I also have an itch for a heavy-barreled .223. As much as like and have used 700 patterned actions, I have been eyeing the Howa 1500 Mini Action Heavy Barrel. The 20" 1:8 twist, modest price, and decent stock/chassis options help.

 

The Howa units are attractive for sure. I handled a 6.5 CM with the Howa chassis a while back, it was OK, IMO a bit on the rough side but certainly servicable. I note a lack of options for the mini version when it comes to stocks, like the KRG Bravo I have come to love as an example.

 

I use 1:7 in a 26" tube with 75-80.5 in 223 mostly use it 900yd in. Not saying 1:8 wouldn't work but that's what I'm using on heavies loaded long stuffed with varget. I never tried 88 since I suspect id want 22creed behind the 88-90s.
I can still run mags at my Oal as long as it's not as they seemed the longest.
CZ has some elite varmint or something that actually has larger end threading instead of AR with 1:7 or 1:8 twist and I think a 23" tube that looks to have our of box promise at around the 2k mark.
Almost bought one before I just got another terminus instead for the 223 project. Not sure how they are throated for the heavies maybe specs are around.
It's a fun round that actually is frustrating to load for SD compared to bigger stuff which is a bit fun

 

I am in this same boat. My wife and I have been shooting NRL22 and PRS Rimfire for a little over a year and are looking at building a rifle we could share for a few centerfire events each year. I figure the .223 would be a good round to build a rifle off of. Lighter recoil and overall rifle weight for her. Along with longer barrel life from my understanding with two of us shooting it. I am leaning towards a Patriot Valley Arms Solus Barreled action. At $1150 that is a killer deal I think. Solus Barreled Action

 

I am in this same boat. My wife and I have been shooting NRL22 and PRS Rimfire for a little over a year and are looking at building a rifle we could share for a few centerfire events each year. I figure the .223 would be a good round to build a rifle off of. Lighter recoil and overall rifle weight for her. Along with longer barrel life from my understanding with two of us shooting it. I am leaning towards a Patriot Valley Arms Solus Barreled action. At $1150 that is a killer deal I think. Solus Barreled Action

The Solus was on my short list and now I know about Patriot Valley, so thanks for that. I don't know anything of their barrels but will research, the .223 Wylde is out of stock at the moment.

 

What chassis are you putting it in? I failed at light mine is 23lbs with an 8lb barrel

 

Still trying to figure that out. I like the MDT ACC Gen 1 my Bergara b14r rifle is in. It has a 24" straight 1.250" profile barrel(20.4 lbs). My wife's rifle is a CZ457 with a 24" straight 1.180" barrel in a Grey Birch La-Chassis(15.8 lbs). My hope is I can figure something out in between. Manners or XLR Element 4.0 magnesium might help. MDT XrS or HNT26 might also work.

 

Tikka T3X SS Varmint and put it in a MDT chassis.

I have a Savage Axis II Precision in .223. It's accurate but the action (not much different from a 110) is no where near as smooth as a Tikka.

 

Had a very accurate Savage 110FV with pretty fast twist barrel, and a precision .223, set up to handle the heavy weights, is a very noble and fun endeavor!

 

Tikka Varmint.

 

Highly recommend, most accurate bolt action rifle I have ever had. Low recoil and just a great rifle

 

The Tikka varmint is also what I meant in my earlier post for having manly muzzle threads and good barrel spec. That's what I almost picked up before my build.

On chassis I'm using a bedded moa ba como with the steel weights. Recoil impulse is about 2lbs and less with Lighter loads.


It's fun with a can very zen if you are alone in the line. However my build is definitely not a field portable rifle more tac class prs style rig.

 

I built a .223 recently with a Zermatt Origin, Criterion barrel, and Triggertech trigger. It shoots awesome and the action is fantastic. That'll run you about $1,500 before chassis though.

 

Did you use a 700 barrel or a remage style with a nut? What was the lead time on the action?

 

Do you want to compete, or do you want to win? If you reload, and want to build the most precise rifle for your budget, I would recommend: 1) chamber for a 22BR or 22ARC or even a 6BR vs a .223 (not that .223's can't be accurate, just that the BR/ARC's are more inherently precise), 2) use the BR-ish? stock you have and save OMG$$$ from NOT buying a chassis, and use the money saved on the stock for a REAL match grade SS hand lapped heavy barrel like Kreiger, Brux, Bartlien, Shilen etc. and a high end trigger, and 3) a Rem M700 action or clone will be just fine for your application with virtually no appreciable precision difference vs. a $$$ action for your application (you are not competing in nationally sanctioned BR matches). If you go with a Rem action, you can have it "blueprinted" if desired. Shooting with a BR type stock in a proper BR front rest vs. a bipod will also improve precision.

Following the above would result in an absolute tack driver for well within your budget (including a set of dies).

