Suggestions for Savage .223 non-competitive BR build

Last winter I built a fun range gun starting with a Howa 1500 SS barreled action in .223 and fitted it to a Richard's walnut inletted log............ um. I mean stock. I use it for non competitive bench shooting at 100 and 200 yards only. It shoots OK, but I'm currently stuck between half and quarter MOA for 5 shot groups with an occasional group below .250 MOA and an occasional group above .500 MOA. But the vast majority are between 1/2 and 1/4 MOA.

I have no real need for more accuracy but I want it anyway and I'm getting the urge to build another gun before too long. When I come home from a morning at the range, I want to have one or more sub 1/4 MOA targets in my target folder.

I'm sticking with .223 for several reasons even though I know it's not the best choice for pure accuracy. I'm also trying to stay below $2000 (without optics) for the major components. I have my eye on the Savage target action, with some sort of medium-priced screw-on target barrel and a ready-for-me-to-bed stock to match. Is this a viable path to finding increased accuracy?

Since I don't compete, is it possible for me to be happy starting with a Savage Model 12 LRPV Left Port and get nearly as good results for quite a bit less money? I can get a Model 12 new for about 40% of my budget limit, use it for a while, and then think about changing the barrel and stock at a later date.

Money is not the driving force in this equation; however, I do enjoy good bang-for-the buck which is why I'm happy with my Howa. On the other hand, I like good stuff too and something a bit more exotic than my Howa would be nice. That's why I have my eye on the Savage Target Action and a decent target barrel.

But I really can't justify spending $6000 for a competition rifle just so the kid shooting his AR-15 at a paper plate target posted at 50 yards can look over and say, "Gee gramps, your target are really small." or "Hey old timer, where's your magazine?"

Comments and suggestions.

If it were me, I'd start with a Hog Hunter .223 and an aftermarket stock. I have done a lot with Boyds. The Pro Hunter is only about $100 and you can add an adjustable check for another $60 or so... Bed and pillar it and see how it shoots. For another $10 you can replace the trigger spring for a lighter one and get down to 1.5 pounds. You just might be surprised how well it shoots.

Next, I would replace the trigger with a Rifle Basix Sav-2 aftermarket trigger.

Then, I'd have Jim from Apache gunworks http://apachegunworks.com/pricing.html build me a SS heavy barrel, either low end blank or, for another $100 or so, have him build off of an X-caliber Stainless steel blank.
Somewhere in there I think you'll find a consistent .25-.50 inch shooter for a lot less than what you are proposing for a budget.

I'd also send the action to Fred at Sharp Shooter Supply for a time and true job. He might be able to mill into your action a left port for loading while he's at it.

Or, you could skip the Hog Hunter altogether... Become a paid member and buy a HH action already T&T'ed by Fred that's currently listed there and get a barrel from Apache. Install the RB Sav-2 trigger mentioned above. Put it in a Boyds stock or high end stock with the money you saved buying used and action and shoot bug holes right away! ;)

My son & I use a standard Model 12 VLP DBM .223 1:7 twist 26" barrel for target shooting.
Fitted a 20 MOA scope rail and 2nd Leupold scope, use a Sinclair bipod.
Loading 24.7 gr Varget into Norma cases with 80 gr A-Max projectiles.

This combination is competitive against 308s out to 900 yards and 1000 yards in moderate wind.

Fired about 1400 rounds in a six month season.

So we'd say a Model 12 would be a great place to start.

I personaly think when it gets to the point someone isnt happy with the size groups you currently claim shooting, then its time to be talking to
someone who earns a living building the guns that produce what you want. Forget the guys shooting at paper plates and find a new group
that will be more challenging for you

You will get a lot of answers to this question, some more correct than others but none truly wrong, just different preferred methods of getting there. Shooting with someone who has the results you are after can be very helpful as they may see the small things you do when shooting and help with corrections if needed.

Equipment can vary but a Savage action is as good a place to start as any. You may have lots of work ahead of you or it could be as simple as puling a LRPV from the box and working up a load. It took me over 1000 rounds and a year plus bunches of physical changes to get one rifle to consistently shoot .25" another one took me zero work and was done with three rounds from a off the shelf box of 77 SMKs loaded by Black Hills Ammo. Here are a few examples of mine. These ar just a few and ot every gun shoots like this. The one I picked up last weekend only could manage a best of 1.25" at a 100 the other day. It is going to need some work. most likely a barrel. Only competition I shoot in is with my buddies who shoot Remington rifles. I do have issues as I pick most of these up for projects and when I get them shooting good I sell them off and find another project.

Started with LRPV and swapped on a Brux barrel in 6x47 Lapua. No action work, no bedding, just screwed on a barrel.
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r...pslo6ncjed.jpg
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r...psr5bl8css.jpg

This is my Rock River Arms Operator II with 55 grain Varmageddon's. No work done. 5 Shots then 3 shots
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r...ps288f9d8c.jpg
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r...pscb9d3bc5.jpg

.243 Striker with McGowen barrel (pretty sure this group was with that gun. I am getting old)
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r...r/DSCN5436.jpg

Same Striker just several years later, same load as above.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e1...b4cebe8305.jpg

Bone stock Savage 10 Varminter shooting Black Hills Ammo 77 grain SMKs.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e1...306_145307.jpg

I'd go with the stock rifle.

With a good load, maybe a touch to float the barrel or tang and decent optics its probably going to shoot better than most folks can. If not, a barrel swap is simple.

I've had a few actions T&T'd by SSS and Stockade. A little bolt lift difference maybe, accuracy difference- 0.

Take an off the shelf LRPV etc and put it in the hands of someone that can really shoot- they'll probably do better than most with "custom built" rifle.

Get a regular action (probably a decent used used rifle) and buy the best barrel you can afford, then put it in the best BR style stock you can afford. Sharp Shooter Supply is a good source for triggers, stocks, barrel lugs, barrel tools, etc.

What distance are you planning to shoot?