80gr Sierra .223

[DresserDan]

Loaded a test with 80 gr 223 Sierra t what they say 2.550 Tested one with out powder or primer no crimp in my model 12. Came out way under. 2.470 2.475 So I cant load these to the sierra spec's. Any one else have this? What did you load to? Don't want to created pressure by changing the oal but no other choice. Just worried if this is going to work out.

[Berger.Fan222]

Many Savage chambers are short and the 80 SMK loaded to 2.550 will touch the rifling and push back in a bit. I think the last one we worked with came to right at 2.500 just touching the rifling. We reckon the max load in this case should be reduced to 24.0 grains of Varget instead of 24.4 (Sierra) or 25.0 (Hodgdon).

If you load to 2.470, you'll be right at the rifling, so I would back your max load down to 23.5 grains of Varget, or whatever is 1.5 grains below the book max for the chosen powder. Of course, start at the min load and work up carefully, keeping a sharp eye out for pressure signs as you go.

[jerry shaw]

Have you checked the max OAL for this round using a Hornady/Stoney Point gauge? Depending on how your chamber is cut, that length may be workable. Your chamber dimensions probably differ somewhat from their test barrel dimensions.
In addition, I would be interested in seeing how they actually shoot before getting overly concerned about exactly matching the Sierra dimensions.
Good luck.

JS

[Robinhood]

2.485'ish with 23.8 gr R15 with a BR4 in an LRPV easily hold .5 MOA at 300 for me in F/TR