 

Do you want to compete, or do you want to win? If you reload, and want to build the most precise rifle for your budget, I would recommend: 1) chamber for a 22BR or 22ARC or even a 6BR vs a .223 (not that .223's can't be accurate, just that the BR/ARC's are more inherently precise), 2) use the BR-ish? stock you have and save OMG$$$ from NOT buying a chassis, and use the money saved on the stock for a REAL match grade SS hand lapped heavy barrel like Kreiger, Brux, Bartlien, Shilen etc. and a high end trigger, and 3) a Rem M700 action or clone will be just fine for your application with virtually no appreciable precision difference vs. a $$$ action for your application (you are not competing in nationally sanctioned BR matches). If you go with a Rem action, you can have it "blueprinted" if desired. Shooting with a BR type stock in a proper BR front rest vs. a bipod will also improve precision.

Following the above would result in an absolute tack driver for well within your budget (including a set of dies).

I appreciate the well worded and thought out reply @Rider47. I want to stay with .223 on this rifle, the game we will play is for that caliber alone, it keeps things a bit more level if we all use the same caliber. Also, I do not want more reloading components at this time, lol, I am loading for too many anyway and just have no time or space for more.

I agree on the 700 footprint and using my real nice looking but unfinished stock, the only issue is it is not cut for bottom metal, internal mag or box mag, since it was ordered for my single shot 40x. I could perhaps find someone to cut it for a mag or bottom metal, but more $$$.

I am kinda into the 700's and clones so that is high on my list and the satisfaction of "building" vs buying is appealing as well.

Seems like I may have more choices than I thought.

 

Thanks for the replies so far - Regarding Tikka...
After I posted this I looked into the Tikkas, as a buddy of mine swears they are the slickest and most accurate actions he has found off the shelf.

It looks like the T3x Varmint may not be available, but the Super Varmint is, and they are kinda proud of that thing! I would have to send that stock down the road and then I am going to be north of $2K, but I could start with the factory stock I guess. I will need to see if I can find one locally to check out, because it has my interest.

 

The standard stocks are very good. I have no issues with my Standard Varmint stock, replacing it would not make it any more accurate.

 

You could be in a custom barreled action and second hand chassis like a MDT ACC Gen 1 for close to under 2k.

 

In the '90s I participated in long range BR. We shot steel humanoid targets @ 600,800,900 & 1000 yds. The best I can remember the aiming black circle was 1 minute & a penciled-in 9 ring was 2 minutes (I may be wrong). I shot in 3 classes: .223, .308 & "anything goes". I shot a 6.5X284 in the "anything goes" class. All 3 were tight neck guns. The .223 was a 1X8 twist Kreiger barrel. The AMU @ Benning (now regrettably renamed) arrive @ 1X7.7 twist as the ultimate for the 80 gr. Sierra MK.
This type shooting requires an accurate gun (1/2 of the equation) the other 1/2of the equation is luck, ability to guess consistently & the nerve to make windage & elevation corrections based on mirage/perception of wind changes. The luck factor leans heavily on: 1.your relay number (early relays have the advantage of lower temperature = less mirage).
2. the right guess when the wind direction is two different directions between your shooting position and the target.
The consistent positive factor when I participated in that slice of the shooting sport was the relationships that were developed with other competitors. Most were great people & shared valuable insight freely.

To answer your question. I suggest a tight neck built gun by a reputable gunsmith preferably on a Rem 700 action (one of the older ones if possible). This may not be what you wanted to hear, but probably is the less expensive in the long run.

 

Adding bottom metal for a mag to a wood stock is not that difficult. Below are some images of a metal (not plastic!) PTG bottom metal (on sale for $99) that I installed on a 700 stock. Wood removal first with a drill and then with a dremel tool. This was done so this 6.5CM rifle would accept standard 10+ round AICS magazines for PRS competition. If not on your microfit stock, there are lots of reasonably priced M700 capable new and used stocks out there.

 

Your probably not interested but I bought a used savage 110 chambered in 223 a few years ago.. and i would put it up against about any factory offering out there.. it's a hammer with my hand loaded 69 grain sierra match kings..

 

I am certainly interested, and the Savage 110 and 12 are high on my list along with the Tikka, for off the shelf. However, I was just looking at the Aero site and it seems the have a full chassis gun on sale and it includes 200 rounds of Nosler, which is some of my favorite loading brass BTW. That may be hard to pass up, but I don't know anything about their barrels.

SOLUS Competition Rifle 22" .223 Wylde, Sendero + 200 Rounds of NOSLER .223 Ammo

The rifle and ammo included in this bundle will ship to your selected FFL dealer in separate packages, which may arrive at different times. Please ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local laws to complete the transfer. NOTE: Please anticipate longer lead times due to the high demand...

www.aeroprecisionusa.com

 

I never realized that Ballistic Advantage was a sister company to Aero, but apparently that is the barrel source. I have personally never owned a BA barrel but I have seen them in action on ARs and they are not that impressive.

 

If you know who eric cortana is he has some videos out about a solus he got.. claims it to be a great rifle..

 

Yes, I do know and have used his barrel tuner on my rimfires. I respect much of what that guy has to say.

 

My "precision" .223 rifle is a Uintah Precision upper on a DIY UP AR lower.
Not exactly what you were looking for, I know. But it shoots well.

