r/canadaguns • u/Canadian-Footy-Fan • Apr 10 '26
Misc 223 Superlite for all purpose - including range.
I am getting a 223 Tikka Superlite with a fluted stainless barrel. I am mostly going to do target shooting rather than hunting but I want something reasonably light that also can be carried if needed (bit of a closet prepper - and no, I don’t want to debate it).
Three questions:
- as a range gun (most of the time), what kind of shoot/cool-down process should I anticipate given the calibre (if that matters)? Will I be limited to 5 shots and then wait for a while (and how long)?
- if a scope budget was really modest (say $400) is there a scope that would let you reach out to 500 or 600 yards with high magnification potential? I don’t mind sacrificing a bit of image clarity if a cheap scope will hold zero (again, with 223-level recoil) and still let me shoot accurately at this distances.
- for the cheap ammo (e.g. PMC bronze) can you still achieve decent results and consistency within 300 to 400 yards?
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u/Stare-Indecisive Apr 10 '26
You will be fine at those ranges even with a hot barrel on the tikka super lite. Maybe the groups will open up a little bit but the biggest issue is heat mirage. You’ll still be able to ring steel without letting it cool.
If you’re going to hunt with it then the weight savings in the super lite are worth considering because it’s significant. I went with the flush mags instead of the Ctr because I like to carry my rifle there. But it’s up to you! 223 is an underrated hunting rifle with modern heavier projectiles.
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u/DrinkLuckyGetLucky All guns are beater guns Apr 10 '26
Just go ahead and shoot it at the range, it will be fine even if it’s hot. Most people don’t shoot enough to shoot out 223 bolt guns and if you do you’ve spent way more than the cost of a replacement barrel in ammo anyways.
For a cheap scope that you can shoot out to distance recommendation I have an Athlon Talos fixed power 10x42 that I’ve shot out to 800 yards and is pretty decent for the price.
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u/Penguinbotxv Apr 10 '26
Suggest a ctr but it's your call it's mainly since you shoot targets, you'd want something from Athlon discovery or vector for a budget scope. As for waiting for heat to dissipate around 5-15 minutes depending on the weather, 5 if it's cold 15 if it's a hot day. For ammo you can get decent results but if you want great results you're going to have to test different factory loads.
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u/Canadian-Footy-Fan Apr 10 '26
Thanks. The CTRs are a fair bit more than I am getting this (used) rifle for so my budget sort of determines my options.
Will check out the scope options for sure.
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u/DoYouGetSarcasm Apr 10 '26
I have a howa superlite 308, it's awesome... As a hunting gun. It's not a great range gun. The super lite is as far away from a range gun as you can get.
My advice is get a compromise range/hunting gun or skew towards one now died for range use. You'll have real set backs using this at the range, get the one out two lbs heavier gun and accept the theoretical weight as another thing that sucks about the end of the world
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u/Canadian-Footy-Fan Apr 10 '26
Fair enough. I am already in the process of buying it so it may be a “lessons learned” sort of event - but I am also sure I will be able to resell it at basically break even if it turns out to be the wrong tool.
A 308 will be next on the list to get - something dedicated for distance shooting, so maybe that is where I focus on a purpose-build range gun.
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Apr 10 '26
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u/Canadian-Footy-Fan Apr 10 '26
Not really. Lots of different approaches and priorities when it comes to personal preparedness. There is no single “right tool” for everyone.
A good accurate hunting rifle that will work with 100% of situations in my area is where I landed.
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u/Scary-Detail-3206 Apr 10 '26
I’ve got a T3x Super-lite in 270. The pencil barrel really isn’t suited for regular range use. I run a couple boxes of cheap ammo through it a year just to stay proficient with it, and then confirm zero with my hunting ammo.
I usually shoot it in the fall and winter, and with temps around zero it usually takes about 5 mins between 3 shot groups to cool down.
Cheap scopes kinda suck in general. I had a diamondback HD on it for a few years and it’s kinda like putting cheap Chinese tires on a Corvette. It really limits the potential of the gun if you put cheap glass on it. I finally got around to upgrading to a Nightforce SHV scope, and while it certainly upped the weight of my rig, it was still money well spent. That said a solid gun with cheap glass is still better than a cheap gun with cheap glass.
Cheap ammo is totally fine for range use. It’s rare I miss the 6” gong at 300 yards with Federal blue box. If you are looking for consistent groups on paper at 300+, you’ll be wanting to get match ammo.
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u/Omega_Shaman Apr 10 '26
I have a 16" Howa 1500 heavy barrel in 308 in an MDT Field Stock that is my all purpose rifle. I chose a short barrel because the longer barrels really add weight.
For a 223 mostly range rifle I probably would go with a Howa Mini heavy barrel or a rifle with a medium barrel like a Ruger American Gen II.
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u/DougMacRay617 Apr 10 '26 edited Apr 10 '26
Your buying the wrong gun for your needs by the sounds of it. Tikka ctr or varmit are going to suit you better. Unless you like shooting 3 rounds and waiting 20 minutes. As far as optics go Arken all day long
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u/CanadianBoyEh Apr 10 '26 edited Apr 10 '26
So couple things. That’s a pure hunting rifle, not a range rifle.
Even with .223 your barrel is going to heat up VERY quickly. 3-5 MAX before having to wait for things to cool down. Depending on the temperature outside, could be 5 minutes, could be 15.
I’d save a bit more and get a Vortex Venom. The 3-15x FFP can be found for around $700. Cheaper on sale, which happens pretty regularly. Or check GunPost. They pop up used often. Anything around/under $400 won’t be very good for, or have the features you want in a target optic.
Cheap ammo is going to perform like cheap ammo. I wouldn’t expect much from it.