The UK's Finest Independent Forum for Shooters and Gun Owners. Est 2010.

HeatherW762 wrote:You could always have a dual purpose 308 for the longer distances, just remove target sights (depending on which ones you have - I could remove both front & back sights easily on mine) and put a scope on it. Then you get the 223 and have 3 guns for the price of two!! :shakeshout:

Heather

I have thought about it, but the local ranges I shoot at don't have the facility to be able to zero the rifle, and I fear that it might not return to zero if I do that... completely unfounded thought, but I wouldnt like to risk it :-/

How are you intending to use the rifle, prone, off hand, sporting, bench etc as that would help in form your choice.

Also how much do you enjoy handloading? I shoot so that I can handload as much as I handload to shoot. If you enjoy the process as a hobby in itself then getting another calibre is the only way to go.

dromia wrote:How are you intending to use the rifle, prone, off hand, sporting, bench etc as that would help in form your choice.

I'm intending on shooting prone from bipod (no rear rest) for starters, ideally if I could have something thats not overly heavy that in future I could use for foxing (if I ever get the opportunity) Then that would be a bonus - especially if I go the .223 route. obviously with .308 thats a none issue.

dromia wrote:Also how much do you enjoy handloading? I shoot so that I can handload as much as I handload to shoot. If you enjoy the process as a hobby in itself then getting another calibre is the only way to go.

I wouldnt say its a hobby so far as that, I enjoy the process and knowing that I made the ammo that got those V-Buls is a great feeling, but I do it just so I get good ammo at cheaper prices rather than as a hobby itself!

.223 is cheap to load!

Sim G wrote:.223 is cheap to load!

Yep, less lead and less powder

Just gotta get some brass (woe is me no cheap brass :( )

Put an add in the wanted section you might just get a bargain.

TattooedGun wrote: if I could have something thats not overly heavy that in future I could use for foxing (if I ever get the opportunity) Then that would be a bonus - especially if I go the .223 route. obviously with .308 thats a none issue.

I have my .308/7.62 for Deer and fox - so I don't see why not? (Although I use a .223 as a dedicated foxing rifle)

I also have Target shooting as a member of ............ listed against all my calibres.

Mike

MiLisCer wrote:

TattooedGun wrote: if I could have something thats not overly heavy that in future I could use for foxing (if I ever get the opportunity) Then that would be a bonus - especially if I go the .223 route. obviously with .308 thats a none issue.

I have my .308/7.62 for Deer and fox - so I don't see why not? (Although I use a .223 as a dedicated foxing rifle)

I also have Target shooting as a member of ............ listed against all my calibres.

Mike

Really, is the fox not just for if you're out stalking deer so if you see one you can take the fox? I doubt they'd let me put fox only with 308... Although I have no land anyways, so its not really an issue... I'd like to get into it, but I don't really know how to get into it. (nudge nudge wink wink, if you ever fancy teaching a new dog old tricks... ) haha.

I think I may have to go around some gun shops this weekend and see whats about. Ideally I'd like to get something thats already customised so I get it cheaper, but finding anything close to what i want is a bit of a ball ache. I think you've all convinced me to stick with .223 though rather than go through the variation swap route.

Now, just over 2 weeks to my next shoot... do we think I can manage to get a rifle, loading equipment and everything I need by then?

hmmm... we shall see.

If anyone see's any interesting rem 700's or savage (with accutrigger, so not the edge) for sale at a decent price, be sure to let me know won't you? :)

Personally I prefer the .222" to the .223" but you are probably wise to stick with the variation you have.

.223 also falls into F/TR category if I ever decide to go that route with it...

Both my rounds are NATO rounds by choice rather than coincidence