223 bolt guns?

I have a Rem 700 in 223/556 that I'm currently working with in an attempt to use it in place of my 22-250 and 243 to hunt Coyotes in south GA. When the "breeze" kicks up around 1:30 or 2:00 am I have to switch to the 243 and shorten the distances. I'm hoping to get the 223 to 2 or 3" at 400 and just use it all night.... Less crap to carry and keep up with......
 
Most .223 bolt guns out there that I’ve found are 1:9. Ruger Americans are 1:8 but not on their site in .223 anymore (same with Savage) so you may have trouble finding them places. If you’re looking to pick something up off the shelf, options are lacking

I had a Mossberg MVP Varmint with 24” 1:9 barrel. I shot up to 69gr bullets in it and also had a pet load with 52gr SMKs / 53gr VMax out to 200yds or so that was insanely accurate.

The Tikka T3X has a 1:8 twist (I like the Varmint model’s stock), and is about $850
 
I have what was an FTR gun in 223 with 7.5 twist Brux bbl. I put it in a benchrest stock as i cant shoot prone anymore. It shoots 77gr bullets well but it shoots 82gr Bergers in 1 hole at 100yds. I put 10 shots in X ring at 300yds with that gun and that load. Riflesmith recommended the 7.5 twist and the 82g bergers.
 
Don’t knock a HOWA 1500 for a precision rifle. I used to have a bull barreled stainless in .223. We used to hand old ceramic fence insulators on a nail on and old fence post to shoot at. That rifle would shoot the nail outta the center and not break the insulator. I got the AR15 bug and sold it to build my first one
 
I have an interest in them lately. Anyone running one? 1:7 or 1:8 twist for some 77+ gr bullets?

Yes, I have a 26" Criterion Remage barrel (1 in 8" twist & Wylde chamber) that shoots 73gr, 75gr, & 80gr Hornady ELD-M bullets very well. It's screwed into a factory Rem 700 action and secured with a NSS barrel nut. The barreled action is in a KRG Bravo 2 chasis that takes AICS pattern magazines. I've found that the MDT polymer mags have the longest internal length for seating the 75/80 bullets just off the lands. The throat on my barrel is rather long so I can seat the bullets well out there.

The 73gr load is @3045fps, the 75gr load is @2850fps, and the 80gr load is @2950fps; all loads are using Ramshot TAC powder, LC brass for 73/75 and Lapua brass for the 80gr load, and CCI 41 primers. These loads are near max pressure for 5.56 Nato (60k). This rifle is hell on woodchucks and I've had the best results from the 73gr bullets as the tend to fragment and explode after penetrating, killing them dead right there, but without blowing the critters up (too bad).

I did not choose the cheapest route to build a .223Rem trainer, but it has been worth every penny spent!!

IMG_0975.JPG

IMG_1491.JPG
 
Yes, I have a 26" Criterion Remage barrel (1 in 8" twist & Wylde chamber) that shoots 73gr, 75gr, & 80gr Hornady ELD-M bullets very well. It's screwed into a factory Rem 700 action and secured with a NSS barrel nut. The barreled action is in a KRG Bravo 2 chasis that takes AICS pattern magazines. I've found that the MDT polymer mags have the longest internal length for seating the 75/80 bullets just off the lands. The throat on my barrel is rather long so I can seat the bullets well out there.

The 73gr load is @3045fps, the 75gr load is @2850fps, and the 80gr load is @2950fps; all loads are using Ramshot TAC powder, LC brass for 73/75 and Lapua brass for the 80gr load, and CCI 41 primers. These loads are near max pressure for 5.56 Nato (60k). This rifle is hell on woodchucks and I've had the best results from the 73gr bullets as the tend to fragment and explode after penetrating, killing them dead right there, but without blowing the critters up (too bad).

I did not choose the cheapest route to build a .223Rem trainer, but it has been worth every penny spent!!

View attachment 95896

View attachment 95895

That’s a slick set up!
 
That’s a slick set up!

I've had a LOT of trigger time with this rifle since building it. My 6.5mm rifles barely leave the safe these days unless I'm shooting beyond 600yds. I've hit whistle pigs out to 450yds with the 73gr bullets. Run the numbers in JBM and you will see it does not give up much to the 77g/80gr inside of 600yds

Reloading cost are cheaper too as .223Rem uses half the powder of most 6.5mm and cost per bullet is lower. Build one and you will never regret the expense!

