.223 load building results, NO BIG $$$ Spent here ;)

[backstraps]

More times than not, I think in guns, shooting, reloading, etc etc YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR.

I wanted to share a little project I was messing around with.

This topic I was hoping just to let the guys that think you have to spend big dollars to shoot tight groups, that isnt always the situation.  If you are held back because of the thoughts of spending $$$ on a custom barrel, $$$  aftermarket stock, $$$$ on high end optics...  Just take your time, work within you budget and do the best you can.  Sometimes you may surprise yourself (as I did) and end up with some really good results. 


Project began with a buddy that wanted to use some gift cards he got during Christmas towards a gun purchase.  Decided on a Savage Axis .223, and a Simmons ProSport 3-9x40 scope.  Basically a cheap plinker gun.   He added a simple Harris "like" bipod.  Factory tight trigger, #5.5  All my testing was done in a field at the farm laying on the ground, shooting prone off the bipods, and a small rear bag..... Just like I would ground hog or coyote shooting.   Buddy is very happy having a plinker gun under 400.00 shooting like this

 


  

I started testing loads and here was the end results:













Again, I am not trying to pat myself on the back for the group, or the loads built for this gun.....just wanting to let the guys that are beginning, or thinking of beginning to shoot, you dont always have to drop big money to shoot small groups

[backstraps]

Here is what a 60gr Nosler performed like.

[wilmsmeyer]

Nice report. I have been an extreme simpleton when it comes to guns. I usually just make sure I have good mounts, rings and a Leupold scope and than do nothing but tinker with loads. My Rem 700 in 243 has about a hard of a trigger as I have ever shot. It's really terrible. Yet, I have shot this gun with great accuracy with load development and the ability to "adapt" to non-perfect features of the gun.

I do not compete in matches. I only compete with myself. My 7mm Mag Rem 700 is 1961 vintage and has the sweetest trigger. My Savage ML10 also has a surprisingly great factory trigger. Maybe anomalies.

I have always been a "coyote" with all my guns. I adapt to them for what they are. I have friends that chase perfection in their hunting guns. Very anal friends who focus to the very fine detail of everything.

My "new" marlin 30-30 has a trigger that starts to break, then feels like it rolls over a gritty piece of sand, gets hard and then breaks. Every time I shoot paper I know what is going on and it doesn't make me flinch or throw shots. Good loads shoot very well.

Yes, you can operate on a very thin budget and also get very acceptable results if you are aware of your guns "shortcomings" and do not have a big budget for upgrades and fine tuning. Many shortcomings can be compensated for by a guy with a good trigger finger and a lot of trigger time.

I always say that 95% of what you want your gun to do can be accomplished in 5% of your time. The 5% you want to improve on take up 95% of your time and resources. Totally worth it if you are in competition. Not worth it if your are trying to kill deer inside 200 yds with startling regularity.

What's in your gun safe?

[backstraps]

Thanks wilmsmeyer. I dont compete either. I have never even watched a competetion, or have an idea how they work. I think its very cool for the guys that have the ability to shoot and compete though. I am certain it would be lots of fun too.


I love to tinker with guns. I have a couple rifles that I have had built and I have shot a lot, that really performs well, and seems like they perform well in most every pair of hands I have let shoot them I love finding a load(s) that a barrel likes. Just a hobby. But, I am like you and have friends, and know guys that chase perfection and I always say to each their own. I know they spend lots of money and they turn in tight groups every three or every 5 shots.

But for a hunting gun, I think the little Savage Axis performed pretty well.