If you had some money and wanted a 223 to shoot long range what would you get?

Thanks

Custom XP from Steve Roe at Apache.

What your definition of LR?

For me....a fast twist XP-100, 17" barrel, Ross brake, HS or McMillan stock and good optics.

FWIW.......I have a XP .222 Rem Mag Imp (45 degree shoulder) that will hang w/ anything out to a reasonable range (450yds) given no wind. Sub 1.5" groups at 400yds are normal when I am on my game. Add in a mild wind and I'm begging for my XP .243W. Add more range and more wind then my XP 7mm-270WSM is the only game in town.

Sorry should have said 300 yards max shot at my range

GlennS what one of bis rigs run$

Thanks

Max 300yds........nothing special needed there. If you are looking to shoot p-dogs or g-hogs, any run of the mill factory single shot pistol will likely do it for you. Top it with good optics and you'll be good.

To get a custom LRSP built....you are looking at $1,500 just to start the game.

Thanks Dan. Where's the best place to look for a T/C?

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I've been out of the T/C game for a while. But when I was buying them, local shops were my usual haunts. With the T/C you have the original Contender, the G2 Contender and the Encore to pick from. Buy one (even if it's not a .223) then outfit it with any barrel you wish. Savage also has the Striker...super accurate but not my style. I've tried a bunch but I just can't fall in love with them.

The there is the elusive and ultra sexxy XP-100. I have eight....and always looking for more!!!

The xp-100 intrigues me. Any chance they could be found in the $1000 range?

Thanks for answering my questions

I have a stock .223 in the original stock that could be had for much less than that. But I'd have a tough time parting with it.

I have a 14" stainless T/C Contender topped with a 2-6x scope. I've only been able to shoot it out to 100 yards, but man that thing is a tack driver. I can't wait to stretch its legs out to 200-300 yards.

The only problem with factory TC is they are slower twist and wont handle 75gr Hornady or the 80 Sierra's. Out to 300, the 52,53, 55 and 3v3n the 62 and 69 work well. If you get lucky, you'll find a TC that shoots milsurp well for practice. My Encore barrel shoots that a little better, but either shoot a 55gr Nosler ballistic tip over Varget really, really well.

Out to 300yds you won't need the heavier bullets. Any 50-55gr that shoots well will do the job.

agreed....but that's what I tried to say!

It just didn't come out that way. How you doin?

You'd have to ask SCHunter. He can tell you a range. You would need a donor action etc. but a TC barrel does well for most purposes. I have a 14" 223 that a buddy gave me a few years ago. Finally shot it this past June and have to admit, it was really fun. Easy to shoot and hit anything you wanted. For the money, they are tough to beat.

If a Contender is going to be the platform I'd give MGM a call. They have 22 blanks as quick as 7 or 8, IIRC. Cost is about the same, or even less than, factory new T/C.

I have nothing but high regard for the XP etc. bolt guns and their amazing accuracy in the right hands but my favorite long range rig is at Contender, 14" .223 with an old Bushnell ScopeChief IV, 4x -12x riflescope with a BDC turret and AO. Mounts are SSK T'SOB. I have taken several groundhogs in the 300-325yd range. I have head shot quite a few at around 200yd or so. Killed a fall turkey at 200yd that was walking in open timber. I shot 2 pronghorn antelope does with it back in the 80s. One was a full penetration broadside double lung shot at 400 yards or so (DRT). Measured (after the shot) with a state of the art Ranging 1000, split image rangefinder! Who else has one of these tucked away in the closet?
With the BDC you just dial the range, point and shoot. Although you must allow for angle and wind drift.
I use a Heavy load of IMR 4895 with a Hornady 55 gr spire point. I am no bench rest competitor but this gun gets it done for me in the hunting field.

I wouldn't build a long range gun thats only capable of 300 yards. The reason is that once you start shooting that far you'll want to go further. You may only have 300 at the range you shoot at now but you'll start looking for longer ranges. I remember a few years ago out in Wyoming. Ernie showed me where he tried to 2000 yard prairie dogs. I looked way out in the dog town. In the back of my head I said I'd never be shooting that far with a SP. The following summer I was sitting on that very hill trying for them!!

I sold my Remington Custom Shop XP-100 .223 this past summer, and it was a dandy for groundhogs, prairie dogs and rockchucks. I also owned a Contender in that caliber years ago, and it was equally as accurate.

A Burris 3-12X Ballistic Plex scope would be my choice for glass.

Glenn S. mentions Steve Roe. He's been my friend for over 25 years, and does a fine job with an XP. Several others do, as well.

Beyond the XP choices, I would look hard at the Contender, Encore, and MOA. The T/C's will come cheaper.

Thanks for the info guys. Anyone know a good place to look for T/Cs?

Thanks

One just has to remember that the cartridge is the real variable here for long range in the wind!

especially with only the 55 grainers.

Gerry what twist would I want for the heavier bullets?

Thanks

I shot a prairie dog at over 600 in west Texas with a contender MGM barreled 223 and 3-12 Burris I was using 50 gr sx Hornady bullets. It took 7 shots to walk it in.

It is not that easy to hit something the size of a beer can in 20 mph wind at 600 yds

This is the understatement of the day. For a very impressive achievement!

you'll need a 1:7" or 1:8" to handle them. My AR match rifle with a 1:7 handles the 80gr Sierra's, my Winchester Bolt Match rifle is a 1:8 and It shoots the 75 Hornady really well to 600. BUT, windy days still moves them around.
Both my 14" TC contender and 15" Encore are limited to 55-69 grains, but the 55 Balistic tip still blows up water jugs at 400, and still expands in them at 500 but it is not drastic.
Me thinks its more velocity at that range with the shorter barrel, but heck, its fun tryin! I really think a 55 BalTip is killer medicine on chucks to 350-400. I'd love to try it on prairie dogs some time.

Photo shows one of the setups we used in west Texas

http://www.handgunhunt.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=4646