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

[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

[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.