 

My dad was recently diagnosed with dementia and I have been tasked with selling his benchrest rifles and associated gear. I have looked at them and made some notes, but I still need to clean them up, check twist rates, take pictures, etc...

I may have something that might be of interest to the OP.

A Remington 700 short action, 21" heavy tapered barrel, Jewell trigger in a walnut benchrest stock. It is .223 Remington with a .252" neck. The barrel work and assembly was done by Mr. Bob Green in Pennsylvania. I also have some new Lapua brass, precision dies, a selection of bullets and several very nice scopes available. This rifle does not currently have a scope installed.

If interested, message me for pictures and additional details.

Dad only competed against himself and liked putting all of the bullets into a single hole @ 100 yards. Other calibers available include 6BR, 6PPC, and .22-250. Each rifle is unique. I have been sorting all of his ammo, brass, dies, and components so it can be offered to the buyers of these rifles if desired.

I have not yet listed them anywhere and hope this post is not breaking any of the forum rules. I am still trying to determine the actual value of some items before posting them for sale.

 

My dad was recently diagnosed with dementia and I have been tasked with selling his benchrest rifles and associated gear. I have looked at them and made some notes, but I still need to clean them up, check twist rates, take pictures, etc...

I may have something that might be of interest to the OP.

A Remington 700 short action, 21" heavy tapered barrel, Jewell trigger in a walnut benchrest stock. It is .223 Remington with a .262" neck. The barrel work and assembly was done by Mr. Bob Green in Pennsylvania. I also have some new Lapua brass, precision dies, a selection of bullets and several very nice scopes available. This rifle does not currently have a scope installed.

If interested, message me for pictures and additional details.

Dad only competed against himself and liked putting all of the bullets into a single hole @ 100 yards. Other calibers available include 6BR, 6PPC, and .22-250. Each rifle is unique. I have been sorting all of his ammo, brass, dies, and components so it can be offered to the buyers of these rifles if desired.

I have not yet listed them anywhere and hope this post is not breaking any of the forum rules. I am still trying to determine the actual value of some items before posting them for sale.

I would enjoy learning more of this .223, particularly the twist rate. I am very sorry to hear of the dementia, it is a terrible disease.

 

This is my Savage model 12 Long Range Precision Varmint. It is the most accurate out of the box gun I've ever seen. Mine is a 1 in 9 twist and will routinely shoot 70 grain Burgers into 1/4" groups. The scope is a 36x Weaver and was a cheap setup that I had planned to replace with something better but has done everything I've asked of it.

 

This is my Savage model 12 Long Range Precision Varmint. It is the most accurate out of the box gun I've ever seen. Mine is a 1 in 9 twist and will routinely shoot 70 grain Burgers into 1/4" groups. The scope is a 36x Weaver and was a cheap setup that I had planned to replace with something better but has done everything I've asked of it.

This is the right hand bolt, left eject model. I see it is available in 1:7 as well as 1:9. Another range buddy mentioned these to me, said the same thing about accuracy.

 

For your budget I would (and have done this) find an older Remington 700 with the proper action, bolt face, and mag if you want it. Strip the barrel off it and order up a stainless barrel from one of the better barrel manufacturers and have it fitted up, chambered, and whatever else you want done to it. You should be able to find an older Rem 700 rifle for around $500-$700 at a gun show or order a new action from Brownells. A barrel will run about $350, depending on who you order it from and you can get it in any twist and taper you desire. Spinning it on with all the needed work- headspace, chamber, crowning , etc... will run around $300-$400. Stainless barrel won't require bluing so you will save that expense. The beauty of this plan is you already have the stock, Rem 700s have tons of aftermarket parts- triggers, scope mounts, etc... available, and you can often get all the parts quickly, including the gunsmithing...

Or you can buy some boring off the shelf rifle and try to get it to shoot....

 

Proof Research or Gunwerks will build you a tack driver. Get yer wallet out.

 

Off shelf...Tikka Super Varmint. 8 twist.
Adjustable cheek piece and solid as a rock.

 

Interesting . . . BobSc in post #39 describes almost exactly the formula for the two rifles shown in my post #3. And GuitarmanNick in post #30 has what sounds like a sweetheart of a rifle following much the same formula (the Jewell trigger alone is worth investigating). One of the rifles pictured in my post #3 was also chambered by Bob Green of PA, a master gunsmith. It's fun to show up at a range or competition match with a rifle that looks a bit like your Grandpa's huntin' rifle, and kick butt on a host of "Chassis" rifles.

 

So much to chew on in this thread and I appreciate all the suggestions and opinions! Seems like I have some research and thinking to do now.

Still very hard to decide between off the rack Tikka or Savage and a build, I see both sides of it and really want to handle those rifles. The Solus complete rifle is out for me, I'm just not ready to spend that amount of money on a rifle with a BA made barrel.

However I like the idea of the PVA barreled Solus action, albeit not available in .223 at the moment. The Solus action seems to get high marks for an affordable 700ish footprint action and it's 3 lug with a changable bolt face with quite a few known companies making a prefit barrel if I want to change down the road.

 

Show us your new rifle when you get it. Good choice! So much available for the Remington 700 action.