Mitch@Ripley wrote:Hey guys, I'm looking at getting a new .223 for primarily target shooting. My original thoughts were the Lithgow at first, however the 1:9 twist is not too appealing as I want to run much higher end (and weight) projectiles. My next thought was to use the ever so popular Tikka, either a compact, varmint, or lite (in a custom stock), with a 1:8 twist this should allow me to push to 80 odd grainers, while still supporting my 55gr plinking rounds...My final thought was to go a bit further and run a new Ruger Precision 5.56/223 with a 1:7 twist, again allowing for much heavier projies, however taking my 55grers out of the question as I don't see them being too stable. What are all your thoughts on this debacle? And yes I've used the Lithgow and know that it is amazing, but don't see it being my ideal choice.
What sort of target shooting exactly and at what ranges? F-Class to 1000 yards or some hunter class at 300 yards? Is there a weight limit? Can you shoot from a magazine? What level of precision is required?
The RPR is 4.5kg in .223 and 4.9kg in the Creedmoors, and you would not be able to shoot in NSW or ACT with it due to the folding stock.
I would go with either the RPR, or the RAR Predator (8" twist) and drop it into a chassis. The 7" twist would be okay on a pure long-range target rifle, but I wouldn't want it on a rifle I might also like to take bush on occasion.