Quote Originally Posted by teebirdhyzer
I have a model 25 in .223 with the sporter barrel and it also heats up pretty quickly. You might try some lighter bullets. Mine really likes 50 grain nosler BT loaded by ultramax, and 40 grain vmax by fiocchi. Both factory loads, and often shoot into 1/2 to 5/8" groups. Mine will not shoot heavier bullets very well at all. I will begin handloading for it soon, but with a pencil barrel and factory ammo, these things are pretty amazing. Good luck....looks like you got a nice one.
I shot a whole bunch of 55 gr and they were OK and did pretty well at 200 yards, the 69 gr is better and Savage recommends 223 Remington Federal 69 grain Sierra Match King BTHP for the 1:9 twist. I haven't tried the Federal yet and I haven't shot the Fiocchi at 200 yards yet. If I take time for the barrel to cool, the ammo lasts longer.