Loads for Savage 12BVSS?

[cjd966]

I've had a Savage 12 BVSS (in .223) for about a year now. At 100yards I can shoot just under 1" with factory ammo, but since I've just been given a press I'd like to start handloading for it now. Can anyone give me some recipes to start with? From what I've read here so far, 69gr Sierra Matchikings or 75gr A-Max with Varget (how much?) seem to be most popular loads for long range, but I'll be shooting a max of 300yards - will these loads still be the best place to start considering the range? What type of primer, or does it make much difference? Does the type of brass matter? (I've got a bunch of Winchester brass saved).

Anyone care to tell me their pet load for their Savage 12??

My gun is factory with no modifications - what kind of accuracy potential can I expect when I find the "right" load for my gun?

Sorry if these questions sound elementary, but I've never handloaded before.

Thanks

 

[CyaN1de]

Primers - CCI BR4 or CCI 450
Bullets - Sierra 69grn Match Kings
Powder - Varget 24grns-26grns
Cases - Winchesters are fine, just make sure to prep them right (Trim, Chamfer, Clean Primer Pockets)
Bullet Seating - .015-.020 into the lands (Use a fired case and let the lands push the bullet in to determine where the lands are, do this several times until 1 number sticks out) use a Comparator to measure your OAL of the round as the distance from Ogive to tip on the bullets can vary quite a bit.

Sorry if these questions sound elementary, but I've never handloaded before.

Thanks

Get yourself 2 or 3 of the manuals listed below and read them cover to cover:
Lee*
Hornady
Lyman*
Nosler
Speer
Sierra
ABC's of Reloading*

* recommended

 

[notenough]

Load

I've had some good success with Winchester brass, CCI BR4 primers, Varget 24.5gr pushing a Hornady 75gr A-Max bullet. Expect sub 1/2" groups at 100 yards if you do you part.

You can also try Hornady's 50 and 55gr SPSX bullets. I've found they are even more accurate. I would have to get the rest of the reloading data on it as i don't remember off the top of my head.

Derek

 

[manitou210]

To get max out of your reloading I suggest you neck turn all your brass and try to get some lapua its the most consitant brass I have found, and follow what benchrest guys do, debure primer inside & out pockets, lots of grud in winchester very little to none in Lapua, chuck ones that primer hole is not centered,from my testing with .223 rem, these powders worked the best Varget,RL 15 & H 4895 with 69 to 75 gr bullets. The hornadys will not group as tight as the Sierra's in my gun, but they might work in yours.
But before you start you must get reloading books as read them like CyaNide said

 

[M77]

My BTVSS in 223 like 69 sierra matchkings. CCI BR primers and 25.8 gr of Varget. Pics of last weeks targets.