenmist]

Using a T8 moderator, which I like coz it sounds like a M1 garand ping on last round

I've just gone back to using a T8 from a Northstar, certainly quieter to my ears and groups shrunk