Savage model 12 243

[shoerjbh]

I want to buy a savage model 12 in a 243.

I was wondering if anyone out there has any experience with the model 12 in the 243 ?

The only job that this rifle will have, will be my factory class rifle at groundhog matches.

I had debated quite a bit between the 243 and the 223. And I think I have settled on the 243.

Good bullet options for the 243.
It is supposed to handles wind conditions far better,especially lateral drift.
The wind is always an issue,But especially when I'm being told that some of these groundhog matches don't allow sighters.

I am open to opinions and suggestions.

Thank you
shoerjbh

 

[tripcrow]

This depends on what club you’ll be shooting at. Mostly because that’ll determine how far you’re going to have to shoot and what calibers you’ll be allowed.

Here are my opinions on factory class groundhog rifles and I’d think it’s the majority opinion. The 223 fast twists, that’d be 9 & faster, with the 70g+ bullets are usually the most accurate of the common factory chamberings. If you’re only going to have 1 factory gun it’d be the one to have. But once you get to 500 and beyond the 308 with its’ bigger easier to see holes and better BC may catch up depending on the conditions. The 243 offers little advantage in either the ability to see holes or BC,factory 9.25 twist) & IMO is in general less accurate than the 223. On average at most clubs out of any 10 shoots, I’d guess the 223 would be the preferable caliber in 6 or 7 of the 10 shoots. The 308 the other 3 or 4. There was only 1 of the 8 St. Thomas Shoots,200, 300, &400) that wasn’t won by a 223 last year. All top 3 agg winners shot 223s. Tuesday shoots were more varied for different reasons. But there too 223s dominated overall. A 223 LRPV won Mayberry’s,100, 200, & 300) Factory agg. New forum member Joe Pellegrene won Mifflin’s Factory agg with a 12 twist 223 Cooper.

But remember this isn’t like IBS short range. The accuracy of the rifles varies a lot more and they’re much more fickle than custom rifles. I’ve shoot Savages in factory class for some time now. And out of the last 15 or so heavy barrel Savages I’ve had they varied from .4”-.8” rifles. If you’re lucky enough to get a very good shooting gun, it doesn’t matter what caliber it is. I’ve seen 22-250s, 243s, & 7-08s beside the regular 223s & 308s that shoot outstanding. This for a factory class gun would be ½” or under average 5 shot groups. You get any factory class gun that you can do that with regular and eventually you’ll come out on top.

To sum it up I’d say:

First check the club's rules you plan on shooting at before you choose a make and caliber.

If you’re going to shoot 100,200, & 300 yards at Mifflin I’d gamble on a slow twist 223. But who knows when that range may change to longer yardages.

200, 300 & 400 at St Thomas I’d get a 223 9 or 7 twist.

200, 300, & 500 at Mifflin I’d check with them before getting a 6BR Savage or Cooper,only place I know of where BRs or PPCs are allowed in Factory Class) or a good solid stocked 308 or again a fast twist 223.

200, 300, & 540 at Ship a fast twist 223 or good stocked 308.

South Fork is the only other shoot I’m familiar with and that’s a slightly different game because of no sighters and I’d just be guessing on what to do there.

Bill

 

[Travelor]

Wait just a bit and get a new Model 12 LRPV in 6mmBR. It can be had in either single shot or repeater. This should be THE factory class Savage and should outshoot the 243.

 

[fdshuster]

shoerjbh: I bought a new Savage mdl. 12BVSS, unfired, from a clubmember last Spring. Fired it a documented total of 400 rounds, with mild loads,, 37 grs. IMR3031 75 gr. Sierra #1510). It would hold moa w/ 5 shots at 200 yd. Went into the bore with my "Hawkeye" and saw the beginning of fire-cracking in front of the chamber, not un-expected, since I previousely burned-out Douglas & Shilen 243 barrels @ 1400 rounds. Bought a 6BR, .272" no-turn reamer from Pacific, had the barrel set-back,7/8"), re-chambered and it now holds 1/2" moa with 5 shots @ 200 yd. The barrel coppered when new, but now, at 620 rounds, still coppers lightly, but is easily removed with 1 overnight soaking w/ "Butchs". One of my more successful ventures: never regretted re-chambering from 243,, not my favorite ctg.), to the vastly superior 6BR. Good advice, above, to wait for a new Savage mdl. 12 chambered in 6BR.

 

[coupalr]

My savage Model 12FV is an amazing gun. I shoot 95gr Berger VLD's,BC of 514) infront of 42.3gr of H4831sc and I have shot many 1/2" groups at 200yards. I was so pleased with it that I went out and bought 1000 bergers and 5lbs of H4831sc. It is the only gun I have ever had that I found a load I like so much that i have not changed it for more than 700 rounds.

Don't let them tell you that the 308 has anything over the 243 other than barrel life.

 

[tripcrow]

Not to be a wise guy. But shoerjbh stated,

“The only job that this rifle will have, will be my factory class rifle at groundhog matches.”

Mayberry- “No firearms chambered for PPC or BR cartridges.”

St. Thomas -“No BR’s or PPC’s”

Ship –“Any factory rifle except Remington 40-X’s, Coopers, and any firearm chambered for PPC or BR cartridges.”

And not that it was suggested. But to clarify things for others who may be reading this and wondering on what to do, I know of no club that would allow a re-chambered barrel in their factory class. Best to call the club or clubs you want to shot at before making a purchase strictly for Factory Class Groundhog use.

 

[shoerjbh]

Thank you to everyone who provided their input.

It was what I was hoping for not all good and not all bad about the model 12 243.
tripcrow

Thank you for providing the information of what seems to be consistently winning,223).

From where I live, any one of the clubs you mentioned are close enough for me to participate.

coupair
Thanks for your positive input for the 243 and a load information.

As for the consideration of the 6BR thank you. But I knew I couldn't use a 6BR in this division of the competition.
However, in the other divisions. I will be using a 30BR and or a 6BR,The 6BR is proving itself to be a great cartridge in the F class matches)

Thanks to all of you
shoerjbh