I'm pretty new to the barrel nut family and I'd like to pick the brains of some of the more experienced guys. Recently bought a used 110 in .223 at a very good price. Serial number is F025xxx. It even came with Maynard Buehler rings and bases! My original idea was to rebarrel with a varmint weight barrel, replace trigger and stock and make an inexpensive varmint rifle. Before I spent any money on it, though, I thought I should at least shoot it and see what happens. Turns out the sporter weight factory barrel is capable of occasional 1" groups at 100 yds. About one group out of 3 or 4 will be that small, the rest about 1-1/4 to 1-1/2. Not too bad. Got the 3-screw trigger adjusted down to 3-1/2 pounds with no discernible creep. Thanks, Mr. Furious for the FAQ guidance!

The rifle shoots well with 55 grain bullets. When I tried 68 grain Black Hills match ammo, I get keyholes at 100 yds. When I measured the twist, I got 1-14. Does that sound right? I was told by a local Savage fan that Savage .223 barrels were 1-9, he believed. Maybe they are today, but were not back when this one was made. Any guidance is much appreciated.

If I'm restricted to the lighter bullets, fine. Would just like to know from someone who has had experience with Savage longer than I have.

Are today's .223 factory barrels a faster twist? Can someone give me an estimate of year of manufacture? Inquiring minds and all that stuff . . . .

Best regards,

Oilcan ???