A2015 in Savage 12FV .223

[Pinnah]

I need some guidance on using Accurate 2015.
The bullets are (inexpensive) Hornady FMJ 55gr and the gun is an (inexpensive) Savage 12FV with a rebedded factory stock. This regularly gives me sub MOA 5-shot groups with both 3031 and H4895.

It's also done decently with A2460.

I shoot the in 200 yd off hand matches and don't need or want max velocity. I just want MOA accuracy.

I picked up some A2015 this winter as it was what was available during the shortage but was hopeful it would work based in part to the recommendation on the Accurate Shooter .223 page.

I'm getting roughly 2 MOA accuracy with A2015 and seeking guidance on where to go with the load development. I should note that brass, primers and COAL are the same across powders.

Accurate gives the following load data for this bullet:
20.9 - 23.2

I've run 3-shot OCW ladders twice for the following loads:
21.6, 21.8, 22.0, 22.2, 22.4, 22.6

Both times, 21.8 was a clear OCW pick with the group center being stable above and below that charge. Interestingly, it's also produced the best accuracy.

That said, in 5 shot groups, this load is all over the map easily at 2 MOA.

I've not invested the time and components to tuning the COAL.

Nor have I pressed the ladder up to max load.

Before I try anything else, I thought I would reach out for advice.

Obviously, I'm buying the first 8 pounder of either 3031 or H4895 I can find, but if possible, it would be nice to find a working load with A2015

I wonder if the long barrel combined with the 1:9 twist rate simply favor slower powders?

Recommendations on next steps eagerly sought.

 

[SSL]

In the past I had really good results in the .223 with Hornady 55-grain bullets at 23.0 grains and 50-grain VMax at 24.0 grains of 2015 (late 1990s or early 2000 lot if I remember correctly) in a variety of rifles. Might want to work on seating depth or even try a different bullet?

 

[boltfluter]

Generally speaking, most rifles shoot their best with hotter loads within reason. I would continue creeping up on your powder charge and would expect the groups to shrink. Good luck!

Paul

 

[dhagerty40]

ok, I am going to give you what my Savage 12FV in 223 likes. it likes bullets between 69-75gr. bullets at 55grs, the best group i can get at this light of a bullet is 1 MOA. As for powders, it likes IMR-4895 and N135 the best.

The most Accurate load it shoots is a Hornady 75gr HPBT with 23.5Grs of IMR4895. this is producing a velocity of 3019 Fps and will hold .5MOA. usually holds 2 1/2- 3 inches at 500 Meters.

And I think you are right. with the 26" barrel, you are probably burning all the powder before it gets half way down the barrel with 2015. I have used 2015 in my 14" contender and it worked fairly well though.

 

[AlNyhus]

First, forget the entire OCW scenario....for a lot of reasons.

Do the 2015 load work in a normal fashion and see what it shows you. -Al

 

[Flyin6]

My. 223 12FV loves 24.5gr Benchmark with 55gr VMAX and 25.5 with the 60's. The stock is a bedded Boyds PV, PTG bottom metal and the factory barrel chopped to 22" and threaded.

 

[Newhouse]

My Savage 12FV .223 also liked the factory loaded Outback Match 69g SMK and Hornady Black 75g. I now load the 69g SMK with 22.7g of Benchmark and CCI 450 primer at magazine length. Brass is LC once fired that I purchased from a member here.

 

[david12601]

i have 2 savage 223 fv both like 8208xbr 25 grains 69 matchking or 68 hornady match onelikes 27 thousands off the lands the other likes 18 thousands off

 

[NZ_Fclass]

Having loaded 223 for a Savage 10/26in 9twist, I can confirm that it prefers the 69g pills over most shorter ones - however I have managed good results with the Sierra HP 55g BT.

But - I found that it produced better results with close to 100% density loads and certain primers. Federal Match produced the best result. My load for 55g was 25.5 of Benchmark in Remington cases. This was a favourite varmint load and well under 1 MOA. For target use -25.4 Varget with 69g Nosler Competition or Lapua.

 

[TheOtherZilla]

Son has a Savage 12V, in 223. 52 SMK's and H335 make itty biitty groups. All day long.