Bullets for Savage LRPV

[Brown274]

I have a factory Savage LRPV with factory 1:7 twist barrel. I am about to start load development for 1-500 yards for hitting steel (no hunting/targets only). I am currently able to hit the 10" steel @ 400 yards almost every shot with factory loaded Norma 55gr .223. We are going to put 1 moa steel up and see what we can do.

Where should I start with bullet selection. I see Sierra has 77gr & 80gr Matchkings, 69gr & 77gr tipped Matchkings. Berger has 73gr BT target, 75gr & 80gr VLD, 80.5 Fullbore Target, & 82gr LR BT Target. I will probably get a single shot follower and just hand load them.

What would be your first two choices to try out. I am going to stick with these two brands first. Price per bullet is not a factor. I currently have Varget powder but could try something else if it will do better for the .223 (I use Varget in my 7mm08 hunting gun with pro-hunters)

 

[moorepower]

With those choices, 80SMK, 80SMK and 80 SMK.

 

[Brown274]

I finally go around to loading for this rifle. I just kept shooting some factory ammo with it for a bit. I did a 4 shot load development @ 200 yards with Varget and the 73gr Bergers. I am going to do a 5 shot seating depth test with the 22.8 load this week. I hope I can repeat the results.

 

[Highpower-FClass]

I would recommend the Berger 80gr VLDs and 80.5gr Fullbore.

The 80gr bullets buck the wind much better at 500 yards compared to 77gr and below, and I find the Bergers to be more consistent than the SMKs.

80gr Bergers with Varget is an excellent combination. If you don't have Varget, H4895 and AR-Comp are also great options.

 

[Hohn]

80 ELD-m.

 

[JAlfred]

80.5 fullbore and 80 gr SMK.

But those 77 gr tipped match kings sure will shoot.

 

[CharlieNC]

For shooting steel you do not need sub moa precision. In my 223 fclass rifle Bergers rule the roost; for steel the 75 Hornady can consistently hit out to 1000 yd if I get the windage right. Bullet cost vs precision is your call to make and nice to have many options.

 

[TAJ45]

A Bud is liking the AR Comp of late. It is further down the Heat Index list and not as temp sensitive iho.