The most important thing if you want to shoot 77gr or 80gr bullets is making sure the throat is long enough to seat the bullets out of the case far enough. A standard .223Rem throat is too short, definitely go with a Wylde or 5.56 Nato chamber. This is my 80gr load, for reference it barely fits in a MDT magazine which is 2.550in OAL max.

2.544" overall length
1.995" base to ogive
0.010" off lands thus 2.005" to lands
24.7gr Tac @2940fps

IMG_1627.JPG
 
I've had a LOT of trigger time with this rifle since building it. My 6.5mm rifles barely leave the safe these days unless I'm shooting beyond 600yds. I've hit whistle pigs out to 450yds with the 73gr bullets. Run the numbers in JBM and you will see it does not give up much to the 77g/80gr inside of 600yds

Reloading cost are cheaper too as .223Rem uses half the powder of most 6.5mm and cost per bullet is lower. Build one and you will never regret the expense!

The most important thing if you want to shoot 77gr or 80gr bullets is making sure the throat is long enough to seat the bullets out of the case far enough. A standard .223Rem throat is too short, definitely go with a Wylde or 5.56 Nato chamber. This is my 80gr load, for reference it barely fits in a MDT magazine which is 2.550in OAL max.

2.544" overall length
1.995" base to ogive
0.010" off lands thus 2.005" to lands
24.7gr Tac @2940fps

View attachment 95907

I mentioned the 77, since I a bit of 77OTMs loaded already.

For everywhere I shoot, 300 is usually max.
 
Yes, I have a 26" Criterion Remage barrel (1 in 8" twist & Wylde chamber) that shoots 73gr, 75gr, & 80gr Hornady ELD-M bullets very well. It's screwed into a factory Rem 700 action and secured with a NSS barrel nut. The barreled action is in a KRG Bravo 2 chasis that takes AICS pattern magazines. I've found that the MDT polymer mags have the longest internal length for seating the 75/80 bullets just off the lands. The throat on my barrel is rather long so I can seat the bullets well out there.

The 73gr load is @3045fps, the 75gr load is @2850fps, and the 80gr load is @2950fps; all loads are using Ramshot TAC powder, LC brass for 73/75 and Lapua brass for the 80gr load, and CCI 41 primers. These loads are near max pressure for 5.56 Nato (60k). This rifle is hell on woodchucks and I've had the best results from the 73gr bullets as the tend to fragment and explode after penetrating, killing them dead right there, but without blowing the critters up (too bad).

I did not choose the cheapest route to build a .223Rem trainer, but it has been worth every penny spent!!

View attachment 95896

View attachment 95895
Nice setup !!!
 
Tikka T3X is in 1:8.

That's a good option. A great rifle with an excellent trigger. Dependent on which model you choose it may come with the vertical grip already installed on the modular stock. I'm eagerly awaiting my Tikka T1X (22LR).

As a down the road upgrade you could also drop it into a KRG Bravo 2 chasis and use AICS pattern magazines in place of the pricey CRT mags. I think CRT's are limited to 6 rounds.
 
That’s what I mentioned. I like the Varmint model due to the stock having the more vertical grip versus a standard stock profile

I knew I read it somewhere lol.

Yeah, that might be the way to go. Now to squeeze my pennies for awhile or horse trade around.
 
Ruger Scout carbine .223 is 1/8. I'm happy with mine.

zR1ascSl.jpg
 
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Most .223 bolt guns out there that I’ve found are 1:9. Ruger Americans are 1:8 but not on their site in .223 anymore (same with Savage) so you may have trouble finding them places. If you’re looking to pick something up off the shelf, options are lacking

The American Ranch is available in 5.56 w/1:8 twist, and in a version that accepts AR mags; but with a 16.12" barrel (threaded), it hardly meets the definition of a precision rifle. Everything I've been able to find out about them implies that they are very accurate. Cheap, too, can be found under $400.00. And, made in Mayodan, NC.

I want one just because. The idea of a "manually operated AR" appeals to the Luddite in me.
 
That would be Ruger #26965. I am picking one up this week. I had the older version with the rotary mag and this AR mag style really scratches an itch for me.
I'm interested to hear what you think about it.

