223 / 5.56 bolt gun for practice.

[Sandstrom]

Hi, I have bought into the idea of practicing with a 223 / 5.56 bolt gun. It is a no brainer for me on several levels. I am looking at three different options to purchase for a practice rifle. Ruger American, Tikka T3x, and Browning X Bolt. I already have an X bolt in 308 that is my go to hunting rifle. I have no experience with Tikka, however after hearing how great they are I am intrigued... As for the Ruger, it would leave more money on the table for ammo. That being said, I am not overly concerned with the price of the rifle. It looks like all are available in 1-8 twist. Would I be better of getting the X-bolt because I already have one and the muscle memory and fit would transfer easier? Or would the Tikka be a better option and why.

Thanks,
Ryan

 

[phil1841]

If the .223 X Bolt stock is the same or very close to your .308, I would go with it.

 

[Gatorgrizz27]

Get the matching one to your primary rifle, they are a lot of fun. No big deal to do 100+ rounds in a range session.

 

[Trapperkid]

Idk about the xbolt but I have a ruger American ranch in 5.56 and a tikka and I wish I had the extra 200 dollars for the tikka

 

[Sandstrom]

After a fair amount of searching, I ended up finding a stainless Tikka T3X 223 on the shelf at a local store. Luckily they took an old model 94 that I had laying around on trade and gave me double what I paid for it. I am waiting on the scope rings to show up so I can go play with my new toy. After all the praise about Tikka, I felt the need to have one of my own.

Ryan

 

[Trapperkid]

I guarantee you won’t be disappointed with it I absolutely love mine

 

[Sandstrom]

Looking forward to getting it sighted in! I will post a full report!

Ryan

 

[Rich M]

I just got a Ruger American Ranch Rifle in 350 Legend and last range trip it shot 1/2 inch at 100, 1.1 inch at 225, incredibly accurate for the effort I've put into it.

Thought about doing the 556/223 thing as well and the price of ammo has done changed my mind.

I'm sure you are gonna like that Tikka.

 

[Sandstrom]

Finally got out to shoot the Tikka a few times! First time out was to break in the barrel at a 50 yard range. I didn’t keep any of the targets. Second time out I got it sighted in at 100, groups were about 1.5 inches high and around 2 inches wide. Once again I didn’t keep any of the targets. Third time out I removed the pressure point and completely free floated the barrel. It now shot nice 10 shot groups around 1.25 inches! This is all with Hranady frontier 77 grain bthp ammo. I put in the pics of the targets with and without the ruler to show that I am counting all the shots

Very happy with the gun!

Ryan