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Posted: 3/14/2017 9:52:36 AM EDT
[Last Edit: DeathMetal]
Looking to put together a 100 yard 1/2 MOA .223 rifle for under $1000 and was wondering if it is even possible.

If so what are your suggestions?

Would like to stick with .223 as I have access to some great reloaders in the area that are very good with that cartridge.
Link Posted: 3/16/2017 4:52:57 PM EDT
[#1]
Are you talking about just rifle or rifle/scope/rings/base for $1000

I've always like Remington 700's. I had one of their old Police rifles from the late 90's and my .308 would routinely do 5 shot .50 groups almost effortlessly. My best was around .35"


If you want a complete package, you could do the shorter barrel version. I would be surprised if this rifle didn't give you .50" groups with proper match ammo.

https://www.remington.com/rifles/bolt-action/model-700/model-700-sps-tactical
20" .223 is $600 at Bud's Gun Shop.

$400 left for scope/rings/mount.

SWFA 10x42 scope for $300...you can pick any of 3 versions (moa/mil/reticle type)

Then $100 for rings and base.
SWFA low rings  $40 (I'm almost positive low rings will work on a 700 and 42mm objective)
https://swfa.com/swfa-ss-tac-30mm-1-quot-rings.html?___SID=U

Then just a standard picatinny base, 1 or 2 piece. I like Leupold Mk4 ($50ish)




If you want to spend $1000 just on a gun, you can just get a heavy barrel 26" Police.
https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/2084_36_57_981/products_id/95714/Remington+700+Police+223REM+26+HB

That's similar to what I had.
Link Posted: 3/16/2017 5:22:36 PM EDT
[#2]
I was able to accomplish this by building an AR with cheap parts and a decent 18" barrel, rock river 2 stage trigger (lightly polished), and a vortex crossfire ii 6-18 that was on sale on Amazon, still well under the $1,000.00 range and was able to shoot a five round group 1/2 moa at 100 yards (I know it's not a 10 round group), but for me and my tight budget I'm totally satisfied, however, I may have gotten lucky with the barrel shooting as well as it does...
Link Posted: 3/17/2017 7:12:56 AM EDT
[#3]
I'm assuming he's wanting to do a bolt action since it's in this section.
Link Posted: 3/17/2017 7:16:49 AM EDT
[#4]
I have seen factory rifles in 223 that will shoot consistent 1/2 MOA at 100yds with factory match ammo at 100yds for 5 shots, but I think that level of accuracy isnt going to be something each rifle off the line will produce. Quality heavy BBL ARs and many bolt action varmint rifles will shoot sub 1 MOA, some consistently will do 3/4 MOA.  To get consistent 1/2 MOA even at 100yds would require a good shooter, a very good rifle, and excellent match grade ammo that will work with the twist rate in your rifle.
Link Posted: 3/17/2017 12:11:59 PM EDT
[Last Edit: FZJ80] [#5]
I've always had good luck with the 1990's era Remington 700 Varmint Synthetic.  Good base action for a future build, as well.  

Here is an example at the link, local prices are usually better than GB.  All my GAP rifles started out as 700 VS's and shot well in factory form.  What sucks is the .223 has a 1-12" twist.  The newer 700 LTR has a 1-9", which really should be 1-7 or 1-7.7" twist.  Just depends what bullet range you want to shoot.  I went with 1-9 on my .22-250 for 60-75 grain bullets.  


700 VS .223
Link Posted: 3/17/2017 5:27:44 PM EDT
[#6]
My two cents.... Anything bolt action will be tough to do with an optic at that price point. If your will to do an AR I built a 7 twist 20" AR for right at 650.. now squeezing any decent optic and mount in there with the remaining balance will be tough.
Link Posted: 3/17/2017 5:34:34 PM EDT
[Last Edit: R3L04D] [#7]
I have a Savage 25 in 223 they will do moa and sub moa with a few factory loads

I think I paid 550ish for the rifle many many years ago. Wearing a Simmons whitetail classic 6.5-20 from Midway that often go on sale for under $100. Warne rings I believe

American eagle 50gr tipped

Link Posted: 3/18/2017 1:56:04 AM EDT
[#8]
If you can still locate a Savage model 12FV in .223 at Cabellas the price varies from $249 to $419 depending on the sale.  It's got a 26" heavy(ish) varmint barrel and an accutrigger in a crappy tupperware stock with a blind 5 shot magazine.  I tossed a Millett one piece rail ($20) on mine and a cheap PA 4-16 scrope ($149?) on mine when I first got it (mine was $319 on sale) and started playing with handloads after the factory Australian Outback ammo loaded with 69gr SMK bullets was shooting .6" groups consistently.   Here's one of my early targets:



My two best 5 shot groups were .26" and .27" but they were shot on different days.

