223 Rem Bolt action opinions

[juliangunney]

I used to own a Tikka Varmint in 223 with the heavy barrel, tack driver. Why did I sell it? No idea..... Back to 2023.

The Tikka's I want are too pricey, looking to spend around $500. The candidates are:

Ruger American predator, 22: barrel, threaded and takes AR mags

Howa mini action, similar specs. 

Anybody got any experience with either? I do own the Ruger American ranch in 300 BLK and it's a decent rifle for the money, great for shooting subs with a suppressor!!! 

[leroy]

All my info is dated, but I've never seen a bad shooting turn bolt 223. 

I've got a varminter barrel Winchester model 70 that will shoot right with my beloved 222. 

Shooting a 12 gage hull off a fence post at 100 yards wuz a nothin with a good rest. 

That said, we used 52 to 55 grain bullets n 1 in 12 twist barrels.  I'ma thinkin the newer rifles are one in eight or so, but there are plenty of good bullets for em too.  I'd pick the one I liked; been looking at a lightweight CZ A600 myself...

Good luck,

leroy.

[jpx2rk]

Either will work fine, might consider the Savage Axis platform, caliber changes are DIY if you know which end of a screwdriver to hold if that has any interest.  The Ruger barrel can be swapped out just as easy if desired.

[doug77]

Julian. I don’t own in 223 but have Predators in 308 and 6.5CM and love both of them. 

[hlb14]

Ruger also makes an American in 5.56 just like your 300 blk

[juliangunney]

Well I went with the Ruger Predator in 223 Rem, I appreciate that they make the Ranch in 5.56 but I've generally found 223 to be a little more accurate. Just waiting for it to arrive...... Loading a few hundred rounds.

[doug77]

I am sure you will not regret that choice my friend. 

[juliangunney]

If Anyone buys one of these Rugers in a short action Magpul makes a great bedded stock for them. I fitted one with a decent scope and it is now a fine shooting rifle for not too much ca$h!!

[The mailman]

Ruger has really good customer service.

[InertOrd13]

There is also the mossberg mvp in .223. I used to have the .308 version and thought it was good. It does take ar/stanag pattern mags.

[Light_F_T]

I have shot my neighbors Mossberg MVP .223 and it was a very shooting rifle.  I would recommend.