wanting to build another rifle....want some opinions

[GSRswapandslow]

I'm looking at building a new rifle for 2014. I want to build something in 22 cal, to shoot the 40 and 50gr vmax's and 53gr smk's i've amassed this last year. I shoot 100-200 from the bench and then 100-400 prone. The vast majority will be from a bench, but I'd prefer to build a bipod only rifle this go around, since I want to get more prone shooting in with this build.

I have been looking at Coopers...I LOVE the looks, but just not sure I'm really getting my money's worth in one. I do know that I don't want another Rem 700...for sure, but not sure if I want to go with a savage target action either.

I think one of the bigger factors for my decision is the chamber. The coopers I was looking at were an m21 in 223ai (i'm setup to reload 223ai already) or an m22 in 22br (have to get all new dies and brass, maybe powder). But, ever since i've read about it...i've had a desire to do something you don't see often, a 220beggs. But as of late, talking to some of the older gentleman at the range....a 222 has been brought up quite often.

So...what route should I go? I wanted to ask here since I got solid advice on my 2013 and 2012 rifle builds.

 

[boltman223]

I really like the 222, super accurate, uses a small amount of powder(cheaper) and long barrel barrel life. 400 yards is plenty doable, especially with some practice.

 

[L.Sherm]

+1 for the 222 if you want a little more 222 rem. mag one of the easiest rounds to tune I've ever reloaded for, only problem for the rem. mag is getting ahold of brass and a little expensive

 

[5spd]

All the ones stated above are great, but if you want different take a hard look at the new 22x6.8 from black hole weapondry. Its the 6.8spc necked to 22cal and you can have the barrel in just about any configuration from a AR15 to a bolt gun.
The only issue may be the P3 poly grooved barrel as some don't like them others love them.
On my own custom builds I always try to stick with components I already have to reduce buying parts.

 

[Phil]

Pick the bullet(s) you want to shoot,you`ve already narrowed this down,then choose a velocity window you wish to achieve,finally find a case that will allow you to achieve this.

If no case is available to you,welcome to the wonderful and addictive world of wildcatting.

The .222 is fantastic,but a little slow for me above 40gr. bullets.

.223AI is a screamer and should do you quite well.

The .22BR would be my choice.

For what that's worth. ???

 

[22BRGUY]

Not sure what to recommend....um...I'll think of something

 

[GSRswapandslow]

the bullet of choice will be:
50gr zmax and 53gr SMK (1400)

velocity.....um....don't really have a preference, this is just a varmint/range toy...but I'd say....3500+

 

[Michael Courtney]

I'm liking Savage actions more and more. Fabulous accuracy, and you don't need to pay (and wait for) a smith, just order the replacement barrels and screw 'em on yourself. Yeah, yeah, yeah, due care and the proper headspace gage, etc. Lead times with the smiths to screw on Rem 700 barrels is too long, and many are so far behind that I begin to be concerned if they are really taking the same care. I've also been underwhelmed with Rem quality since 2000. A steady decline. Not much a good smith can't fix, but ...

My daughter has been shooting a factory Savage in .222 for a couple of years now and even shot one benchrest match. It's an accurate rifle and easy to load for. A suspect a custom .222 barrel would really make it sing. The bullet weights supported by the 1 in 14" twist will never make it a great rifle in the wind, and faster twists won't do much due to crowding the powder space, but if you can be happy with a 55 grain or lighter bullet, the .222 sill make some tiny groups.

My daughter's .222 Rem loves the 53 SMK.

 

[GSRswapandslow]

well I loaded up some 52jlk's, 50gr bergers, and some 53gr SMK's to give my 223ai another shot tomorrow. I have a "remmage" barrel due to arrive in early march for the rifle....and I'm going to at least wait till that gets here and shoot it...but I just think I want to build a NON-remington for a change...

 

[Lapua40X]

Cooper Model 21 .223 Remington Montana Varminter

 

[5spd]

But I just think I want to build a NON-remington for a change...

As stated above...Savage build, easy, do at home on your own, can get top line barrels easy.
Besides my AR15s all I own/build are Savages.