Savage Axis II Precision in .223 questions.

[Full Chisel]

The twist rate is not a major concern as long as you start low and work up. All said and done, it might make a couple of tenths difference from the slower twist. IMHO, you're far more likely to see a pressure difference from using different brass, different powder lot, or by using data for a different bullet.

 

[wildcatter]

use the data properly and it will work with any rifle,, this is why you have starting loads when in doubt and work up,, you will never have a problem in this manner, and those starting loads are safe in any modern rifle intended for them. Enjoy that new shooter!

 

[SecondsCount]

....

Here's what I have to work with:
Savage Axis II Precision .223
Hodgdon H335
Hodgdon BL-C(2)
Accurate 2460
69gr. Monster Match HPBT from Midsouthshooterssupply
77gr. SMK's.

My questions are:
Where do I start regarding powder selection?
How much charge do I start with?
Does anyone have experience with this rifle in particular?
Does anyone know where I can find data for a bolt action rifle
with a 22" barrel and a 1:7 twist rate?
Does any of this really matter?

All of the powders that you listed are considered on the fast side for 69 and 77 grain bullets. They will work but you may not see the top speed. I'm currently getting some very good results from a surplus ball powder, which is a touch faster than H335, and 77 grain SMKs.

Check the Hodgdon Reloading Data Center for loading data on the powders that you have.

 

[Thor357]

Thanks.
I did check Hodgdon's site. I went with a slightly less starting load as their website says they used a 24" barrel and a 1:12.
Mine is a 20" with a 1:7. Not sure if it makes a difference or not.
While speed is an obvious consideration I'm more interested in accuracy.
For example, if 1500 fps could give me what I am looking for then 1500fps it is.
I know the above statement is unrealistic, I'm using hyperbole to make a point.
The powders I listed have worked quite well in my AR15 that has a 16" barrel with a 1:7 twist using both the 69gr/77gr but that was at 50 and 75 yards. I'm hoping this rifle can reach out further (100-600+ yards).

 

[SecondsCount]

You aren't going to lose a lot of velocity, maybe 100 FPS, and you can shoot either one of those bullets to 600 yards. I'm at 4400' and have made hits on steel silhouettes at 1000 yards with the 77.

 

[Thor357]

You aren't going to lose a lot of velocity, maybe 100 FPS, and you can shoot either one of those bullets to 600 yards. I'm at 4400' and have made hits on steel silhouettes at 1000 yards with the 77.

Awesome!
Is that in a BA .223 or an AR15 5.56?
I shoot anywhere from 7500' to 9500' altitude if that matters.

 

[JB10]

73gr eld-m with some varget. Cant go wrong

 

[Thor357]

73gr eld-m with some varget. Cant go wrong

Ha!
Varget? Varget is nowhere to be found, at least from where I sit!

 

[RegionRat]

I shoot anywhere from 7500' to 9500' altitude if that matters.

You can get away with some things at higher altitude (lower pressure) than you would at sea level, but with the 1:7 you don't have an issue either way.

You have margin with that twist and will do great with 69 - 80 grain match bullets. You can even stabilize the Berger 90 VLD, but I wouldn't bother with the extreme ends using a short barrel. Your twist will do it, but those 90's thrive on longer barrels with slower powders.

Since you have those powders, look to the bullets on the lighter to medium end of the heavies to run better than the higher ones. Guess 60 - 77 would run better than 77 - 90.

The 77 TMK is one of the best that fits a magazine length situation. It comes close to the BC of the SMK 80 and is less sensitive to seating depth.

Your 22" 1:7 is going to make you happy. I would recommend you keep an eye out for the powders known to run well with this twist and the heavy end bullets, and just keep rolling with what you have for now.

The load maps for 20" Service Rifle loads are now as old as the hills and those powders and match bullets are worth the effort you put into getting them.

All rigs take just a little tuning to squeeze their performance, so your extra 2" doesn't matter. You will find more than one good node, one that is fast but loosens the primer pockets early, and one that is slower but makes the brass last longer.

 

[JB10]

Ha!
Varget? Varget is nowhere to be found, at least from where I sit!

I prepared for this and stockpiled it. Im good for a few years

 

[Thor357]

I prepared for this and stockpiled it. Im good for a few years

Great! So you're one of the folks responsible for the scarcity of Varget! Thanks!!

 

[Thor357]

You can get away with some things at higher altitude (lower pressure) than you would at sea level, but with the 1:7 you don't have an issue either way.

You have margin with that twist and will do great with 69 - 80 grain match bullets. You can even stabilize the Berger 90 VLD, but I wouldn't bother with the extreme ends using a short barrel. Your twist will do it, but those 90's thrive on longer barrels with slower powders.

Since you have those powders, look to the bullets on the lighter to medium end of the heavies to run better than the higher ones. Guess 60 - 77 would run better than 77 - 90.

The 77 TMK is one of the best that fits a magazine length situation. It comes close to the BC of the SMK 80 and is less sensitive to seating depth.

Your 22" 1:7 is going to make you happy. I would recommend you keep an eye out for the powders known to run well with this twist and the heavy end bullets, and just keep rolling with what you have for now.

The load maps for 20" Service Rifle loads are now as old as the hills and those powders and match bullets are worth the effort you put into getting them.

All rigs take just a little tuning to squeeze their performance, so your extra 2" doesn't matter. You will find more than one good node, one that is fast but loosens the primer pockets early, and one that is slower but makes the brass last longer.

Thanks for all the info!
I'm eager to shoot this rifle but i have to wait for the weather to comply.
It's been pretty wacko for the last few weeks and I've turned into Goldilocks!!!

 

[Thor357]

Update: 12/23
This rifle is amazing!!!
I have shot this rifle with 62gr. to 80gr. bullets and with 2460, H335, BL-C2, CFE223, WC747, Varget. It shoots all these at 1 MOA or better (usually better, much better!!) almost every single time out to 600 yards!!!
This thing would shoot a potato at sub-MOA if it could.
Looking to stretch it out to 1000 yards soon!
Also bought the same rifle in .308.
After some testing, I got it to do just as well!
Love these rifles! My friend says it's like cheating, just too easy!!!
I agree!!!