buying a rifle

[slo-ls1]

Getting ready to buy a rifle. I own an ar, but want a bolt action rifle.

My old man is trying to talk me into a Howa Axiom in 223. I cant really wrap my head around the design so Im looking more at the Remington 700 VTR. Suggestions on other rifles?

Next choice is caliber. I was initially thinking a 243 however my father is thinking that a 223 is going to be the best choice for me. It is going to be mostly a range gun shooting steel and paper. I have never really hunted, do want to give it a shot, dogs and coyotes mainly. I don't really care about little tiny groups because most rifles will out shoot me anyway. Wanting something that is more fun to shoot than knock down kill it dead. Recommendations on caliber?

Any other recommendations on gun, caliber, make, model or anything else like that?

[Pat-inCO]

I have a Savage Model 12-BVSS in .223. Shoots VERY well and is quite (by today's standards) economical.
It is a true .223. It will chamber the 5.56 rounds, but it takes some extra work
(NO 5.56 and .223 are not the same - very close, but not the same).

I developed a load for it using the Hornady 52Gr HP-Match and Varget that shoots half inch groups at 100 yards,
which is very good for sod poodles.

The biggest thing to me is that Savage, while not a "major" brand, is the best value in a rifle that I have found.
- - At a minimum, it is worth the look.

[CSB66]

Haven't seen any new posts on this thread lately, did you get anything slo-ls1?

[slo-ls1]

Sorry, yeah got a savage model 12 in 223 with a 4.5-14 Burris on top. Had a lot of problems zeroing, it was shooting a couple feet low at 100 yds. Put on a set of signature rings with -20 in the front and a +20 in the rear. Now if only I could shoot a decent group.