r/canadaguns • u/BayGullGuy • 29d ago

Buy recommendations What bolt .223 should I get?

So far most of my experience with firearms has been small game hunting and plinking at cans with a .22.

I recently moved from a rural area to a city and I’d like to keep shooting but will be going to the local range. It maxes out at 200 yards. I’d like to get into target shooting at that range. Nothing no crazy just a hobby on the weekends. The .22 is fine but want something bigger and more fun.

Google is suggesting a Tikka T3x in .223 but there are a lot of models (varmint? CTR?) Any suggestions on what I should be looking into? Id like to keep my budget low but I’m in no rush and willing to save for the right piece. Upper end of what I’m thinking is 1000-1500 but like I said I’m willing to go up and down.

Looking for something that’s good out of the box and doesn’t need any serious upgrades but that has enough aftermarket support for a different stock, etc. if I want to.

Edit:

-Budget is just the rifle thought I’d like to stay south of 2k with glass included. But again, I’ll save for the right thing at the right price.

-this will strictly be for the range. There’s nothing around me I can hunt ethically or illegally with a .223 except coyote and I’m not interested in them.

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u/NorthwindX7 29d ago

I would recommend a 17hmr instead if it's solely for target shooting. Far less expensive and perfect for 200 yards.

If hunting is at all possible in the future I'd say .308.

.223 isn't a bad choice I just don't like how it's just too small for hunting.

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u/__WayDown 28d ago

I get that it's less expensive, but it's not FAR less expensive. 17hmr is usually around $0.50 per round. PMC 223 is often around $0.60.

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u/NorthwindX7 27d ago

Total cost of the platform is cheaper for an accurate bench rifle especially if the budget is 2000$. Your comparing the premium .17hmr to budget .223

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u/NorthwindX7 27d ago

Ill also say that while I do think .223 platform is superior, at a max of 200 yards and a 2000$ budget the .17hmr is better fitting.

OP if you do opt for a .223 rifle, I highly highly recommend getting one that is rated for 5.56mm cartridges. .223 is the civilian cartridge and has lower pressures than NATO 5.56, but each round will be capable of being fired from the same rifle. May as well get the rifle capable of firing both for ammunition availability and reduced chance that you accidentally load 5.56 into a .223 only rifle.