Later on I upgraded the scope and stock but my groups pretty much hover between .4"and .6" using a Caldwell adjustable rest and a rear squeeze bag.

My buddy shot mine about a month after I bought it and was so taken with it he bought his own the next day. He's a much better shot (consistently) than I am with his stock rifle and better scope.  (We both bought Sightron 8-32X target scopes).

Here is is with it's new aluminum stock, still wearing the PA scope.

Link Posted: 3/18/2017 3:01:12 PM EDT
[#9]
I don't really think there's a problem, without optics. The catch is that there's no way to know until you shoot it. Certain models and brands are more likely than others. The Tikka T3's, Savages with 5R rifling, some of the Remingtons... I'm sure there are others that are often that good at under $1k base price. But not ALL of them. The ratio varies, lately it seems like we hear about a lot of the Tikkas and Savages being quite accurate out of the box and the Remingtons in this price range needing some help.
Link Posted: 3/20/2017 3:07:56 PM EDT
[#10]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By YoteSlayer69:
My two cents.... Anything bolt action will be tough to do with an optic at that price point. If your will to do an AR I built a 7 twist 20" AR for right at 650.. now squeezing any decent optic and mount in there with the remaining balance will be tough.
View Quote
I assumed a bolt gun would be more cost effective, I may need to look into this more.
Link Posted: 3/20/2017 3:29:27 PM EDT
[#11]
If you have the time, this guy does a pretty good video series trying to get 1000 yards for $500; doesn't succeed but has very good points and it exposes some decent ideas to consider. I know 1000 yrds vs 1/2 MOA are two different animals.. still...
Link Posted: 3/20/2017 4:12:19 PM EDT
[#12]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By Remyrw:
I don't really think there's a problem, without optics. The catch is that there's no way to know until you shoot it. Certain models and brands are more likely than others. The Tikka T3's, Savages with 5R rifling, some of the Remingtons... I'm sure there are others that are often that good at under $1k base price. But not ALL of them. The ratio varies, lately it seems like we hear about a lot of the Tikkas and Savages being quite accurate out of the box and the Remingtons in this price range needing some help.
View Quote
What he said, my M&P15 does it after free floating it and a Velocity trigger.  But there is evidence that 5R barrels are accurate.  If you go with the Savage which would be my choice.  Take it to a gunsmith let him work it over and check out an Athlon scope.  Very good reviews on them for the money. Finding the ammo it likes to eat is the next step...Never know it might like em all!
My .02
Link Posted: 3/20/2017 7:13:28 PM EDT
[Last Edit: bigkahuna48026] [#13]
Search on YouTube for "1000 yard $1000 dollar rifle"
Link Posted: 3/21/2017 8:59:45 AM EDT
[Last Edit: popnfresh] [#14]
Well you sure as hell don't want a 7 twist barrel for 100yds and 1/2 moa.
You will want a very slow twist like a 14 twist and shoot 50-55gr flat based bullets.

With a $1k budget and 1/2moa requirement you will need all the help you can get, the 14twist will help toward getting smaller groups.

If couse one mans 1/2moa is another mans 1moa.
Link Posted: 3/21/2017 9:18:59 AM EDT
[#15]
Link Posted: 3/21/2017 12:12:15 PM EDT
[#16]
What is your goal?  Type of shooting?  Benchrest?  Informal target shooting at 100 yards?  1/2 MOA with 223 is more about reading the wind than the rifle.  A 55 grain bullet will move .2" with a 5MPH gust.

There is no guarantee when purchasing a factory rifle what you are getting.

For instance-

I have a Remington 700 VS that I picked up in the 90's and have shot many sub 1/2MOA groups with it.

Friend #1 picked up a Remington 5r Milspec in 223 1:9 twist in 2013 and we could not get that gun to shoot under 1MOA with a variety of loads and bullet choices.  He ended up having it blueprinted, bedded, and putting a Bartlein barrel on it, and the gun will shoot .3's now.

Friend #2 picked up a Remington 783, 1:9 22" barrel, last year for under $300.  The gun shoots really amazing for what it is,, typical groups are in the .5's at 100 yards using 55-70 grain bullets.  It loves the new Nosler 70 RDF.

I have seen some Savages shoot amazing out of the box and others that had to go back to the factory.  The issue is that unless you buy a rifle that has a 1/2MOA guarantee, the factory does not have to do anything for you if it doesn't.

My recommendation-

1. Tikka T3 Varminter.  It is probably the closest to a 1/2 MOA out of the box gun that you can buy.

2. Purchase a Remington 700 223 action, install a Remage style barrel and a good trigger on it, then put it in a good stock.  That will put you around $1K without glass.  

3. Take your chances with a factory Savage.  The odds are in your favor but no guarantees.
Link Posted: 3/21/2017 1:36:24 PM EDT
[#17]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By sigman68:
What is your goal?  Type of shooting?  Benchrest?  Informal target shooting at 100 yards?  1/2 MOA with 223 is more about reading the wind than the rifle.  A 55 grain bullet will move .2" with a 5MPH gust.

