Hi,new here. I bought a 223 axis xp, no accutrigger, about a 3 weeks ago. First time out with it last weekend .
First thoughts are I love it, but I need to find ammo it likes. So far I just shot some pmc bronze and was a 2.5" group at 100 yards. Not really impressive. But considering it was it's first test and the only ammo I shot that day I can live and experiment some.
I eventually plan to reload but need to buy a house first. I plan on painting the stock desert tan and rocktite the forend. Eventually upgrading to a boyds stock and timney trigger and better scope. Hoping for 1moa at least at 100. I will post pics as my project progresses and updates on accuracy.
After rocktite and barrel channel sanding to ensure freefloat, 1MOA shouldn't be too tough. Mine likes Hornady 55g V-Max over 4895 with a Burris 4.5-14 x 42 Fullfield II getting .6-.8 MOA at 100 yards so far. That's from an old guy with a hammering heart causing the crosshairs to pulsate across the bullseye in time with my pulse, lol.
Last edited by phoenix1151; 04-22-2016 at 04:28 PM.
Savage Axis .223 with Burris Fullfield 4.5-14x42 on Weaver mounts
Every Axis I have in .223 shoots American Eagle AR-223 50gr Tipped really well. Definitely give those a try....don't mistake that product with American Eagle 223 55gr FMJ....those don't shoot worth a d..n in mine.
I hope it does. I'm optimistic. We were using a lead sled with no weight on a boulder aiming slightly down hill with a slight cross wind. I think with the stiffer stock and better trigger it will help significantly. I have a 3-9x40 scope on it now. I want to shoot steel at 680, will a 12 power be enough or should I do a 16 or higher?
got a 6-24x42 on my axis .223 :). I like to see the hits with out a spotting scope :)
not too bad. i like it. needs a few more coats and then should be done with the paint. still eed to rocktite and open up barrel channel.
what paint did you use? looks good
Rust-o-lium camp. Walmart had it
Is that recoil pad painted, or is it a replacement part?
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Painted
Must be a regional paint scheme GearJammer, I sprayed mine with that exact paint out in the swamp by Stanchfield, MN, I just pulled the pad so it's black on Sand. I like it, sharp and neat, but all business look. I did have some issues with chipping and scraping, and, was considering using a matte overcoat of poly spray. I'm not sure if it would be better or not.
Dan
OldLobo, do you think a primer coat would reduce the chipping?
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I'd be curious to see how it shoots with no lead sled but off of sandbags with the offhand between the front sandbag and the forearm. Yours may be different, but mine shoots best like that.
Went and shot the ar223 ammo. Not bad considering 10 mph estimated crozs wind and no solid rest. 125 yards
Last edited by Gearjammer91; 05-14-2016 at 11:15 AM.
Pick up the 50 grain tipped American Eagle they will shoot allot better than those 55 grain.
Last edited by wyo85; 05-14-2016 at 11:44 PM.
I plan to pick up a bunch of different ammo. Then reload the brass next year. Can I load for 223 using 556 brass? Buddy was shooting 556
Hi Gearjammer, You can use the 5.56 brass but there are physical differences between the .223 rem and 5.56 brass. Once you find and collect a brass type you like you may want to stick with the same type during your testing. Mixing the brass will work for "out there to have fun" but you may need a different load in them for accurancy. Be careful not to start at maximum based on the books. Start with a lower combination and see what is best for your rifle. I hope this helps.
HalfTrack
I plan too. Maybe I'll just trade them off. Or for fmj plinking loads.
Hi, Just as food for thought, I tried three different loads in my Model 12 BVSS. Its a .223 REM
1. 55 gr Midaway FMJ flat bottom, with IMR4895 powder at 24+-.1gr and a CCI small rifle primer. This was mostly for break in and plinking.
2. 60 gr Hornady 60gr flat bottom, with IMR4895 at 27.5gr and the same CCI small rifle primer. Worked pretty well but not acceptable groups. Just over 1 MOA
3. 55 gr Hornady V-Max flat bottom, with both IMR4895 at 24.3-24.4gr and IMR8208XBR at 24.3-24.4gr with the CCI small rifle primer. These were the best at both 100 and 200 yds. I rarely go beyond 200-300 yds at my range, so these might be a start point for you. These I was able to work down to .75 MOA at both yardages. I also used these because at that time I was buying these were available.
Good Luck, HalfTrack
I plan on shooting steel at 680 and targets at 500. Local ranhe only has the gongs at 600 & 680. Gotta bring own holders for paper at that distance.
I just realized I made an error in line 2 of the loads. I was using 23.7 of the IMR4895 for the Hornady 60gr bullets.
Sorry, I need to learn how to type.
HalfTrack
Lol. Happens. Anyone ever use bsa scopes?
Hi Jammer, I have had experience with the BSA scopes. I am ok with the one I use on my Ruger 10-22 but for anything with the type of distances you want I'd definitely get some feedback on better manufacturers. The numbers of options can be maddening, but the magnification and quality of the glass will make you crazy if you cheap out on the scope. Do your homework on a few Nikon, and other mid-range priced scopes probably up to 16X and see what the 'User Reviews' are. I have used Millet scopes also, and they are not too bad for the price. You will thank yourself in the long run if you do your homework.
HalfTrack
i really like the .223rem for its inherent accuracy and super soft recoil. a great "lazy man's" rifle (whence compared to anything firing black powder). i slightly tricked out an axis .223 hb with rockite in both the fore and butt stocks, put a half pound of lead in the butt stock tubes, installed a basix trigger set to about 1#, pulled the mag and installed a single feed chamber ramp, clipped on a champion bipod, clamped down a mueller 8-32x44 side focus scope. but THE most important item is all about the cartridge. getting into loading is a lot cheaper in the short run than buy factory rounds, and will be more accurate ... sierra match king 69 grain bullets over varget powder works best for my rifle.
Hi Jammer, One other thing to consider. I have been told and this has been backed up by other forum members that for longer distances and higher bullet weights, that you usually need a tighter twist. This could be from 7-8 twist in order to work with higher weights. I have a 9 in mine on a Model 12 BVSS. I am probably good to 300 yds but if I try beyond that I was told the twist rate is more important.
Please keep that in mind.
HalfTrack
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