Savage Mark II BTVS

Hey guys,

I am a proud new owner of a savage mark II btvs .22LR. I have heard nothing but great things about them and cannot wait to take it to the range. However, I have a few questions that need to be answered before I can do so. I have been researching scopes for a while now and I think I have decided on a Nikon Prostaff 4-12x40 with a BDC reticle. This scope is right on the outer limit of my price range and has gotten great reviews. I love the software Nikon has for the BDC reticle. Any other suggestions on scopes?

Also, what ammo have you guys found shoots the tightest groups?

Lastly, at what distance should I zero my scope at once I get it and what is the effective range of this gun? I will be using it to hunt small game but would also like to impress people at the range.

Sorry for all the questions! Any advice is greatly appreciated!

Thanks

Travis

Travis-

Which ammo is "best' is a question that only your rifle can answer.

Generally speaking, there are basic divisions in ammo for target shooting.

1. Bulk- which will give all rifles poor groupings.
2. Mid and upper level bulk ammo, i.e. Federal Automatch and similar which will give decent groupings.
3. Almost top shelf ammo that will give very good results
4. Top shelf at around $16/box of 50 that will give the best results.

Now to #4- Each rimfire rifle and even rifles that are the same make and model will have different preferences for "best" results.
One Savage BTVS may shoot Lapua Midas+ the best and another of the same rifle may shoot Eley Match the best.

In order to find the best for your rifle, you are going to decide that for yourself. If you can see your way to do it, purchase two boxes each of the top shelf rounds, make sure weather conditions are the same each day of testing, set up at 50 yards, and shoot and then measure your groupings. Make sure you have patched out the bore before changing from one ammo to another since you don't want lube from the old box to affect your new lot scores, one way or the other.

Have fun and don't worry about others at the range. I found that self satisfaction of doing the best you can do will be enough reward.

As to what distance to zero in- what distance will you be shooting game? If variable, make sure you mount an AO scope, which will give you focus ability based upon distance shooting and you will probably want a scope with a variable power. Please see the below link for ammo testing results for 22's for a $5000 target rifle. You will see the variations in results. Be aware that the results are for a world class rifle and that your rifle might indeed have different results within the top shelf ammo.

http://www.accurateshooter.com/guns-...mparison-test/

A lot of these rifles shoot CCI SV well, my BTVLSS shoots the $25 box Eley only slightly better. Definitely not worth the extra costs to me. It also shoots Federal American Eagle 38gr hollow points well. Mine is zeroed at 50 yards and I use the mil dots for farther or closer ranges.