CZ 527 Full Stock (Mannlicher) in .223 Rem...

[Ed333]

Is continuing to reload in a quest for greater accuracy (for bench shooting at 100 meters in a CZ 527 Full (Mannlicher) stock in .223 Remington) a waste of time and components ? Meaning that I shouldn't expect too much from this rifle? I am beginning to wonder. I am not a competition benchrest shooter, I just enjoy squeezing good groups out of a sporter, and doing well in the occasional club competition, which is not terribly serious. But this 527 continues to disappoint on accuracy, even though I like it in all other respects, and I keep looking for the right load. If I stick to my heavy barrel SAKO AI .223, that is fine. Maybe I need to add a Tikka to the mix

 

[Homerange]

Fully wooded while nice do run the risk of shifting POI with the seasons unless it's of the best seasoned timber.
What projectiles and powders have you tried ?
What length tube does it have ?

I've had good luck with 50gr BT's and a faster than normal powder for that bullet class in short barrel Model 7's.

 

[Mark W]

@Ed333, it’s possible that your CZ is a dud. It can happen with any factory brand, but IMO expecting a full stock 527 to shoot with a heavy barreled Sako is an error on your part. A 527 Varmint would be much more likely to give your Sako a run for it’s money. Mine consistently shoots 1/2 to 3/4 moa at 100 yards with fairly frequent sub 1/2 moa groups which I consider to be more than adequate for a light weight fact rifle.

 

[Oso]

I have a CZ 527 Varmint (HS Percision stock) chambered in 223. The "varmint" barrel is more of of medium sporter barrel. It will stack 55gr VMAX. I have had a number of CZ527's in various configurations and the heavier varmint barrel performs better. Also, if rifle is in the factory Turkish Walnut stock then you want to pillar bed the action.

There is a reason that you no longer see Mannlicher stocks other than as a nostalgia or vintage throwback look. Free floated barrels are consistently more accurate. The Mannicher Stock can be a thing of beauty if the wood is heavily figured. However, plain straight grain is far more stable and less prone to shifting/swelling during different climate conditions. You may want to pull the action and make sure that there is no bare wood where the action and barrel are inlet. Give everything a good coating of lacquer or whatever product you choose to seal the wood.

 

[Kurz]

Description​

Discontinued 2018. Clad in a classic Mannlicher-style stock, the CZ 527 FS (meaning ‘Full Stock’) is one classy varmint rifle. Chambered in .223, it has a metal muzzle cap designed not to bind on the barrel during expansion and contraction.

Specifications​

CZ 527 FS, .223 REM.​

Product Name CZ 527 FS, .223 Rem.
SKU03013
Firearm TypeRifle
Purpose Hunting
Chambering .223 Rem.
Rate Of Twist1:9 in
Magazine Capacity5
Magazine TypeDetachable
Stock Turkish Walnut, Mannlicher-Style
Length Of Pull14 in
Sights Fixed, Integrated 16mm Scope Bases
Barrel Cold Hammer Forged
Overall Length38.5 in
Weight 6.1 lbs
Trigger MechSingle Set Trigger
SafetyTwo-Position

Even though the muzzle cap is designed to not bind, it doesn't mean it won't bind. You have to actually check it for binding just to be sure. Barrels heating up and wood stocks attracting moisture can both contribute to lessening accuracy.

The other point I see is the sling swivel in the forearm. It can touch the barrel or bind in the stock creating a problem also.

Remove the barreled action from the stock to make sure that the barrel channel has been seal properly. Under the recoil pad can make a difference also.

Is continuing to reload in a quest for greater accuracy (for bench shooting at 100 meters in a CZ 527 Full (Mannlicher) stock in .223 Remington) a waste of time and components ?

In my opinion, no matter whose reports you read, these rifles will never be capable of true benchrest accuracy.