New bolt action rifle - .223 or .308

[ACC]

I am looking at purchasing a bolt action rifle for longer range target shooting (out to about 200 yds). Debated 30-06 or .308 for a while and finally decided to go with a .308. However, .308 would be a new caliber in my collection and a new ammo to have to stock up on. On the other hand, I already have a .223/5.56 AR and plenty of .223 ammo for it.

So...knowing that the longest distance I will probably ever shoot in +/- 200 yds, should I get a .223 bolt action instead of the .308?

decisions, decision, decisions.

 

[cwillour]

For paper and steel, I would expect a quality 223 or 5.56 to serve you as well as a 308 out to 6-800yds. Inside of 300yds, I think a 223 would actually be preferred.

If you do go outside the 223 and you reload, I might suggest something using a 6-7mm cartridge like the 260 Rem or a 7mm-08.

 

[aclark]

If you are looking at 200yd MAX I'd say go with the .223. No reason for the .308 at that distance. You are just spending more money and taking more of a beating with the .308.

Hell get REALLY good with your .22 and shoot it at 200yd, or something like a .17hmr.

 

[mayor al]

I had a Winchester Model 70 VH Bull Barrel Varmint Gun in .223 for quite a while. It was the most accurate shooter out to 200 yards I have ever owned. PLUS it was stunningly Beautiful.

On the down side it weighed in at close to eleven pounds empty and this old guy had to have a grandson tote it for me to and from the shooting site.

Despite the weight, I recommend that gun to any serious bolt-action lover.

 

[vedearduff]

If you are sure that you will not be shooting further than 200 yards, go with the .223 since you already have the ammo in your supply chain.

Keep in mind that long range accuracy can be addictive, don't be surprised if you end up seeking out places where you can shoot at longer distances.

 

[halfmileharry]

For the shorter distances you're describing the .223 would be more than adequate for paper punching. Over 200 for hunting I'd go with .308 of the choices you gave. Just because you already have .223 doesn't mean that bolt gun is going to like it well enough to get good groups or even decent groups. You'll just have to see what it likes to eat when you get it.

 

[A10WEAPONSGUY]

the .223 would be your best choice. you can get scary accurate at 300 yards and still be cheap to shoot and cheap to suppress if you ever decide to go that route.

 

[Classic]

My 5.56 is slightly more accurate than my .308 at 200 yards and it is much cheaper to reload for. I like having both but if I was only shooting out to 200 and stopping power was not the issue I think I would prefer the 5.56. JMO.

 

[42769vette]

I agree with everyone else, go 223.

 

[teddy12b]

If you are looking at 200yd MAX I'd say go with the .223. No reason for the .308 at that distance. You are just spending more money and taking more of a beating with the .308.

Hell get REALLY good with your .22 and shoot it at 200yd, or something like a .17hmr.

This sums up almost everything I was going to say. 200 yards and less, why pay the money for a 308 unless you just really want one. I would also really recommend the 22lr if all you're going to do is punch paper or ding some steel at 200 yards and in. You'll benefit so much more from the challenge, you'll learn more about long range precision, and you'll save a ton of cash on ammo.

Learn with the 22lr, then step up into a 223, then step up into something larger. The 22lr and 223 ammo prices make it so easy to shoot compared to what you pay for everything else.

 

[mayor al]

Plus 1 for Teddy's rcommendation. Climbing the skills ladder when you go to larger calibers makes a lot of sense..both in the techniques of shooting, and in the economics of firearms as well.

 

[sgreen3]

Get yourself a Savage 10fp SR in 223. Rifle will serve your purpose well

 

[Manatee]

I picked up a CZ527 earlier in the year (.223 Rem). Last weekend was the first chance I had to shoot it. I'm very very pleased with its accuracy, light weight and mauser-style action.

Take a look at the CZ sight for detail specs.

 

[teddy12b]

Get yourself a Savage 10fp SR in 223. Rifle will serve your purpose well

I shot the best group of my life with my 10FP-SR in 223. Excellent rifle, and while I still think a 22lr would be a better fit at first, this would be a great choice if he decides to start with a high powered rifle.

I also have to mention (since we're talking about long range 223's) the longest shooting I ever did with a 223 was at Young's Longshot up north. I had a Savage BVSS with a 26" barrel and using 69gr matchkings I was able to hit the steel at 800 yards with it. That was such a fun rifle to shoot. It was so heavy that the recoil was almost unnoticeable. I loved it and it was just crazy accurate even for dumby like me.

 

[jtbriles]

+1 for 223. I have Rem 700s in 223 and 308. I like shooting the 223 more especially at that range your are looking at. Once you master the 223 and crave to shoot even farther you can trade into the 308. Or not trade and add a caliber.

 

[MikeDVB]

I picked up a cheaper .22LR bolt action (Marlin XT-22) to appease my bolt-action desire. I do plan on getting .223 at some point but, for now, .22LR will work for me .

 

[Lonewolf]

Go with the .223 for that range. You can shoot out to 600 yards with a .223 easy. You can practice more without having to spend a ton of cash.

 

[usafmora]

223 Winchester with bull barrel here. I love the rounds for when I get my AR done I wont have to lug around 10 different sizes.

 

[24Carat]

I just picked up a Mossberg MVP 24" bull barrel Varmint in .223 / 5.56 .

Haven't been able to shoot it yet but the MVP and Mossberg forums and the groupings I have seen posted there are making me drool. Saw a guy on Youtube playing out to one mile with one, quite impressive.

http://www.youtube.com/results?sear...0j2.10.0...0.0...1ac.1.11.youtube.H79pUuoo9Pc

Oh yeah, Ar15 mags too !

 

[sgreen3]

I shot the best group of my life with my 10FP-SR in 223. Excellent rifle, and while I still think a 22lr would be a better fit at first, this would be a great choice if he decides to start with a high powered rifle.

I also have to mention (since we're talking about long range 223's) the longest shooting I ever did with a 223 was at Young's Longshot up north. I had a Savage BVSS with a 26" barrel and using 69gr matchkings I was able to hit the steel at 800 yards with it. That was such a fun rifle to shoot. It was so heavy that the recoil was almost unnoticeable. I loved it and it was just crazy accurate even for dumby like me.

I believe it, I had a 10FP in 223 and its was spot on at 300 with hand loads of course. I have a Savage Steven's in 223 an it is one of the most surprising rifles Ive ever shot. 223 is a very capable round, many factory choices if he don't want to start out reloading, an then as many choices if he does to taylor the rifle to his shooting ability. (by the way the Savage BVSS rifles are AWESOME rifles, lol)