Looking at .223

[Jacklegg]

I'm interested in getting a Savage in .223. However, I'm having a hard time deciding on which to purchase. Any opinions on which would be better. This will be for predators and I wanted a bolt action. I was looking at a Mossberg MVP Flex, but didn't have enough information on it since its still a relatively new rifle. I have a Trophy Hunter in .243 that I'm in the process of creating some predator rounds for. I just need to check out some recipes involving that. Anyway, just wanted to seek some information on the Savage, since i'm very pleased with my .243.

Thank you for your time
Jack

[darkker]

Not sure about the Flex version, but the MVP has been out for quite some time.
Savages have always been an inexpensive rifle, despite the recent price hikes that hasn't changed.
The biggest issues have always been, and continue to be part fitment and QC.

They let some absolutely attrocious things leave the factory, too frequently for my taste. Parts interchange but the fitment isn't the tightest of tollerances. So how well they fit is up in the air. Sometimes rattling parts bothers folks, sometimes not; really a preference deal. The barrels have always been *Potentially* amazing, but again they have had some real doosies! None of the Savage lineup gets any special treatment, all just mass produced parts and assembly. So one line or the other won't be any better than another by principle.

If you like your 243, then you have an idea of what to expect.

[WV1951]

Actually, I am surprised you would want a .223 for predators when you already have a .243 that you can load light.

[Robinhood]

LRPV

[squirrel_slayer]

are you looking to save the pelts? if not why not stick with your .243? there is a decent array of factory ammo and you could always handload it to your liking. with powders like H4895 you could reduce loads by up to 60% saving powder, recoil, noise, and barrel life.

If you want to save pelts look at a 204 ruger. .223 is a decent option and with handloads and the 53 v-max you can nip at the heels of a 22-250

[Jacklegg]

I was curious with my .243. I'm wanting to save the pelts and been searching for a quality bullet. I'm starting out with 58g 70g 80g in factory loads to see how she shoots. I'll see how these factory loads shoot this weekend, then will begin the process of trying to come up with a bullet that'll work. Once that happens, I think I'll try and come up with a recipe. My fatherinlaw has Varget that we'll begin with. Not sure what other powders he has. Jack

[squirrel_slayer]

I don't think anything in the .243 will be pelt friendly. even the .223 can be iffy. the fast .17's and 20's shine in that department.

[DanielGelinas]

Jack,

I have a STEVENS .223 I bought about 5-6 years ago. It shoots very well if you handload. The 55 grain burgers shoot near half inch at 100 yrds.
I've never seen a .223 shoot bad. They all seem to shoot very weel along with the 204 ruger.

Good luck!

-Dan

[andyknaster]

I have the Axis in .223 Remington and it's a total tack driver. Don't get the Accustock, throw away the factory stock, and get a Boyd's Featherweight Thumbhole. I just ordered this:


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[Robinhood]

Jack, I have a STEVENS .223 I bought about 5-6 years ago. It shoots very well if you handload. The 55 grain burgers shoot near half inch at 100 yrds. I've never seen a .223 shoot bad. They all seem to shoot very weel along with the 204 ruger. Good luck! -Dan

I like my Burgers a little heavier than that!

[squirrel_slayer]

I like my Burgers a little heavier than that!

yeah but you could run into pressure issues with a 1/4 lb'er in the .223 case. you need to step up to at least a 22/243 even that will be iffy

[andyknaster]

yeah but you could run into pressure issues with a 1/4 lb'er in the .223 case. you need to step up to at least a 22/243 even that will be iffy

Add a fry to each case to keep the powder against the primer.


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[DanielGelinas]

I like my Burgers a little heavier than that!

like 1/4 pound heavier!
Yeah, I saw the mistake after posting...

[justsofine]

Never mentioned what range you'd be shooting, but out to 250 yards the.204 is the gun to go with. If you want longer go .223, or even longer use a 22-250. But you'll get the most bang for your buck with Savage.



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[bigredisb]

I went with a Boyd's feathweight thumb hole stock with a 12FV in .223. A really comfortable platform for not a ton of coin. Hate the internal mag so I converted it to a single shot.

[EC76]

Hello Guys,
Last year I purchase my first bolt action rifle, an Axis 93R17, wood stock, heavy barrel, great rifle I cannot be happier with it.
Now I will like to move to a higher caliber (223) and I am not sure if I should go with the NEW Axis or the 10/100 TROPHY HUNTER.
I only use the rifle for target shooting; my outdoor range only goes up to 150 yards

[Texas10]

Savage produces it's 223's in various forms/models but MOST have a 1-9 twist barrel, which means you won't be shooting anything heavier than 69 grains in a varmint round, or 77 grains with the Sierra Match King. This, of course, is dependent upon what actual twist your barrel arrives in. Mine would not shoot the 75's in any shape or form, but loved 69 grain MK and TMK. Now it sports an 8 twist barrel and shoots 75 grain Hornaday BTHP into tiny groups at 300 yds.

My sons Model 12FV in 223 loaded with Australian Outback 69 gr. SMK, (off the shelf ammo), is quite accurate and deadly. I took a 180 lb hog with it at about 80 yds with one shot to the lungs, so it's quite capable as a varmint/predator rifle. I put a Vortex Crossfire II on it and night vision is superb for not much coin.

I also have a Savage 22-250 that I've hung an 8 twist barrel on. Although it shoots 80 grain SMK really well, it does so at the expense of another 10 grains of powder as compared to the 223. It's not an efficient cartridge design IMOP, but it is fun to shoot.

The real beauty about the Savage is you can simply buy a pre-fit barrel in another (or same) caliber and hang it on yourself and go shoot. Might have to change the bolt head, but that takes about 10 minutes max. It is no exaggeration to say that you can literally walk into your shop with a rifle and a handful of new parts, and walk out an hour or two later with an entirely different rifle than you walked in with and ready to shoot.

Enjoy what ever you choose, and when its time, make it into something new and different!

[Texas10]

BTW; If you become a paid member (quickly) there is a brand new 223 Savage 11 Trophy Predator hunter for sale in the Member Classifieds. Might want to check it out.