Hello,

I want to get a bolt-action .223 for coyotes, squirrels, woodchuks etc., preferably with a detachable magazine. I will be carrying this around in the field (not firing from a bench) so I don't want a 26" bull barrel etc.

My choices seem to be:
- Savage
- Tikka
- CZ 527

Which of these offers the best out-of-the-box accuracy? I'm looking to make shots out to 3-400 yards. Appreciate any tips,

Hunter308

I have the CZ HB with the laminated stock. I can say it is most accurate. It shoots White Box 223 in under an inch groups at 100 yds. I have had no need for anything else.

I have shot a lot of prairie dogs with a 223.
I have also shot High Power Rifle Matches with a 223 at 200, 300 and 600 yards.
The 223 is one of my favorite cartridges and it works well on small game to 300 yards, however if I was planning on doing a lot of shooting past 300 yards I would go to a 22/250. Having said that I must add that I do not have a 22/250 but I have shot one side by side with my 223.

Cooper.........DJ

I've owned a Sako Vixen, Brno ZKK-601 and Mini Mark X in 223. The Sako & Mini Mark X were both capable of sub MOA groups. I've heard the new CZs are very accurate too.

I'm with fla3006: If I wanted a .223 sporter and I couldn't afford a Sako Vixen, I'd get the Charles Daly Mini Mark X.

The CZ has a backward safety and bolt design that impairs low scope mounting. The Savage and Tikka, though likely good shooters, have actions that are larger than necessary for .223 and thus are longer and carry more weight.

I have a Savage .223, but with a 20-inch heavy barrel. I adjusted the trigger myself and it is okay - not great, but good enough. The rifle is a touch on the heavy side for carrying around. It works great on a "stand" for ground squirrels. It shoots under a half-inch with loads it likes.

I also have a "standard", non-varmint version of the CZ 527 in .223. It is much nicer to tote around, being as handy as a .22 rimfire. It also shoots groups under a half-inch with loads it likes. I do not use the set trigger function.

I also have a Tikka, but it's a .338 Win mag - it shoots very nicely, too.

For a "carry around" varmint rifle, I think it is hard to beat the CZ. I am picking up a Tikka in .22-250 next week, though....

I've got a Browning Composite Stalker .223 w/ detachable magazine. With the Hornady V-Max or Match BTHP, the holes on a three shot group will nearly touch.

Dad has a Browning A bolt that is so accurate it's scary. Cloverleaf 100 yard groups with handloads.
Jim

My wife aas a Stainless Ruger MK-II in .223 Remmington. The rifle has a 1 in 12 twist and shoots a dime size hole at 100 yards.
I have a Ruger Ultra Lite [with a pencil thin barrel] that requires me to down the velocity to 2600 fps instead of 3100 to 3200 fps. It gives a dime group, also at Hornet velocity.

Sorry but you're too late. I personally own the most accurate .223 you could have bought.

quote:

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Originally posted by Hunter308:
My choices seem to be:
- Savage
- Tikka
- CZ 527

Which of these offers the best out-of-the-box accuracy? I'm looking to make shots out to 3-400 yards. Appreciate any tips,

Hunter308

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Savage

Remington, with someone elses barrel and trigger!!!

I have had two rifles rebarreled with a PacNor barrel, one with a 1 in 12 twist and one with a one in 7 twist.

While I also own factory Remington ( 2 ) and Ruger ( 3) and Winchester (1), which are as accurate as the average guy would want; anyone who really truly wants a super accurate rifle for small targets at long distances, a godd aftermarket barrel is well worth the cost ( $350.) for me. ONe could easily waste that much in ammo that misses the target over a couple of prairie dog, or sage rat seasons.

So I'd rather spend the $350.00 on an accurate barrel and be happy with all the hits on target, instead of blowing $350.00 in ammo that misses the target and I am frustrated as hell about it.

All of my rifles though in 22 caliber centerfire, if I miss a ground squirrel or prairie dog at 300 yds or under, I can't blame the rifles. They are all capable of that good of accuracy. If I miss, I can only blame my trigger finger, or my handloads.

Personally I think inaccurate factory 223s are a rare bird, especially in a bolt action.

Cheers

I agree, My factory Winchester M70 heavy varmint will group .25 at a 100 yards. All I did was put a aftermarket trigger and my hand loads. So I do believe I got lucky on this one. Boy I sure do love the V-max bullets.

I would lay my money on the savage tactical or varmint model. I have several and have shot several more all were easy to get to shoot around .5 inch and some will even do less.

I put timmy trigers on all mine but with new trigger from the factory one doesn't even have to do that.

Another vote for the Browning. I have the Stainless Stalker in 223, with BOSS. The true barrel length is 18", but Browning includes the BOSS in barrel length, and lists it as 20". That's one handy little rifle, and it routinely does 5/8" five-shot groups at 100 yards.

BTW, I have the BOSS on a 30-06, and it is a true PIA. Don't know why it is so different with the 223.

Denton:

I have to admit, I sure wish I had not missed the boat on purchasing one of those rifle like you have.

I would have gone with just the matte blued barreled one instead with the boss, but that would be the best rifle to be mobile with. With the boss the my blue dot loads in a 223, I am sure a Daisy BB gun would have probably kicked more!

Maybe some day I will find some fool with one that is in good barrel shape and not shot out who wants to get rid of it, for a big boomer of some sort.

That was one sweet package, too bad Browning quite making them, or I just missed that boat when they were available.

Cheers
seafire

Custom rifles and/or barrels are one issue!

But.......

For out of the box accuracy in a factory rifle, I don't believe that the Remington Model 788 can be beat!

It's kind of one of those, Chev. vs. Ford vs. Dodge things.
As far as I am concerned all the firearm manufacturers are capable of making highly accurate rifles, the only wild card is which one is GOING to be the accurate rifle.
Like the guy at the carnival said. "you pays your money you takes your chances"

I make my living using .223 I've tried Rem 700s Ruger 77s & now am lookin at weatherby/howa I recon its horses for courses.At the end of the day its up to how many rnds a year your going to use how much are you willing to pay up front & how much are you going to play round with bedding ect

Your chances of getting a rifle that shoots .5 MOA and under ia a lot better with a Savage. They seem to be making some of the most accurate rifles right now, especially with the Accutrigger. I have two pre-accutrigger Savages, one a .300 RUM that shoots .5 MOA and a .270 WSM that shoots .250" groups. Besides, it's hard to beat the price.