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1st outing for initial load development with new Model 12

Recently I purchased a Savage Model 12 in 223 just to have a bolt action in this caliber to play with. I had already had it out to the range once to do an initial break in, but I was using loads that I had developed for a 223 Wylde barrel and they turned out to be way too hot. I prefer to do my initial load development using a ladder technique at 300 yards. I put a couple rounds down the tube at a hundred just to get a decent zero, threw 2 moa of elevation on, and moved to our long-range. Unfortunately I forgot my range camera and my spotting scope. So my shooting sequence was shoot two rounds, drive down to the Target, mark my hits, drive back up to the bench, repeat. I was having a little bit of problem with the trigger because the weight was backed all the way out. I haven't put a scale on it, but often times when I would close the bolt, the sear would slip. Thankfully the accutrigger did its job, and there were no misfires. This situation has since been remedied, but it did contribute to a couple of pulled shots. #1 out the bottom was fired with the cross hairs just a smidge below the dot at 6:00, and was immediately followed by a 4 letter word. Thankfully, my ladders are usually two rounds at each charge weight. The wind picked up noticably while I was marking the 3rd group, so not pictured is group #4 which is centered about 2-1/2" to the right of dead center and measures about 1/2" CTC. The pulled shots really detract from the group, but all in all I think I'm going to like this gun...


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sounds like a challenging day! great cartridge to work with
 
Instead of all that driving back and forth, you can use different colored sharpie laundry markers to color the bullets. They will leave a colored hole in the target.

I find the 53Gr V-Max to be extremely accurate as well as having a superb B.C. My sons stock 12FV in 223 would put them in 5 shot groups measuring in the zeros at 100 yds. The 69 gr Lapua Scenar is also very good, especially at longer distances. Lots of bullet and powder choices in 223. Great cartridge!

I have changed out the triggers on all my 12FV based rifles to the Target Accutrigger I've bought off these boards. Much cheaper than aftermarket triggers and still retains the safety.
 
That's a pretty slick idea. Unfortunately, mine are all molly coated already. I built a cheap range camera last year, but I was in such a hurry that I left it home.
 
The Wylde chamber is on my AR. Actually both of my .223 ARs have that chamber, and both shoot the same loads very well.
 

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