Finally got my .223 Savage Mod 12 FV to the range!

hitch.bd

hitch.bd

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It was a good day and well worth the wait! It was a joy to shoot and even the wife loved it! I definately need to work up a load for it as the rounds I made up won't do. Before I got the gun I loaded up some ammo with supplies I had for my .22 hornet.
- 25 rounds of 50gr speer spitzer over 19.9gr IMR 4198
- 20 rounds of 50gr speer spitzer over 20.5gr IMR 4198
both loads were strictly to try the gun out when I got it knowing full well that I would need to work up loads for the gun when I got it.
19.9 gr load results
I shot 5 rounds at the target to sight it in (first 2 rounds were 4"high and 3" left) 3 rounds with adjustments to hit the bull

The next 10 rounds were 1 & 1/8" group at 100m then the wife fired the next 10 rounds at her target 1 & 3/8" group with 1 flyer not included in measure

20.5 grain results
I shot 10 rounds at the 200m target a trerrible result of 2.5" group

The wife shot the next 10 rounds at her 200m target for a 3"group.

I know this is not the way to test out a new load, I was only shooting to have fun with the new toy! The 200m shots may have been better If I cleaned the barrel between shots but I took the advice offered here "clean it good before then shoot it!"

I know it has been done to death but who has a good load up for this make/model of .223. It has the 1:9 twist 26" bull barrel
I have lots of 45,50, 55,60 grain bullets for my .22 hornet and lots of powder but will look at buying a new type of each for this gun.
Please note that I do not intend to use this load for hunting...just target shooting. The club I belong to only has up to 200m range so I won't be shooting farther till the snow is gone from the mountains and I can range out a farther distance in a clear cut.
Thanks guys!
Gotta say I do love this gun even though I have not even had time to get a feel for it yet!

Don't tell the wife but I think I'll start saving for the same gun in .308 !!!:rolleyes:
Hitch
 
I have the model 12 VLP and it shoots real good, I would think yours will too. Dont be discourage by the first loads, keep trying and your groups will get tighter.
All rifles will be different with the loads, Ive had good luck with Varget and Benchmark

Range pics are mandatory...lets see 'em
 
I had a 12FVSS and my favorite load was a 55 grain Hornady V-max over 26.8 grains of Varget with standard CCI primers. I could keep 5-shot groups at 100 meters around 1/2 MOA all day if conditions were favorable. I found my rifle also enjoyed 69 grain Lapua Scenars over 24.3 grains of Varget.
 
hey there is nothing wrong with a 2.5" 10 round group at 200 yards. In fact that is very good for a new rifle with a new load. I would be very happy with that if I were you. I'm sure after some load development that group wil shrink to well under 2".
 
Thanks for the kind words guys! I would love to post some pics of the day...If we remembered to bring the camera...and I knew how to post pics!! I imagine the groups would tighten if I seated the bullets just off the lands. I loaded a few more rounds tonight a little closer to the lands and used 21.5 grains of IMR 4198 pushing the 50 gr Speer spitzer and some 50 grain (psp?) they have the canilure not sure of the brand. I don't have Match ammo so I weighed each bullet, and each case and used only the cases of the same weight up to .1 of a grain and same with bullets.
 
Thanks guys! I would like a few opinions on powder and bullet combos please. Seamus Mac thanks for yours! What else are others loading?
 
25.5 gr. of benchmark does it for me. For bullets in the 50-52 grain mark. Shoots them extremely well. I love using Sierra 52 gr. BTHP matchkings with that powder combo.
 
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I agree. 2.5" (10) shot groups at 200m is absolute garbage! I feel bad for you so I'm going to help you out by buying that POS Savage of your's. $500 shipped sounds fair, right? ;)
 
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