.223 53gr v-max distance from lands?

[Wide Glide]

I would suggest you disassemble the bolt, remove the firing pin and measure the pin diameter using a good micrometer, just behind the pin tip. Should measure .069 to .070. IF you can pin gauge the bolt head firing pin hole, your clearance should be around .003. I'm guessing yours is around .006 or more.

Write back when you have the results. Or....just order a new firing pin from Savage. IIRC, they're less than ten bucks. You'll need to sign a liability release to buy it. Probably fix the issue, unless we're talking about a well worn bolt head.

My 12FV in 223 exhibited this exact same behavior new from the factory. Long story short, I bought several new firing pins and cherry picked one to install. Problem fixed!

I like the way you think.... that would fix my problem without screwing with my load work up. This was a brand new bolthead so it isn't well worn. I don't have pin gauges or a micrometer so I think I'll order up a few new firing pins to try out