[jpattersonnh]

Twist rate is only one factor for using heavier bullets or shooting long range. If you are shooting at 300 yards, which is about max for a .223 while hunting large coyotes, the need for heavy bullets diminishes. I do use up to 65gr. 63gr Sierra semi pointed spitzers are a great 300 yard bullet, but so is the Barnes 53gr x bullet. For vermin almost any well constructed 55gr will do the trick. Out of a mini 14 I doubt you will be shooting past 150 yards no matter what mods Ruger has made. IMHO.

[LotzORemmies]

Originally Posted by Txhillbilly

Well,If you are wanting a 223 caliber semi auto rifle to shoot 300-400 yrds you can rule out the Kel-tec and the Mini 14.

You also need to figure out what weight of bullets you would like to shoot,so you can get a barrel that has the correct twist to stabilize the bullet.
If I plan on shooting my AR's 300+ yrds,I usually load up 68 or 75gr bullets and you will need atleast a 1-8 twist barrel to stabilize them,or 1-7 for anything heavier. Most production rifles have a 1-9,1-10,1-12 twist and won't shoot heavier bullets,and shooting a lighter bullet at long range is useless if there is any wind.You won't come close to hitting your target.

Not to be a smartass,but with the budget you have set,your best bet would be a Stevens 200 in 223 or whatever caliber you choose. Savage makes some of the most accurate out of the box rifles you can buy,and Stevens is made by them. And spend the rest of your budget on some quality optics and what ever else you need and have fun shooting.

Here's a link to Stevens:Stevens Model 200 Short Action

I'm a total rifle noob and I just picked up a rem 700 sps in 22-250, what kind of barrel should I get??? I got a top of the line BSA optic and a bipod already. Any help would be awesome.