i'm a guy that didn't even want a 223. Had no use for one, but my aging Dad loved his 223 NEF HandiRifle. So, I thought I'd get one for me, but instead found a Ruger Hawkeye on sale, so I bought that. Stainless, so needed little care, which sounded like a great idea too. And I shot it, and shot it, and shot it, and it became the rifle I shot all the darn time. I shot tiny bullets in it, and heavier bullets, and middle sized bullets and used 5 or 6 powders. Now it's at the gunsmith getting a new barrel ( shorter. Going to 20 inches) and I really miss it. Dang. And this is the one I didn't even have a use for.

Maybe I need two 223's... Nah...

Sometimes I don't understand why so many people complicate certain things. Case in point, yes I understand when it comes to long range shooting (assuming > 500m) that many factors come into play to choose a caliber.

However, I never understood why I still have people tell me a 223 bolt gun is useless. I'm totally in line with you. we have a heavy barreled 223 we like to shoot and still i want an lighter, shorter barreled 223 bolt at some point too. I say, go get you another one.

I love the 223. It is great for varmints, small game, and plinking. There is a variety of bullet choices and it is fairly easy to reload. There are a lot of different platforms for 223 that have been proven; semi-automatic, bolt action, single shot.

I bought both of my sons Ruger 10/22 when they came of age. With ammo shortages and prices of 22 rimfire; I should have just went with 223.

I use my .223 in stead of my 22, more range and more accurate.

I really like my bolt 223s...

One of my favorite caliber's. And yes, everyone does need 2 of each. Noah felt the same way..................

Build a benchrest AR

im missin mine just talkin about it

I enjoy my heavy barreled .223 bolt gun a lot. All I ever do with it is shoot paper, but it would make a good varmint rifle.

Mostly I shoot reduced loads at 2000 fps, the paper at 100 yards can't tell the difference.

I'm like a kid in a candy store when it comes to a .223. I've got 6 and no two are alike, they are just great fun. When my kids come home we go thru 6 to 800 rounds in a day. All you see are big ole grins.

Due to the always increasing ammo costs I have found a new love for the little guns. Right now I have settled on the 243.

Fun round for sure, love my little Howa make a great weapon for the Ranger riding around..

Nice rig, Sniper.

Dang, y'all are making me feel the need to buy a rifle.

223,s in bolt and AR platform have took place of my 22,s with ammo for 22 so hard to find. luv the 223 and the 243 ruger preditor I got last year found a place in my heart. never thought I would take to little rounds like I have. my 50 year old shoulder may have a bit to do with it.

Y'all are making me realize I don't have a .223 bolt rifle.


I probably need to get one.

Brother, you need to remedy this ASAP!

This is strange but I have seen very few light weight bolt action 223.

Most of the one I have handled are the heavy barrel guns.

Your 223 must be a sweet gun to shoot.

Big dog, my Hawkeye stainless has a super light plastic stock (and I like the stock very much). I don't know what the rifle and scope weigh, but is a joy to carry. The grandkids love shooting it (ages 8, 10, 17, and 19). I run through a lot of ammo.

And I can't believe that tth-40 has no bolt 223. Shocking. He needs to fix that.

Got plenty of AR's, I think that's why I don't have one. Working on fixing it now, though.

Just need to figure out what twist to get. Probably a faster one, we'll see.

So if it shot so well, why get it re-barreled? Why not just buy a second one?

Pass through, it shot pretty darn well, but I wanted it to shoot great. My 220 has a Douglas barrel, bedded, etc., and is a wonderful shooter. My 260 Tikka, with Brux barrel is a super shooter. I had money burning a hole in my pocket, so I figured I might as well go ahead and have the Hawkeye brought to the same level as those other two. Soooo...just because....

That right there is spoiled to stupid accuracy. Once you get a custom rifle built with a high quality barrel you are ruined for life.

LOL. I understand. I had a friend who wouldn't shoot a synthetic stocked gun. Or a gun that wasn't dime shot accurate. If he found an accurate one with an ugly stock well he would just buy a dang pretty piece of Walnut and build him one for it.