I originally considered a Mossberg MVP Patrol for this slot, but the action and the fit of the magazine just felt sloppy to me. Great handling little rifle, though.
 
This is coming back around again.

I’m really looking at a Ruger American with the Magpul Stock. But waiting to see how their 223 mags are going to work.
 
I own two of the MVPs in 308, and one in 223, they're my favorite bolt guns
 
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Some of the MVP models have 1:7 twist. The one I bought did. They also use AR mags, which is nice.

CHRIS

yeah, that mvp seems like a good deal. But finding one in 223 is difficult.

I’ve got the opportunity for some yote hunting locally with a farm. I would run the 18” AR, but I want it quieter with my suppressor and eliminating the BCG pop
 
yeah, that mvp seems like a good deal. But finding one in 223 is difficult.

I’ve got the opportunity for some yote hunting locally with a farm. I would run the 18” AR, but I want it quieter with my suppressor and eliminating the BCG pop
Adjustable gas block turned all the way down. Duh.

:p
 
Ruger American Predator, .223
Vortex scope
AAC 51tooth adapter
AAC 5.56 suppressor

Still need to dial in the scope though
 
MVP, 5.56, short barrel, MDT chassis, XLR stock, Griffin can, FLIR scope.
Z9vLPTA.jpg

From the nighttime coyote videos I've seen on Youtube and from the local guys, it seems like there are multiple shots most of the time. My friends all use an AR of some sort. The bolt action will be a disadvantage. I've had a few one shot kills on singles but several times I had to send a few rounds out to stop them. That was on my old Pulsar. I haven't shot anything with the FLIR yet. The resolution is much better on it so I hope I have better luck.

CHRIS
 
I was told last year that the Magpul mags would work with the newer RAR in Magpuls short-action stock that Ruger line.

My RAR still has the factory Ruger stock.
As i understood/understand it. The RAR's that take "stanag" mags, both 5.56 and 308 will accept magpul. That they introduced a year or three ago.

My RAR is older than that so it won't. But will with the Magpul stock.

Am i missing something?
 
Well, I think those older rotary, proprietary mags are center feed and the AR mag compatible models are staggered feed.
No idea in the feed styles.

But I remember being "all in" for the magpul stock to run "stanag" mags in my "RAR" then Ruger changed their stocks and bolts in those calibers that allowed them to accept standard mags.

Since mine is an older "RAR" I would have to go magpul to get magazine compatibility. But Ruger is selling the rifles ready to take the usual MSR mags
 
MVP, 5.56, short barrel, MDT chassis, XLR stock, Griffin can, FLIR scope.
Z9vLPTA.jpg

From the nighttime coyote videos I've seen on Youtube and from the local guys, it seems like there are multiple shots most of the time. My friends all use an AR of some sort. The bolt action will be a disadvantage. I've had a few one shot kills on singles but several times I had to send a few rounds out to stop them. That was on my old Pulsar. I haven't shot anything with the FLIR yet. The resolution is much better on it so I hope I have better luck.

CHRIS

thats slick
 
No idea in the feed styles.

But I remember being "all in" for the magpul stock to run "stanag" mags in my "RAR" then Ruger changed their stocks and bolts in those calibers that allowed them to accept standard mags.

Since mine is an older "RAR" I would have to go magpul to get magazine compatibility. But Ruger is selling the rifles ready to take the usual MSR mags

Pretty sure there's no way to retrofit the rotary mag models to AR mags...
 
I want a .223 bolt (funny, two years ago I had nothing but ARs, and now all I buy are bolt guns). The main reason is the family goes shooting a lot, and .223 is pretty darn cheap, and easy on the shoulder.

For a low-end bolt gun, what do you think of: https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/sav...edium=AFF&utm_source=35987&rid=12&WT.tsrc=AFF

I love my Savage in 308, and I like that this gun is threaded, 24" barrel. Downside it is only 1:9 twist. There's not a lot of info on it as it is a "Cabela's Exclusive"- but it's easy to change barrels on them, so I assume that's what has been done here. The price is the driver right now- at $399, that's pretty cheap.

Opinion?

(oh, and they have 6.5CM for $399 as well, not that I want that caliber)
 
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I have the older Tikka T3 varmint in .223 , I love it! Its an absolute tack driver. I believe they call it the tactical model now but not sure. DF6001F3-F520-4277-AE79-5ECE44649EC4.jpeg
 
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