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Savage Axis II Precision in .223 questions.

Thor357

Hi all,

I just recently ordered a Savage Axis II Precision in .223 (Savage website #57549).
I was looking through my manuals (6 of them) for load data as I intend to shoot
reloads through this rifle.
Trouble I'm finding is data that applies to a bolt action rifle with a 22" barrel and a 1:7 twist
in which this rifle is configured.
I reload for my rifles (.308, AR15 5.56/.223)
Everything I've found is either for an AR15 in 1:7,8,9 5.56 or a bolt action with a 1:12.
As it is inadvisable to shoot a round configured for a 5.56 in a rifle that is chambered
in .223, I'm not sure what to do.

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?

FWIW, I'm strictly a long range target shooter, 100-1000 yards.
Looking for the best accuracy I can achieve with what I've got.
I'm not looking for another powder or bullets, I just want to try and
get the best I can get with what I've got.

Thanks in advance to all those that respond.
 
Last edited:
Thor357 said:
Hi all,

I just recently ordered a Savage Axis II Precision in .223 (Savage website #57549).
I was looking through my manuals (6 of them) for load data as I intend to shoot
reloads through this rifle.
Trouble I'm finding is data that applies to a bolt action rifle with a 22" barrel and a 1:7 twist
in which this rifle is configured.
I reload for my rifles (.308, AR15 5.56/.223)
Everything I've found is either for an AR15 in 1:7,8,9 5.56 or a bolt action with a 1:12.
As it is inadvisable to shoot a round configured for a 5.56 in a rifle that is chambered
in .223, I'm not sure what to do.

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?

FWIW, I'm strictly a long range target shooter, 100-1000 yards.
Looking for the best accuracy I can achieve with what I've got.
I'm not looking for another powder or bullets, I just want to try and
get the best I can get with what I've got.

Thanks in advance to all those that respond.
Click to expand...
You should check out the Hodgon web site. It has everything you will need. It is also a good idea to get a manual. Now days what you start with is what you can get. Just my two cents Tommy Mc
 
Big Mc said:
You should check out the Hodgon web site. It has everything you will need. It is also a good idea to get a manual. Now days what you start with is what you can get. Just my two cents Tommy Mc
Click to expand...
Thanks.
I have checked the Hodgdon website. It shows a 1:12 with a 24" barrel.
Mine is a 1:7 with a 22" barrel.
Does it matter?
Why do they tell us their barrel length and twist if it doesn't?
Why does my Hornady manual have 2 different chapters between .223 and 5.56's?
 
I would be partial to a stick powder. Varget,4064 etc. Ball powder just doesn't trip my trigger and are not temp stabile. Many of the short cut powders flow thru a measure as well as ball powder.
 
I have 7 reloading manuals, all no older than 3 years. Plus I've down loaded a bunch of data sheets from the web. None address a rifle with a .223 chamber with a 22" barrel and 1:7 twist.
 
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redrockranger said:
I would be partial to a stick powder. Varget,4064 etc. Ball powder just doesn't trip my trigger and are not temp stabile. Many of the short cut powders flow thru a measure as well as ball powder.
Click to expand...
Thanks
I'm not looking to buy any new powders as I have several pounds of BL-C(2), H335 and Accurate 2460. I agree with you that Varget and 4064 would do well but I don't have those.
Ease of metering is not on my list of preferences, the powders I have are just what I was able to acquire.
 
the twist will say what bullet it can stabilize, a 1:7 is good for the heavier ends
there are online stabilizer calculators
barrel length will affect the velocity, longer is faster.
they only list what they test with, its not possible to test every combination
your good to go for most common 223 bullets, since its a bolt, you can go above 77, if you have the mag length and throat for it
 
chevytruck_83 said:
Both of those powders prefer a lighter bullet. I know that’s not what you want to hear. Here’s some good info. https://www.accurateshooter.com/cartridge-guides/223rem/
Click to expand...
Thanks
I read that article.
I have 69gr HPBT's that I plan on shooting through this rifle...mostly.
I do have some 77gr SMK's as well.
From all that I've heard, read and watched these should do quite well with all 3 powders.
They have worked fine in my AR15.
It's like if you ask 10 people the same question you will likely get 12 different answers.
Very confusing.
I'm just going to start with one powder first, probably BL-C(2), start low and work my way up.
Do the same with the other 2 powders I have and hopefully find the best of the 3.
Other powders may perform better but right now all I have are the three I listed.
 
