The First Shots...223 Stevens

[BS]

Just shot my new 223, first with some of my brothers ammo..............not so good..................

Then I loaded up the used case with 24.5 grns. of Varget powder, using 75 Amax, 60 Vmax and 55 Ballistic Tips.........[all loads found on the NET]

The point of impact doesn't move very far with all three bullets........nice to know.

Link to Target: http://tinyurl.com/ysnj3a

Also cleaned up the stock with a file......took the big ridges off the surround the checkering, this made the stock "feel" much better.....then attacked it with coarse steel wool! You can't hurt the looks!

I mounted an old Redfield 4-12 scope.....did a little spring and sear work..............and have a great trigger and a cheap Varmint shooter.

[Ricoh]

I have one and love it. Did the same thing to the stock on it and my new MLII and what a difference. I have not done the trigger yet but i got 1/2" with 55 gr. speer. Great rifle.

Rick

[BS]

I have one and love it. Did the same thing to the stock on it and my new MLII and what a difference. I have not done the trigger yet but i got 1/2" with 55 gr. speer. Great rifle.

Rick

Rick,

What brand powder, and how much of it are you using?

My shooting today was done in between snow squalls!   Snow, then the sun would come out!!!!

Bruce

[rifleman]

BS,

My two favorite loads for 223 are 50 gr Sierra Blitz over 23.7 gr of Varget. and 11.9 gr Blue Dot with 40 gr Nosler BTs . Haven't had much chance to get any extended range time with the new Stevie, but soon I expect to!!!

Dave

[Ricoh]

BS
If you read Rifleman's post you will see the dilemma I am in. My reloads are 15 yrs old and I can't find my reloading journal. All I know is I was using 55 gr. Speer and cci match primers. I will find my journal and will let you guys know what I was loading. I was shooting a Sako laminate with a sporter barrel back then and my Stevens is just as accurate, just not as pretty.

Rick

[BS]

I also tried H4895, but the groups were over an inch. All the targets were shot at 100yds.

Then a Woodchuck appeared at 140 yds.................the H4895 worked well!

1/2 hour later, another big one..... was setting on the 150 yd. backstop..................Varget, sends one home.   

The model 200 is nothing fancy, but is a good shooter!

No-BS
Bruce

[rifleman]

BS,

Looks like you're off to a real good start. Keep it up and I look froward to further reports.

Dave

[mikedb]

These rifles are truly awesome.  I got on in 223 also.  I finally took it out to try for accuracy with different ammo before ordering bullets for reloading..   I wa getting MOA to sub-MOA groups with several rounds.  Even Wolf!!  The best grops were with 50 to 55 gr bullets.  The worst (if under 1.5 is bad) was with 75s.  Few more brands to try but I am ordering some 55 gr for reloading.  I will buy another Stevens or Savage.   Any suggestions for caliber?? I have a couple of 06s in different brands so that is covered.  308,  25.06  7mm-08???  Just for shooting or deer antelope

[TribReady]

Next one--I'd go for the 308.
That's some impressive shooting accuracy

BS - Those a perfect "range" results

I'm happy to hear these results from the Stevens. Just picked up a 243 for my daughter's first deer rifle. Can't wait to get out and shoot it....I mean her to shoot it 

[rifleman]

I'm thinking along the lines of a 7-08 or 308 myself. I'm hoping that they come out with a 204 Ruger. I've got $100 in Gander mastercard vouchers, that'd be a great start toward getting one.

Dave