Savage Axis II Scout 7.62x39 and steel case ammo

Joel

Joel

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Just wanted to ask you fellas who might have one, how has the Savage Axis II been with non-corrosive steel case ammo like Barnaul, non-corrosive Norinco, etc? I'd expect misfires with military surplus ammo and their hard primers for sure, but are the above mentioned cartridges primed with the same primers? Difficult to ignite?

I'd greatly appreciate first hand info.
 
No experience with the axis, but had a CZ bolt action in 7.62x39. It worked just fine with the hard military primers. Only issue with surplus I found is that it is better to run the copper washed steel (like Chinese) as opposed to the lacquered steel (like Czech).

In a semi the lacquer doesn't have time to melt before the case is ejected, in a bolt the lacquer softens a bit and feels a little sticky when you cycle. It still works, but you can definitely feel the difference between it and the copper washed stuff.
 
Good to know that! Thanks! Eyeing the Norinco non-corrosive more then.

Surprising what that can shoot through a decent rifle too eh?
 
Sorry this is more off topic but I once had a Zastava mini Mauser bolt seize shut after rapid firing a once of Barnaul lacquered ammo once. I shoot copperwash in my CZ 527

My buddy had a savage but never got a chance to shoot it because it wouldn’t cycle any rounds
 
Hey still good info!

And a Savage that wouldn't cycle at all is on topic! That ain't encouraging.
 
conor_90 said:
Apparently it’s pretty common with the 3 round mags?
Click to expand...

Thats what it sounds like, although some here are saying it cycles well with 2 in the mag. I could live with 2+1 at the range and in the blind if I had to. Wouldn't be thrilled but could live with it
 
conor_90 said:
Sorry this is more off topic but I once had a Zastava mini Mauser bolt seize shut after rapid firing a once of Barnaul lacquered ammo once. I shoot copperwash in my CZ 527

My buddy had a savage but never got a chance to shoot it because it wouldn’t cycle any rounds
Click to expand...

I had the same problem in my Zastava . I got the case out without to much trouble but stuck with brass cased ammo after that .
 
cam1936 said:
No experience with the axis, but had a CZ bolt action in 7.62x39. It worked just fine with the hard military primers. Only issue with surplus I found is that it is better to run the copper washed steel (like Chinese) as opposed to the lacquered steel (like Czech).

In a semi the lacquer doesn't have time to melt before the case is ejected, in a bolt the lacquer softens a bit and feels a little sticky when you cycle. It still works, but you can definitely feel the difference between it and the copper washed stuff.
Click to expand...

Pardon the noob question. If the thing that keeps the lacquer from melying in a semi is cycling time, wouldn't you have to dump the mag every time?

I mean say you fire a few, the gun cycles, an a fresh round is inserted into a hot chamber. Wouldn't that cause a feeding issue once the lacquer re-solidifies?
 
Joel -
I have one in 7.62x39. I really love shooting it, but it definitely has it's quirks.

I removed the 'scout' rail and put on a traditional Weaver rail (removing the rear sight). The muzzle brake is embarrassing and not necessary, but apparently almost impossible to remove.

I picked up a '3D' printed mag for it, which works far better than the original. The original tends to allow rounds to nose dive into the mag when you are cycling the action. Not life threatening, but not fun either. A quick flick of the finger on the back of the round straightens it up.

Never had an issue with any surplus or mil ammo not firing.

Barnaul ammo was very accurate, always under or about 1" for 3 shots at 100m. Tough to find these days though.

What works very well is to 'reload' cheap steel case ammo. You pull the bullets, measure and even the powder charges, then put in a Hornady 123gr SP or SST bullet. Someone on this forum suggested this, and it works very well. I usually get about 3/4" groups with this type of loading, plus you're not buying primers. Very cool.

Pretty hard to find these days and probably not as nice as the Ruger American Ranch, but also not $900.
 
I can only assume that Savage would have a stout enough spring to touch off surplus ammo. The designers must have know that's what a good majority of people would be buying the gun for to shoot cheap ammo. I know I have had zero issues with my Ruger Ranch in x39 with all the surplus I've run through mine
 
My Savage has been good with steel case ammo. I had issues with the mag that came with the rifle with the rounds nose diving, but a call to Savage and they sent me out another that seemed to work better. I run the 3D printed mags mostly now so I can get some better capacity but I worry about them being kinda fragile. Love the rifle, very handy and accurate. Only wish I could get the muzzle break off and someone made a proper 10 round mag for it!
 
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