Thor357 said:
Thanks.
I have checked the Hodgdon website. It shows a 1:12 with a 24" barrel.
Mine is a 1:7 with a 22" barrel.
Does it matter?
Why do they tell us their barrel length and twist if it doesn't?
Why does my Hornady manual have 2 different chapters between .223 and 5.56's?
Click to expand...
Check the nosler site or buy a load data book.... hornady or sierra
 
You posses a modern, brand new 223 rifle. Twist does matter, but it is not something to overthink with published load data.

Find data that matches the chambering (223) and the bullet (77 SMK). I would start with Sierra load data. It should be online but if not, google "Sierra 223 Load Data PDF" and you should find what you're looking for. If no data is available to you pertaining to that specific bullet, you may elect to contact Sierra by telephone. They are supremely helpful.

Next, find data that matches the chambering (223) and the bullet (69 Match Monster). I believe the Match Monster is produced by Nosler? I would start with Nosler load data. It should be online but if not, try contacting the manufacturer.

All else being equal, the fast twist 1:7 will produce more pressure than a slower twist barrel, such as a 1:9 or 1:12. That is because a bullet encounters more resistance with a faster twist; this in turn produces higher pressure. So the old adage of starting your powder charges low and working up carefully, while always important, will take center stage when running heavier bullets in a faster twist configuration.
 
lb-ft said:
You posses a modern, brand new 223 rifle. Twist does matter, but it is not something to overthink with published load data.

Find data that matches the chambering (223) and the bullet (77 SMK). I would start with Sierra load data. It should be online but if not, google "Sierra 223 Load Data PDF" and you should find what you're looking for. If no data is available to you pertaining to that specific bullet, you may elect to contact Sierra by telephone. They are supremely helpful.

Next, find data that matches the chambering (223) and the bullet (69 Match Monster). I believe the Match Monster is produced by Nosler? I would start with Nosler load data. It should be online but if not, try contacting the manufacturer.

All else being equal, the fast twist 1:7 will produce more pressure than a slower twist barrel, such as a 1:9 or 1:12. That is because a bullet encounters more resistance with a faster twist; this in turn produces higher pressure. So the old adage of starting your powder charges low and working up carefully, while always important, will take center stage when running heavier bullets in a faster twist configuration.
Click to expand...
Thanks
I think your advice is sound.
My plan is to use all 3 of the powders I have and the two bullet types and start at the lowest charge and work my way up. Hopefully I can find the ideal node before I wear out the barrel!!:)
 
Thor357 said:
Thanks
I'm not looking to buy any new powders as I have several pounds of BL-C(2), H335 and Accurate 2460. I agree with you that Varget and 4064 would do well but I don't have those.
Ease of metering is not on my list of preferences, the powders I have are just what I was able to acquire.
Click to expand...
Looks like i was of little help. Cant answer your questin,about the barrel twist. Dont think anyone can short of the people that put out the manules. Tommy Mc
 
lb-ft said:
View attachment 1319855

223 Remington Load Data

Explore the world of Nosler, renowned for crafting the finest bullets, ammunition, rifles, and brass. Discover our extensive lineup, including Partition, AccuBond, E-Tip, Ballistic Tip, Custom Competition, and more. Experience superior quality and performance with Nosler products.
www.nosler.com www.nosler.com

View attachment 1319856

Click to expand...
Now this has been among the best info I have been given yet!
Thank You!
 
Big Mc said:
Looks like i was of little help. Cant answer your questin,about the barrel twist. Dont think anyone can short of the people that put out the manules. Tommy Mc
Click to expand...
Naw! Any and all advice is considered.:)
Trial and error is the best teacher, just not the cheapest.
 
DDriller said:
24.5 grains Rel 15 with 69 grain SMK has worked in every .223 and 5.6 I have ever used
Click to expand...
Thanks

I've heard good things about REL-15. I just don't happen to have any at the moment.
Maybe next time.
I wish availability and price weren't what they are at this time or I'd probably get some.
 
243winxb said:
Manufacture? Nosler? Seconds?
Click to expand...
Not sure what actual brand they are. Possibly Nosler per someone's earlier post.
Got them at Midsouthshooterssupply.com. have never shot any so they are going to be new to me.
Don't know if they are seconds or not. Listed as Midsouth bulk bullets 500/$120.00

update: They are Nosler, says so in the logo!
 
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