Simon Ashley
Member
Hi, Ive space on my FAC for a .223 that i want to use on the farm and also a little range work. Been looking at a Ruger American Gen 2 and also the Tikka lite but not sure if the barrel heat on the range would be a problem ?
First .223 Advice
- Thread starter Simon Ashley
- Start date
If its primarily for range use I would get a Tikka with a heavier barrel, something like the CTR or Ace Target. If its for a mix of both range and farm like you describe the Ace would still be okay, but where weight is a concern might want to get something like the Super Varmint.
I currently have a dedicated stalking rifle thats a T3x and its great, but with a lightweight barrel similiar to the Lite I would not want to try any range work with it, also have a spare slot for a 6.5 creed which will be getting filled with a Ace or UPR at some point in the future as well, so would recommend the tikka line of rifles for the money.
I currently have a dedicated stalking rifle thats a T3x and its great, but with a lightweight barrel similiar to the Lite I would not want to try any range work with it, also have a spare slot for a 6.5 creed which will be getting filled with a Ace or UPR at some point in the future as well, so would recommend the tikka line of rifles for the money.
The Tika is by far and away the better gun to chose . For shooting fox , Rabbits , crows etc you are very unlikely to get into Barrel heat issues . Remember also you don't always want or need the hottest loads . Ruger have made some good guns in the past but they are just not in the that the bolt action rifles Tikka make .
6 months ago I treated myself to a 223. Wanted something lighter weight to carry foxing as my 22250 varmint is a great lump.
Bought a howa 1500 with the std weight 1 in 8 twist barrel, Grs stock. It's a cracker for what I want. The std barrel would be fine for occasional target use, but you'll have to compromise.
Work out what you would do most, how you go about on the farm, on foot or driving, mobile or static hunting.
Out the box my tikka is nicer than the howa but with a couple of tweaks there about on par now my
Bought a howa 1500 with the std weight 1 in 8 twist barrel, Grs stock. It's a cracker for what I want. The std barrel would be fine for occasional target use, but you'll have to compromise.
Work out what you would do most, how you go about on the farm, on foot or driving, mobile or static hunting.
Out the box my tikka is nicer than the howa but with a couple of tweaks there about on par now my
A fast twist for the heavier fox loads / small deer, heavy profile barrel for target strings, ..... no one fit for everything.
people always forget the metal side of Howa is a Sako clone.
303British
Well-Known Member
If you want to do target shooting as well as stuff at the farm, foxes etc .223 is a great choice, I have a couple, I would not choose one with a 1 in 12 barrel though as you will be stuck with lighter bullets, likely max of 55grn which are OK for targets close up1-200m but not very good in wind especially at further ranges. You need at least 62 grn's but people use up to 75 grn's , 1in 8 barrel better for heavier bullets.
As has already been said, consider how you are moving around at the farm, if you are in 4x4 its not a problem, but if you are carrying it, a varmint barrel will be after a while, I have made that mistake. Skinny barrels will get hot if your are doing relatively rapid strings with the nice mirage through your sight picture, a heavier and faster twist barrel will be needed.
You need to decide which is your priority,,,or get 2!! 1 for each.
As has already been said, consider how you are moving around at the farm, if you are in 4x4 its not a problem, but if you are carrying it, a varmint barrel will be after a while, I have made that mistake. Skinny barrels will get hot if your are doing relatively rapid strings with the nice mirage through your sight picture, a heavier and faster twist barrel will be needed.
You need to decide which is your priority,,,or get 2!! 1 for each.
Tikka by a long shot. cracking rifles, loads available second hand in good nick at a good price and no shortage of after market stocks if you wanted to make it a bit more personal!
As others have said what is the priority, A little range work could mean a couple of practise targets making the most of slightly cheaper rounds or several hundred rounds in a day, presuming the former and as such a Tikka Lite would be sufficient in my eyes.
As others have said what is the priority, A little range work could mean a couple of practise targets making the most of slightly cheaper rounds or several hundred rounds in a day, presuming the former and as such a Tikka Lite would be sufficient in my eyes.
Simon Ashley
Member
I’ve had a 22lr on my license for a couple of years and great around the farm for rabbits etc, Seems like Tikka it is then !! Think I’ll drop into Shooting Supplies in Worcester at the weekend and see what they have.
Jim Hutton
Well-Known Member
As others have said no one rifle will do well at all that you want. Compromise or buy two rifles is the best option.
Simon Ashley
Member
Would that be the same with all calibers ?
Jim Hutton
Well-Known Member
It would I'm afraid.
Buy what fits you better. When doing range work, I periodically touch the barrel just forward of the action if its uncomfortably warm I let it cool. All barrels will heat up.
Simon Ashley
Member
Hi, yes the CTR is on my list to look at on Friday, think they were 1200ish new
404Shooter
Well-Known Member
I have a Schultz & Larsen Legacy. It’s a genuine mini action, lightweight and a pleasure to carry around. It’s also accurate and fun to shoot but the barrel warms up quite quickly so I guess you might have to decide what the priority was.
Cogswell & Harrison
Well-Known Member
For barrel profile choice consider what type of target shooting you are undertaking in addition to sporting use. In a club or public range scenario where you are shooting at your own target exclusively you can take as long as you like between shots ergo, a slim sporter barrel will be fine because you control the rate of fire.
On the other hand, where you are shooting shared targets on frames and pulleys which are raised, lowered, marked and scored by a team in the butts you need to keep up with the other shooter(s) so the detail dictates the rate of fire. In this scenario a heavy barrel will be a better bet.
Like 404Shooter above, I too shoot an S&L Legacy in .222Rem
and they do indeed get quite warm if you're playing "keep up" with others!
On the other hand, where you are shooting shared targets on frames and pulleys which are raised, lowered, marked and scored by a team in the butts you need to keep up with the other shooter(s) so the detail dictates the rate of fire. In this scenario a heavy barrel will be a better bet.
Like 404Shooter above, I too shoot an S&L Legacy in .222Rem
and they do indeed get quite warm if you're playing "keep up" with others!
Kiwiguy
Well-Known Member
Schultz and Larsen offer the Legacy in two barrel profiles, these are the light 14 mm and a heavier 18 mm. Being a switch barrel system if you had both barrels you could select the profile that suits the activity. In 223 Rem they also come in 1:8" and 1:10" twist rates.
My Legacy 223 is very accurate.
My Legacy 223 is very accurate.
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