223 / 5.56 bolt gun for practice.

Sandstrom

WKR
Joined
Sep 24, 2020
Messages
365
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
 

Trapperkid

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Jan 22, 2021
Messages
299
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
 
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Sandstrom

Sandstrom

WKR
Joined
Sep 24, 2020
Messages
365
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
 
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Sandstrom

Sandstrom

WKR
Joined
Sep 24, 2020
Messages
365
Looking forward to getting it sighted in! I will post a full report!

Ryan
 

Rich M

WKR
Joined
Jun 14, 2017
Messages
5,106
Location
Orlando
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.
 
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Sandstrom

Sandstrom

WKR
Joined
Sep 24, 2020
Messages
365
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
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