Model 12 VLP-DBM .223 1:7 Twist Loads

[Doubs]

Now that I've had my Savage VLP-DBM in .223 with a 1:7 twist for awhile and have had an opportunity to work on loads, this is what I've found... so far.

I've tested three bullets: 77 grain Nosler Custom Competition, 69 grain Nosler CC and the Sierra 69 grain Match King. All easily shoot 3/4 MOA.

Best loads have been the 77 grain bullets with 23.0 grains of RL-15 and the 69 grain bullets with 22.0 grains of H-4895. All have been seated .010" off the lands.

While the 77 grain bullets have shown promise, my best and most consistent groups have been with the 69 grain SMK. They are capable of Sub- 1/2 MOA 5 shot groups consistently.

That's where I am at the moment.

[celltech]

What kind of velocities are you getting? I am starting to play with the 80gr ELD-M and H4895. Ran a velocity ladder the other weekend and there is a promising node around ~22.8gr giving me 2827 fps.

I previously found the 77 TMKs to be very good, but just got tired of paying the Sierra premium.

[Doubs]

What kind of velocities are you getting? I am starting to play with the 80gr ELD-M and H4895. Ran a velocity ladder the other weekend and there is a promising node around ~22.8gr giving me 2827 fps. I previously found the 77 TMKs to be very good, but just got tired of paying the Sierra premium.

I haven't put my loads over a chronograph but according to the Nosler manual, the 69 grain load is 2538 fps and the 77 grain is 2566 fps. However, they used a 20" barrel and my Savage is 26". I'm guessing that my loads are in the 2800 fps range. From a 100 yard zero to a 200 yard zero I go up 1 7/8 MOA or 3 3/4 inches. (15 clicks with each being 1/8 inch at 100 yards. At 200 yards, each click would be 1/4 inch)

[hardnosestreetcop]

Now that I've had my Savage VLP-DBM in .223 with a 1:7 twist for awhile and have had an opportunity to work on loads, this is what I've found... so far.

I've tested three bullets: 77 grain Nosler Custom Competition, 69 grain Nosler CC and the Sierra 69 grain Match King. All easily shoot 3/4 MOA.

Best loads have been the 77 grain bullets with 23.0 grains of RL-15 and the 69 grain bullets with 22.0 grains of H-4895. All have been seated .010" off the lands.

While the 77 grain bullets have shown promise, my best and most consistent groups have been with the 69 grain SMK. They are capable of Sub- 1/2 MOA 5 shot groups consistently.

That's where I am at the moment.

Doubs just so you will know, according to the Hodgdon Data 24.0 Grs is the starting load with the 69 Gr Sierra MK.
And according to the Sierra Data for a Bolt Action Rifle 22.0 Grs Hodgdon 4985 is on the low end of the data. The Federal 69 Gr load is rated at 2950 FPS, from a 24 inch BBL. According to the Alliant Data your load of 23.0 Grs of RL-15 is Max with the 77 Gr SMK BTHP. Be careful any change in components or seating depth could put you in over pressures