While I would say that there is something "magical" about savage rifles, I can honestly say that in my rifles they show pressure signs when I work up loads close to and above max.
Having loaded for 223, I can say that with some powders, there just isn't enough case capacity to really get into pressures that are too high. A compressed load, sure, but that doesnt mean that there is enough powder to flatten or unseat a primer, crack a case neck, etc.
I load IMR 4895 in my Rem 223, and run a compressed load with no pressure signs. And keep in mind that a max load in a manual might just reflect a maximum case capacity as opposed to maximum pressures.
Keep testing and shoot the load that works the best.
-Scott
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