[quote="Ugly duckling"]My budget is $2k, friendly shooting targets, scrub/stalking, spot lighting. Factory ammo only. I have no experience in hunting and will be taken out by an extended family member.
I am on a budget and that's why I've chosen the .223.
i have 4 rifles with big differences between them all, im looking for the best all rounder IN YOUR OPINION, i will put prices at the end of each rifle to help also.
•Howa 1500, MDT hs3 chasis, 20" threaded blued barrel 1:9 twist, 10 shot MDT mag, magpul grip, vltor imod rifle stock, PWS fsc muzzle break, PWS enhanced buffer tube, swivel bipod, Bushnell AR optic drop zone 223
$1850
•Tikka T3X lite blued 20" blued barrel 1:8 twist, GRS berserker stock, swivel bipod, bushnell AR optic drop zone 223
$2080
•Tikka T3X varmint blued 1:8 twist, lucky 13 tactical bolt handle, swivel bipod, Bushnell AR optic drop zone 223
$1850
•Steyr pro hunter, swivel bipod, cerakote barrel/action, Bushnell AR optic drop zone 223
$1875
Dont forget i am on a budget and this will be my only centre fire for a long time
Can't speak to Howa or Steyr. I don't have and have never fired either. I have a Tikka Super Varmint...excellent action, very accurate beautifully made. I also have CZ527 carbine...just as accurate as the Tikka, lighter weight and shorter 18" barrel, action is fine but not as good as Tikka, magazines are not as good either but it's a great carry rifle and has open sights when you don't want a scope.
I just bought a Ruger American Ranch rifle and to my amazement it's as accurate as the other two to at least 150 metres. Action is sloppier than Tikka but works perfectly especially while holding to shoulder for fast cycling. The rotary magazine has been fine but I've only put 100 rounds through it. I have a Holosun red dot on this short (16" barrel) very light carry all day rifle. Was only $750 so to me it's a bargain and very durable. Don't know how they can retail a rifle of this very good quality for the money.
I was firing my own reloads (55gr Hornady cheap projectiles, 25.5gr 2206H powder, Federal small rifle primers). Tried some ADI bulk ammo as well 55grain Sierra and these worked perfectly but I did not do accuracy comparison.
If I had to own just one of these for your application I would go with the Ruger or one of the lightweight Tikkas. Just my experience, we are all different.
Sam