Ammo Test: Savage Axis 2 XP 223 Rem - Norma TAC-233 55gr. FMJ

[Kentgoldings]

I took a break from hand loading get some other work done. This gave me a chance to test out some of the random ammo I have laying about. This week I chose Norma TAC-233 50 gr. FMJ.

i shoot from a Caldwell Lead Sled Solo. My scope is a basic Nikon Prostaff 3-9x40 BDC. The gun has a Byods lightweight thumbhole stock. The Range is 100 yards indoors.

I was very please with the results. The average group size is less than 3/4 MOA. This is probably the best results I've had from Factory ammo. If you see any, pick it up.

They are 3 round groups at 100 yards
http://farm1.staticflickr.com/716/32387955226_b9c4f35bd7_z_d.jpg
http://farm1.staticflickr.com/389/32306789941_92410707c9_z_d.jpg

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/571/32049792900_9d3d9befb6_z_d.jpg

[lavv]

Thank you Kent for inspiring me to try this ammo. I also have a Savage Axis 2 XP in .223 caliber. Mine is the hardwood edition. I've added a Weaver rail and switched the scope to a Barska 6-24x 50 varmint kind, cheap stuff but works. I went to Cabella's and purchased a couple of boxes of the Norma Tac .223 55 gr FMJ ammo, and tried it at the local 100 yard range. It's pretty good stuff, for $9... I shoot from a Caldwell bags filled with beans, and I'm a beginner shooter. Here are my 10 groups of 3 shots results:



Group
Size


1
1.57


2
0.52


3
0.758


4
0.667


5
1.01


6
0.758


7
1.12


8
0.85


9
0.83


10
1.48


Average
0.9563



The first group was a fouling group, and the last one was a 4 shot group. The conditions were a bit windy, about 10 mph at times, and the temperature around 32F. I've also tried a couple of 3 and 4 shot groups with the cheap Wolf Polyformance steel ammo, and the results were a bit worse:



1
1.39


2
0.77


3
1.15


4
0.76


5
1.76


6
1.22


Average
1.175



http://picpaste.com/extpics/SavageAxis223_Norma.jpg

http://picpaste.com/pics/AxisSetup.1485636088.jpg

[darkker]

I'm glad it works for you, don't get me wrong.
I've just never understood the fascination of groups with ball type ammo.

I've shot a literal shyte-ton of milsurp ball ammo in my life. But it was cheap and allowed me to practice and hone my marksmanship skills, not use to test a rifles capability in a sled.