Savage 12 LRPV 1:7 twist 223

[Travelor]

I have a Savage 12 LRPV RBLP that I have had a respected Savage Smith (Mr Larry Racine): true the action, set back and rechamber the barrel, diamond lap the barrel, and recrown. The gun also has been skim bedded and has a Weaver T-24 scope and I am shooting from a solid bench with BR quality rests. From the bench it shoots under 1" at 200 yards, but at 600 yards will not shoot better than 7" no matter what load developement I have used. I have tried Sierra 69, 80, and 90 grain bullets, Berger 75, 76, and 90 grain bullets, and Hornady 75 and 80 grain A-Max bullets. I have used VARGET, VV550, and H4895 powders and Remington, Wolf, and Federal primers.

I have read A BUNCH on shooting the 223 with heavy bullets and tried most of the load recommendations.

Is anyone having better luck with their 1:7 twist Savage and if wo what is your load and results?

???

George

 

[cmillard]

i dont think too much can be expected on the stock savage barrel. i would order one from any of the top makers then go from there.

 

[Rust]

You might want to try RL-15 with a Winchester primer with the 80 gr bullets. Sneak up on maximum load as the combination is a touch peaky.

Another thing you might try that is less expensive than a new barrel is to take 1/2" to 3/4" off the existing barrel and recrown.

I've found the .223 to be more than a little picky in what it responds to.

 

[Taildrag15X]

Are your groups going Vertical or Horizontal? How many rounds per group?

I found that the wind will make a big difference past 300 no matter what bullet I use if I don't keep my eye on it. I worked my way from 100 out to 400 (longest range available thats close) with each load during development.

My 600 yd. load, it helped win the Vermont State F/TR Championship!
Winchester brass
CCI 450 Primer
24.70grs. Varget (yes, measured to the 100th)
75 or 80gr. AMAX (I've even used 77gr Sierra Match Kings, just more drift)

I've been experimenting more with the 90's and so far like the results.

 

[BIGGUNGOBOOM]

my guess is also the wind, by the time they get to that range its moving to much.. my savage 223 shoots sub MOA at 100, but once out to about 300 they open to about 4" worth of groups. still not bad for the little bugger

 

[tenring]

I have the same rifle with a Weaver 36x on top; my load is 25.5 grs. Varget with the Berger 80 gr. VLD and 205 primer. My groups are just like yours, and I agree that beyond 300 yds, the wind takes over.

So, I went to a 30 BR built on a Nesika action, Bartlien barrel, 18 twist, with 112-118 gr. bullets, and performance is about the same. Short range fine, past 300 is tough. There is no magical solution.

 

[Travelor]

First, thanks for the replies.

My groups are all over the place, but circular in general. I know that Savage 3-screw actions are VERY finicky as to the rear most screw tension an have ended up sing 45 inch pounds for the "main" 2 and 20 inch pounds on the rear most screw.

The barrel has already been recrowned. I am guessing that either the project is at an end or a new barrel will be required.

I'll try the suggested load, Taildrag15X.

George