I've been procrastinating about a new rifle for quite some time now. I narrowed the choices in calibre down to .223 or .308, with the brand to be another mental battle.

After much consideration, taking into account a number of considerations:

a. Why I wanted another rifle and could I justify another rifle,

b. With two gaps in my calibre line up, what calibre would offer the most versatility and best round out my calibre holdings,

c. What I wanted to use the rifle for...my intended quarry,

d. Cheap and easy to reload, and

e. Could I afford another rifle and would SWMBO agree to the spending

Well, after much consideration and research, I decided on a .223, even though I have never been overly fond of the calibre.

My shooting buddy and I have been keeping an eye on our local gunshops for something suitable and this morning found a rifle that meets my needs and I couldn't knock back...a used Savage Axis fitted with a Bushnell 3-9x40 scope. Looking at the rifle, it appears that the only rounds put through it are those that the factory uses for proofing etc, so technically it can be said it is a new unfired rifle.

The price was also a real bonus - $440, which is a great deal for our end of the world, at least $200 cheaper than a new Axis.

Once approval comes through from the Police I can get stuck into the enjoyment of developing loads that the rifle will like.

Congratulations! The 223 is a good caliber that fits nearly all the game up to whitetail deer.

I like it Vince . It should do you just fine . Whats the twist rate ?

shrpshtrjoe wrote:

Whats the twist rate?

The Savage website lists only one option, 1:9. Vince, you got a keeper. From the on-line reviews I have read, this is a very accurate rifle. The Barnes TSX is a great bullet for deer-size game. The TSX expands more and holds together better than the TTSX.

Forgot to mention that this twist may or may not stabilize the 77gr Sierra Match King. It is not to fast so can still handle 40gr VMax.

I have a 223 with a 1:10 twist barrel and the load it shoots best is with Nosler 77 gr. BTHP match bullets (about 0.5 MOA).

I've found that Speer 70 grain Semi Spitzers will stabilize even in a 1:12 twist barrel.

Yep, 1:9 twist. I am not over fussed with using heavy bullets as I have the .243 for heavier bullets. I am thinking that I will probably concentrate on 55gr - 62gr bullets, but I am open to suggestion.

The final choice in brand came down to either a Remington Model 783 or the Savage Axis. Savage have always had a good name for accuracy and although the Gunshop said the 783 was available in .223, I couldn't find any mention if it anywhere. Also, I didn't see anything online that endeared me to the 783, so when this rifle came up if was a bit of a no brainer.

Savages are fine rifles Vince . In 55gr I have had good luck with the Nosler Ballistic Tip very accurate and fairly easy on the wallet . With 62grn I have only used the Barnes TSX with great success but a bit more pricey . Nosler also has the partition in 60 grns witch I have never tried but would think would be a great choice.. There's a lot to choose from for the .223 Have fun with it

Thats not spending money mate, its converting the currency.

Good haul that..

Vince,
Check your pm box

mate..welcome to the fun caliber club
for you unbelievers...and for you too Slim
today I had a rising 2 year old red hind pause side on at 150ish yards
55grn TTSX poked along by 24.5 grns AR2206 went in shoulder and out far side ribs...pin hole entry then into shoulder and bruising between blade and ribs,into chest inch sized holes through both lungs then broke rib and left 1/2" sized exit wound...blood on ground where she stood...she went maybe 10 yards max must of that backwards before tipping over

and exits

Not bad for a round that was only designed to wound enemy soldiers of a "civilised" adversary.
Nice shot and carcass prep.

thankyou kind sir

Good work Elvis. I must admit I'm getting quite excited about picking up the rifle and getting into load development, although realistically we have already done most of the development with my mates rifle.

Speaking of my mate, he went through his old stocks if components and found about 400-500 bullets that he gave me...the majority being 50gr Spitzer, although there are 150x50gr HP TNT bullets.