.223 or .308

[Lonewulf]

and then you can have the fun of making one of these which ever rifle you get :)

http://www.savageshooters.com/showthread.php?39577-Axis-223-15rd-mag-DIY

[Stockrex]

if it is legal to hunt deer deer with 223 then go for it

[JASmith]

if it is legal to hunt deer deer with 223 then go for it
...and plan on installing a fast twist barrel (1-9" or faster) capable of handling 75 gr Scirocco and 70gr TSX bullets.

Even then, the cartridge might be a little shy on ability for 300+ lb deer or on any elk.

[boostless]

I think you'll be fine with the 223, I shot my Rem 700 out to 600 yds. As far as hunting with it I would not recommend it. I've felt the non accutrigger and in my mind it would be worth getting the accutrigger. The whole buy once cry once thing took a long time to get through my head, just my $0.02.

[Berger.Fan222]

My only concern with the .243 size is the price is the same as the .308 if not more expensive so there is no point in my eyes. I just dont want to get a .223 get a nice boyds stock for it and then neglect it when I get another rifle.

Although I think the .223 side is kicking in. Can an axis shoot 300-400 yards effectively?

Another benefit of .223 Rem is that the less expensive rifles tend to shoot it well out to 600 yards.

[Stockrex]

There is no end to "bigger" caliber,
the ops question is about 223 or 308,
223 if legal for deer in his area
else 308.

yes, both 223 or 308 axis can do the job, it all about the indian and not the arrow.

[daddyusmaximus]

I did the "trigger job" mod on my Axis, cutting 1, then 1.5 coils off the factory spring. There is hardly any creep at all, and it breaks clean and easy. I have never shot with an accu-trigger, but I can vouch for the free spring trim method. My Axis is the .308 and though it shoots nice and the extra power of the heavier caliber is good to have, I have been through too many shoulder surgeries. , I wish I'd had stuck with the .223 like my ARs.

[clovishound]

Last year I picked up a model 11VT in .223. This model has the accutrigger and came packaged with optics that work. I went with the .223 because I thought I would use the gun more for target use, rather than hunting. My buddy talked me into going hunting with him, and I found I really enjoyed it. I didn't get out that much this season, and didn't shoot anything, but still enjoyed it. I would have felt better about having a .308, but in this area deer don't get that big, and feral hogs were the main target of our hunting. IOWs .223 would be adequate, but not ideal.

I am beginning to think I should have gotten the rifle in .308 and then picked up a nice .22lr for punching paper.

If you are thinking about reloading, .223 is a great caliber. There is always .556/.223 brass on the floor of the local range. I rarely see any .308 brass to be had for free. Bullets are lots cheaper, and you use a ton less powder. I can reload 100 rounds of .223 for under $23. That is with online bullet purchases, and local on the powder and primers at inflated retail prices.


I love the accutrigger on my Savage, and the bull barrel suits me, even if it is a little heavy in the field. In your area, with bigger game animals, I would be more concerned about the effectiveness of .223. I think it all depends on how much you think you will be using this rifle for hunting. I would advise to look harder at the upgraded models, rather than the base model.