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Build or Buy? Need a second .223 for 600yd knock down fun shoots

mjgillen

Hello guys, thanks for all the great advice, articles, etc etc. I know if I post my questions here I will get lots of good advice and plenty to think about so here goes.

I a nutshell I am asking if I should build or buy my next .223 Rem which I will be using at my local range 200-600 yards knock down steel targets on rails.

About 6 months ago I bought a Cabela's Savage 12FV .223 Rem 1:9 twist with the Accu Trigger and I am very satisfied with it. During the match I share this rifle with my son which is OK however the barrel gets quite warm. And I have convinced myself that I should buy a second rifle and I want to stick with .223 Rem so I can just use the same dies, brass, etc.

However, I don't want to get another Cabela's 12FV because I would really like a faster barrel, say a 1:7, and I would really like a nicer action and trigger etc etc.

I bought the 12FV to get my feet wet and its been really really fun. My son and I have not done super great in the matches although we haven't done too bad either. I think wind is the biggest factor, another reason why I want to get a 1:7 twist so I can shoot bullets heavier than the 73gr that we are currently shooting. Although last Friday I was practicing at the range with the 12FV shooting 73gr Bergers and was hitting the 600 yard targets consistently, shooting about a 4" group. No wind. Ideal conditions.

I really like the Savage rifles and was thinking about getting a Model 12 Long Range Precision Varmint (about $1300). That would give me the 1:7 twist, nicer action (Savage Precision Target Action), nicer trigger (Savage Target Accu Trigger) and I hear the stock is better too. On the downside I would be concerned if the LRPV would be able to handle the 90gr Berger VLDs or is the "throat" too short (not exactly sure I am using the right term here). I've conversed with someone on this forum that shoots a 12LRPV in .223 (80.5gr Berger VLDs) and he really likes it. And it would be "off the shelf" ready to shoot.

However, I could build something like it for about the same price, perhaps a few hundred more: Savage Target Action (NSS) $555, Criterion Savage Match barrel (NSS) $300, Low Profile Benchrest stock (SSS) $359, plus any "gunsmith" work, installation/ bedding, etc etc. Would this shoot a lot better than the 12LRPV? Its the same action and trigger. The barrel and stock would be custom. Perhaps that makes a big difference?

Yes, I could look for a good used rifle (Shooter Corner, Classifieds on this site) however it appears most of those rifles are not .223s.

I know that if I really want to compete I should go for something bigger like a 6BR however I'm not ready for that. And I do know that this next rifle (and even my current 12FV) can easily be converted to 6BR with a bolt head and barrel swap. That's what I like about the Savage actions. And I could do the work myself.

Please chime in with your thoughts!

Thank you,
Michael
 
I have a Savage LRPV with 1:7 twist and yes, it shoots lights out with 80.5 Bergers and Varget.
I also have a PTG ISSF reamer to increase the freebore length to suit the 90s. The only reason I haven't done that with the LRPV is that 90s require a 30" barrel to really shine. Of course, they'll shoot pretty good in the LRPV also but properly tuned 90s are very competitive in a 30" barrel.
On another note, if you want a LRPV, mine is for sale. It has a Karsten cheek rest and a MPOD bipod adapter installed and comes with Nightforce rail. PM me if you want to talk about it.
 
Sounds like you've got the bug. It will be cheaper and more gratifying to build it yourself. Sounds like you've done a lot of research already. I'very lost track of how many Savages I've put together now.

My first one was a model 11 .243, $300 that I did a bolt head swap to .223,$50 put a target spring in the accuracy trigger, then put in a Choate tactical stock, $200 and screwed on a 2nd hand model 12 .223 barrel on it, $65. The target trigger spring, new barrel nut & lug were less than $100 Shoots lights out off a set of cheap Caldwell bags. In the world of rifles that will regularly shoot sub .3 or better I've got very little into it. I kind of sourced out cheap/used parts so if I screwed something up I wasn't out much. You'll have to buy an action wrench and barrel nuts wrench and some go/no go guages but trust you will build more rifles and use the tools again.

I had it out this afternoon for the first time in quite awhile. I kind of got rambling there but if I were you I'd build it I doubt you'll ever regret it.
 
I'd build it, especially if your son shows any interest in becoming a garage-style DIY gunsmith. The recipe you posted is a good one, except you need not spend $350 on a stock to do what you propose. I have a 600 yd F class rifle similar to what you propose (I used a Shilen barrel) on a $119 Boyd's stock. It shoots well enough to win.

Buy a can of Devcon 10110, look at several YouTube videos, and bed it yourself with the help of your son. Buy a barrel nut wrench, buy a go gauge, make or buy a simple barrel vise, (or borrow this stuff) and assemble the build yourself. These tools are not expensive and nearly immune to damage, so folks don't mind lending them out. Put a piece of clear packing tape on the base of your go-gauge to make it into a no-go-gauge.

No gunsmith is required and both you and your son will have fun while learning a few things. How can you beat that?
 
Mozella, I really like where you coming from. Seems to be good solid advice for mjgillen.
 
I started with with and still have a couple of Savages. Then moved onto building Remage using Stiller actions, which are a bit smoother to operate. If you use a trued Rem be sure the barrel threads are stock. CBI barrels shoot great. Choate stocks are tough to beat for the money. Options abound.
 
Thanks everyone for the solid advice and those that offered rifles for sale. I'm going to build. I'm a big DIYer having restored pinball machines, old tube and solid state stereos, and other hobbies. Love to learn, keep the brain working. So this is "right up my alley". Also one of the reasons I initially purchased a Savage - so I could do the upgrades myself.

This will be fun!

Thanks again all!
Michael
 
If you've made up your mind to build give some consideration to 223 AI
 
Not one to discourage R.A.D (rifle acquisition disorder, it can be terminal...) but have you tried the 75 Amax for long line performance? They do well on the 600 yard line from 20" service rifles.
 
If you build it with your son it won't matter how it shoots. That's a huge advantage.

When I was a child, I had an HO train layout in the basement. My favorite engine was assembled from a kit with dad's help.

It never ran right.
 
My first recommendation would be to build. You can make the rifle how you truly want it and also with black friday coming up you might be able to snag some nice deals. Once you make the initial investment of tools you will be able to use them for any future builds or barrel changes for the rest of your life.

If you are dead set on going with a factory rifle then you should be able to find a Savage 12lrpv in 223 for around 1150-1200 http://grabagun.com/sav-12lrpv-223rem-26-sts-hb-syn-7.html
 
My Savage LRPV has the Rifle Basix trigger at 8oz, and it shoots 223 lights out all day. Heavy fluted barrel, Basix trigger and 1:9 twist.
 
If you buy a new barrel, have it set up for the Hornady 80 gr A Max. Good BC bullet. I tried the 90's , but just couldn't make it work in a 7 twist. Out to 600 they are great. At 1,000 with the wind blowing, you are in trouble. But then you are in trouble at 1,000 if the wind is blowing with most any cartridge/bullet combo weighing 80 or 90 grains.
 
I love building. That's me.

I can only say for myself, if it were me...

Start with any of the heavy barrel Savage's, models 12, 11, 10. Nine twist or tighter.

Then if there are things you want to "build", it'seems all available. To any level you desire.
 
I think it would be a great project fir you and your son to work on together. Get this one under his belt he could have his own business some time in the future. I wish I would have learned to put together guns. Martyd
 
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