I just went out on and purchased a new model 12FVSS Savage Varment Series Rifle. What a brute but I have read nothing but good things about the gun and the accu trigger. I am looking for your favorite tack driving load for the .223. I have a couple thousand 50GR V-Max bullets bullets that I would like to load up for the gun but will listen to all idea's for a good tack driving load for a 1 in 9 twist barrel.

Thanks Gents,
TrapperTrent

Born in the country
Work like a slave
Predator Trapping is all that I crave!

My Ruger M77MkII V/T has a desire for Speer 52 gr HPFB's, 27.0 gr Hodgdon Varget, CCI BR-4 primers in Federal cases, 2.200" OAL.

52 grain Hornady HPBT Match bullet in a Winchester case, 22.5 grains of Alliant 10X, CCI small rifle primer, 2.245 OAL

Caliber - .223 Remington, 5.56mm
Powder - Hodgdon Varget 26.4 grains
Case - R-P or Win (mil. spec. brass: use only 26 grs.)
Primer - R-P No. 7 ½ Benchrest Small Rifle
Bullet - Hornady 60 gr. V-Max
Case Overall Length - 2.255

I have the exact same gun and with this load i was able to acheive 1 hole 5 shot groups at 150 yards that you could cover with a dime...its murder on any kind of varmint and a real pleasure to shoot. The Varget burns clean and very consistant. And dont let anyone tell you that you cant use lightweight bullets with that 1in9 twist...its pure BS!! Ive gotten nearly the same results with 40 grain v-max bullets at 3700 FPS and havent experienced any bullet malfunction. Havent tried the 50s but i imagine they would be about the same.

I have always gotten great results with 4198 - for years I used the IMR version, but more recently I've been using H4198. Varget also works well in terms of accuracy, but velocities are not tops in my rifle. And last, I've also used Accurate Arms 2015, which worked superbly as well.

I keep coming back to 4198, even after 22 years of shooting this cartridge. BTW, I used to use the Hornady 50gr SPSX, now I use the V-max version with even better results.

As for loads, I research every published data source I can find, then work up to the highest published load. (Operative words - WORK UP TO) Many folks might not recommend that method, but it has worked for me. I also check velocities with a Chrony, to make sure I'm in line with the data sources.

Thanks a bunch for all the information. I think I am going to have fun shooting this one. I know that I have always drove tacks with the 788 Rem in a .222 but am really looking forward to the Savage. Now, I just need my glass to come in so I can top it and get to the range. Many thanks again guys.

Trent

I'll second the use of Varget in the .223, it's been a consistent performer in every load I've tried so far, with a variety of bullet weights. My Oly AR-15 is a 1/8 twist, but absolutely dotes on WallyWorld's cheapo white box 45-grain HP's, 1/2" or less at 100 yards. I still haven't found a load that does as well with the heavier bullets, but I'm sure Varget will be involved when I find it.

Do you still have your 788? I foolishly sold mine years ago and have (ouch!) been kicking myself ever since. Mine was a 22-250 that shot 5 Hornady SX's into .25" groups all day at 100 yards, back then I thought all 22-250's were that accurate. Boy, was I stupid! :rolleyes:

PJ the Moe-ron

I broke the code for me....I am using Sierra 55 gn and 26.5 grains of AA 2230C (Surplus) powder(works good and is really cheap). I use a Lee deluxe die set (collet die) and Lee factory crimp die to get uniform neck tension. The deluxe set includes a neck sizer and I use it slavishly. For brass prep..I use a universal de-capper to remove the primer...then tumble the cases with walnut and a cap full of silicone car polish. I chamfer the inside of the neck lightly and load. For once fired cases, I use a Forester neck trimmer to true the case..then trim to max overall case length....some culling occurs at this point due to production QA. The culled hulls are used for my son's AR(they get the small base treatment). I use a Sinclair OAL guage and bullet comparator to find the sweet spot for OAL. For my chamber (yours may be different) the OAL is 1.860 for Ogive to base (not the tip). This places the bullet just off the lands and results in excellent accuracy. I highly recommend the Sinclair tools.

For my Rem. 700 V, 28.0 grs 748 over a 50gr nosler ballistic tip, ignited by a WSRP, all wrapped in a W-W case yield sub 1/2" groups. That's no baloney or leg pulling, either. Some groups are even in the .220" range, when the wind is right and my body has been depleted of caffiene :) . Hope this helps.
Jeff

Thanks again everyone. What a wealth of information and willing people to share their knowledge and experience. I know that I am not the only one to say.... This is the best forum I have had the pleasure to be a part of. :D

Sincerely,
Trent B. Pearson

Born in the country,
Work like a slave,
Predator trapping is all that I crave!