Help with a new Savage VLP

SuperCub

SuperCub

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I've been lurking a bit in the Presicion section for a while. Till now my interest has primaraly been with hunting/sporting rifle but am gouing to try a bit something along the lines of a target gun. OK, so I don't know much about precision shooting, but I wanna learn. :redface:

I bought off the EE last week a Savage VLP in .223. 1:9" It is supposed to be a good shooter, but I need to learn (and buy) a few things to bring out it's best. Our little range here only goes to 200yds, so keep that in mind. I've been reloading for 20yrs or more, but am open to better ways to improve accuracy.

I need a recommendation for three or four bullets to start with, a decent scope and some better brass than the Rem/Win stuff I have on hand. I am going to buy a set of Lee Collet dies for a few calibers I shoot and see if I can get them to work for me. Apparently it likes 69gr SMKs which I assume are Sierra Match Kings. Yes/No??

Any other tips for that particular rifle would be appreciated as well.

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Each rifle will have its own preference as to what type of bullet it likes. I would find a buddy who also reloads a .223 cal cartridge and swap him for small batches of differnt bullets you want to test. No sense in buying full boxes and find out some keyhole or are just not what your barrel likes.

One thing I did that helped my accuracy by reducing flyers (they still happen but I know it my fault now) was a bedding job.

When it comes to scopes I really like what I have been hearing about the Bushnell 6500 line. If I ever get enough money for a second varmint rig that is the glass I would use.
 
A few suggestions:

69 grs SMKs
Varget
CCI Br4
Lapua brass
Lee Collet die
Redding body die
Forster benchrest seater

As for scope, how much do you want to spend?
 
Well Supercub,
I know you're getting a nice rifle,because it's mine that's
coming your way.
I loaded my first rifle rounds for this rifle(on a Dillon 650...lol)
using H335 powder.
I started using some Hornady 55gr.bullets,went out to the range
and thought...Oh my God...I've bought a lemon.
Next up were some Hornady 68gr. bullets,Match Boatails,I believe.
Oh my God...I've bought a lemon.
I got lucky on my third try.
Sierra 69gr,,yes..SMK69gr,HPBT.
Whammo...tighter groups.Gun did not go into the lake.
I then moved to a single stage press and got a little more serious.
Switched to Varget powder,but kept using the 69gr. Sierra.
Groups got a little tighter.
Don,t totally discount using the Winchester brass.
The Win brass that I have sent you has been trimmed to length,flashole deburred,primer pocket uniformed and the neck chamfered.
It's been shot once through the Savage, so neck size them and shoot.
The Siera book lists their SMK69 accuracy load using Viht N540.
You could give that powder a try also.
I think it would also be interesting to try a Berger FB (flat base) bullet in this rifle if you're shooting short distances.
Also try different OAL's when loading.
I started at the Sierra recommended of 2.260 for the 69gr.mk's
but last I shot the rifle,I loaded the bullets to 2.330 and that worked
well.
I loaded my rounds using a Wilson neck sizing die, Wilson bullet seater and a Redding body die..
They are a dream to load with.
I can sell you this set also,but now you'd need an arbor press too...lol
Here is a 5 shot group at 100yds. using I believe 23.8gr. of Varget and a SMK69gr. Primers were Federal 205M
Could I shoot this group everytime?
Maybe in my dreams....lol

DSC00558.jpg
[/IMG]

Have some fun and try some different bullets and powders and OAL's.
You'l find out what works best.
Just don,t forget that you're a big part of the equation,as are the wind
conditions.
 
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Hey congrats on your new rig. I know you will be more than happy with it. I have a 12 VLP in 22-250 with a 1 in 9 twist, it loves 75 grain amax'es and H414. I shot in my first match a couple of weeks ago out to 800 meters with very good results. When you learn to steer it right you can shoot 1000 yards no problem.
 
SC, get the Lee collet neck die for sure. If the reg. Lee seater doesn't work for you, then either a Forster or Redding inline seater will resolve any runout issues.

Win brass is just fine and what I use in all my 223's.

CCI 450 is my favorite primer but 400 or BR4 will also work just fine.

I use Varget but if not available, Benchmark works great too. 69gr MK's can shoot very well but you will also find great results with 75gr Amax.

If the rifle has not been bedded yet, that is a great first mod which will really help with your load development. If you need some help with the bedding and bolt timing, let me know.

I set the OAL to fit in the mag as these bullets are sensitive to distance from the lands.

Enjoy a great rifle. This was my favorite factory stock for a field varminter.

Jerry
 
mysticplayer said:
Win brass is just fine and what I use in all my 223's.
Click to expand...
Do you segregate by weight?

mysticplayer said:
CCI 450 is my favorite primer but 400 or BR4 will also work just fine.
Click to expand...
I have 1K of the 450s here already. Any idea where I could get another 2000?

mysticplayer said:
I use Varget but if not available, Benchmark works great too.
Click to expand...
I have plenty of Varget on hand as well as 8lbs of WC845 (H335type) from Higginson.

mysticplayer said:
If you need some help with the bedding and bolt timing, let me know.
Click to expand...
What's this "bolt timing" you speak of?

mysticplayer said:
I set the OAL to fit in the mag as these bullets are sensitive to distance from the lands.
Click to expand...
Will the aforementioned bullets fill the mag box to max length?

Thanks.


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No, I use the brass as it comes out of the bag.

no idea on primers and powder. You will have enough to get started for sure. I would prefer to use the Varget for the 75gr AMax. The 845 is a bit fast for the heavies.

Bolt timing means adjusting the bolt so bolt lift is way easier, smoother and lighter. I can help you with that.

I meant to say the bullet is NOT sensitive to location to the lands. You can tune your powder charge to suit.

Yes, I set me OAL to fit in the mag and it shoots just fine.

Jerry
 
I have the same rifle with a 1 in 7 twist. I've only shot some 50gr V-Max with Benchmark powder, but it looks pretty promising.
 
I shoot 50 gr. Varmint Grenades, with 20.0 grains of IMR4198 and found that it likes the bullets seated back from the lands at least .005". As said before I've had good luck with everything over 50gr. I just want to shoot one bullet for both paper punching and varmints to simplify things, thats why I chose the Barnes Varmint Grenades.
 
mysticplayer said:
SC, get the Lee collet neck die for sure. If the reg. Lee seater doesn't work for you, then either a Forster or Redding inline seater will resolve any runout issues.
Click to expand...
Hey Jerry ....

Thanks for the tips. I enjoy reading your postings as you seem to take a practical approach to things instead of spending gobs of cash and still get results.

Will get the Lee collet for the 223 and a couple other calibers I shoot. Which seating die do you recommend?

thx

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I have used the good ole Lee seaters for years. For hunting and plinking ammo, works just fine.

However, when you want to reduce runout for best accuracy, I use the Forster inline seaters. The Redding are also excellent and my choice if not available in the Forster.

If I can help you with dies, and reloading components, please let me know...

Good luck with your rig.

Jerry
 
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