Thread: looking to buy a .223, what is important and what is BS?

Hey Mark, these are my thoughts for what they are worth.

Firstly Reloading, it's a very accurate cartridge that has a huge range of components to reload from, once you have the load the rifle likes it will prove very accurate.

Varminting is all I do with mine, great round, very destructive and accurate, shooting from 10 yrds to approaching 500yrs. Small target that needs an accurate base ( rifle ) to perform from, good optic's help also.

I have had both a 1:9 and 1:12 rifles, the 1:9 I did find more versatile in the range of projectile weights it can shot well. However my 1:12 is fantastic, you just gotta find what it shoots best.
Heavy barrels I like and ok from a benchrest or static position but they can get bloody heavy after a few hills .

As for brands....I run a Tikka T3 , standard barrel and if I do my part it does half inch at 100mtrs, Tikka, Howa, CZ, Rem 700 and many others will do the job.

Tikka do the T3 in a 1:8 barrel option and Howa often have a 1:9 , you need to check.

One thing you haven't touched on is a suppressor, gotta have one mate, just turns a nice calibre to shoot into a dream to shoot. Good luck I love my 223 and it's probably my favourite centre fire.