There is no guarantee when purchasing a factory rifle what you are getting.

My recommendation-

1. Tikka T3 Varminter.  It is probably the closest to a 1/2 MOA out of the box gun that you can buy.

2. Purchase a Remington 700 223 action, install a Remage style barrel and a good trigger on it, then put it in a good stock.  That will put you around $1K without glass.  

3. Take your chances with a factory Savage.  The odds are in your favor but no guarantees.
View Quote
I plan on using it benchrest to no more than 400 yards

Trying to keep the whole package under $1K so the T3 would be out.

Savage model 10 with a SWFA SS?
Link Posted: 3/21/2017 3:25:24 PM EDT
[#18]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By DeathMetal:


I plan on using it benchrest to no more than 400 yards

Trying to keep the whole package under $1K so the T3 would be out.

Savage model 10 with a SWFA SS?
View Quote
Oh you said 100 yard in op half moa is half moaat any distance, disregard my 14 twist, for 400yds you will probably want a higher bc bullet. 
Link Posted: 3/21/2017 5:26:09 PM EDT
[#19]
An honestly consistent 0.5 MOA rifle + optic at 400 yards is a pretty tall order. You'll probably have to tune the reloads to the rifle pretty specifically.
Link Posted: 3/21/2017 5:52:51 PM EDT
[#20]
If you got a deal on a used savage or remington heavy barreled rifle in a decent stock (say an HS Precision or Mcmillan) and then found a budget scope like an SWFA it might be possible to get something that shoots 1/2" groups with the right handload under the right conditions.
Link Posted: 3/21/2017 8:02:52 PM EDT
[Last Edit: JKH62] [#21]
Properly bedded a 700 police drives tacks....100 yard group.
Suppressor on or off.







Link Posted: 3/21/2017 8:16:33 PM EDT
[#22]
My Savage 10T on sale, then a Vortex 6.5-20 (non PST), plus harris bipod came in right about $1k a few years back. I haven't priced it recently so I don't know if that's still possible. Mine is 308 and a 1/2moa rifle on occasion, a consistent .75-1 if conditions are suitable for the ammo. By that I mean the rifle really likes those handloads between 60 and 80 degrees and moderate humidity. Colder or hotter, or really dry or really humid and the groups seem to grow no matter how well I feel I'm shooting. Not a huge difference, but I've got quite a few rounds through the rifle and seeing groups crop above 1moa most of the time rather than once in a while is significant for me. The load uses IMR 4064, which isn't super sensitive so I'm guessing it's a combination of factors not just a velocity change. Hell, for all I know it's a slight difference in how I settle behind the rifle outside that range. *shrug* My best group was early on with the rifle and .38 moa at 200 for five rounds. Even better from my perspective, they were exactly where I'd intended them to go. You wouldn't believe the number of rounds I fired over the next few weeks trying to get that small a group again.  Well, nm, in this area of the forums you probably would.
Link Posted: 3/26/2017 3:45:35 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Baldmonk] [#23]
going with NO for $500 Alex.

Everyone i seen swear by their Rem 700 or Savage to shoot sub MOA has never been able to duplicate it at the range when I am there. Best Rem 700 I have seen was around 2 MOA at 600 yards and it was customized rifle and he used handloads.
Link Posted: 3/26/2017 3:49:20 PM EDT
[#24]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By RocketmanOU:
An honestly consistent 0.5 MOA rifle + optic at 400 yards is a pretty tall order. You'll probably have to tune the reloads to the rifle pretty specifically.
View Quote
Your Velocities and SD better be spot on to get that. Doesn't take much off for the drop to kick you out of MOA.

85% of the rifles that shoot MOA at 100 don't at 400~600.
Link Posted: 3/26/2017 4:00:05 PM EDT
[#25]
Originally Posted By DeathMetal:
Looking to put together a 100 yard 1/2 MOA
View Quote


I have a M40 that will consistently do one 0.35", two 0.45-0.50" and one 0.6x" inch groups from a box of 20 rounds.
I consider this a 1.0 MoA rifle because I am highly confident that if there is something 1.0 MoA away from what needs to be hit, that something will be missed.
Link Posted: 3/26/2017 6:51:02 PM EDT
[#26]
I have a Tikka T3 Lite in .223 with the 1/8 twist that is probably close to 1/2 MOA. I run 77gr in it, but it likes the single-feed-only 75gr Amax even better. It has a 3-9x Leupold Mark AR scope on it, and an EGW 20MOA base. This is pretty much a $1000 package that is ready for the field. The quality of the rifle is 10x better than anything Remington or Savage have kicked out in the last 20 years.

If you're just bench shooting, then substitute an SWFA 12x or 16x scope instead.
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