Savage Model 12 VLP 204 Ruger - how to improve accuracy?

[NorthernLights]

Hello,

I have a Savage Model 12 VLP chambered in 204 Ruger. With reloaded ammunition I can occasionally get a 1/2 MOA group. Most of the time I get a group just under 1 MOA.

I'm getting my best groups using Hornady 32 grain V-max, Winchester brass, CCI BR-4 primers and IMR 4895. 27.5 or 28.0 grains of 4895 provide about the same groups.

Any suggestions on how to get 1/2 MOA consistently would be appreciated.

 

[JORTZ]

I have had a ton of luck with 32gr nosler spitzers with 27.5 gr of rl15 out of my savage. Also I loaded the to 2.55 oal which is a big jump into the lands. I shoot .25 moa groups.

 

[TheOtherZilla]

I have a Savage mod 12 FCV and have the best luck with 39 grain Sierra's. 40's just didn't do it..Neither did 32's. I have tried 35 Bergers as well.. IMR3031 is what I ended up using.

 

[stacy]

35gr Bergers and VARGET works well for me.

 

[JeffG]

++ on the 35g bergers I get best groups with Re-10

 

[pacificman]

I have a savage model 12 that likes Re-10 with 39gr. sierras. I have heard that h4895 works well also but haven't tried this powder in my rifle. I tried 40 grain v-max but at 200 yards the sierras gave a much tighter group. My rifle seemed to shoot the 32 grainers ok but the heavier bullets always gave a bit tighter groups. I am getting .5 groups at 100 yards with consistency if I do my part. Just some more info for you that might be of use.

 

[weewilly]

I have tried to get 32 gr. to shootin my savage with not too much luck, but have found 39 gr. sierras to shoot best in several Savage rifles that friends have. All that I know that have used sierra 39s have found them to shoot better than any other bullets, although we don't all agree on powder. I shoot win748 in mine, and others have used aa2015, 2230, RL10, and others.

 

[Beau]

Savage Model 12 VLP 204 Ruger - how to improve accuracy?

Put a new barrel on it.

 

[hogpatrol]

Savage Model 12 VLP 204 Ruger - how to improve accuracy?

Put a new barrel on it.

+1 just make it a good one.

 

[BigDMT]

+1,000 for 39gr Sierra BKs

If a 204 Ruger of any make or model wont shoot 39gr Sierra BKs, it probably isnt gonna shoot very good.

My custom Rem 700 204 Ruger posts sub 1/2" groups at 200 yards with 39gr Sierra BKs and RL15 or BLC-2 at 4030 fps.

Even when the rifle was in all factory condition it would still shoot them sub 1/2", but only at 100 yards. Shot that barrel out and turned it into a custom rifle in same caliber. Now it shoots the BKs even better.

 

[fredhorace77]

my good accuracy loads were BLC2 and 35gr. bergers or 39 blitzking with varget