Any Savage .223 F TR owners, like to know your COAL

[Linko]

I have a Savage Model 12 F TR in .223
When loading 80 gr VLDs the bullets are loaded deep in the case to match the Hornady measurements at the lands. I thought the chamber would be longer.

 

[Fotheringill]

The longest round I can chamber in mine and still have the bolt close is a 75 gr A-max. Same problem. I have settled to shoot 73 gr Berger until my barrel gets shot out and replaced. I have few gun smithing skills and will not ream or whatever else people do who actually have the skill and tools.

 

[Berger.Fan222]

Loading the 80 SMK to 2.521" COAL worked well in the F-TR until Sierra started pointing them. After pointing began, 2.521 COAL put the bullets into the lands a bit. They still shot very well, but dumped the powder on occasion when unchambering a loaded round. Backed off to 2.480ish COAL and still shooting very well and not in the lands. The pointed 80 SMKs have some lot to lot variation regarding how close to the lands they are at a given COAL, but seem to be shooting well enough that I don't bother tweaking the COAL every lot to maintain a constant distance from the lands.

 

[Linko]

I have the Berger 80 gr VLDs and 2.452 COAL is where I am at right now, that is1.940 CBTO touching the lands with the stoney point

 

[Berger.Fan222]

I have the Berger 80 gr VLDs and 2.452 COAL is where I am at right now, that is1.940 CBTO touching the lands with the stoney point

If they shoot well, what's not to like? 0.050 or so longer would not increase your powder capacity enough to get much more velocity. Find your accurate load and go compete!