Savage .223- Help me decide which one

[timberflint]

We are having some fun doing some 500 to 750 yard shooting. My 22 -250 with 50 grain Hornady V max just isn't quite doing the job out that far. My friend is shootng both a.308 (165 grains) and a .223 (69 to 75 grains). The .223 (1 in 9 twist) is actually out shooting the .308, at least for him.

Have decided I really really need a new rifle. You guys understand!!! Tired of buying the beers afterward.

Have kiind of decided on the .223, being somewhat recoil sensitive. Anyway kind of thinking about a Savage, because they have the 1 in 9 twist (really wish it was 1 in 7) and the accutrigger. Always have been a Remington fan but willing to try something new. Also kind of like the looks of the Choate stock and want a 26 inch barrel.

Have come down to these two: Model 10 FP-LE2 or Model 12 VSS Single shot.

http://www.savagearms.com/10fple2a.htm
or
http://www.savagearms.com/12vsss.htm

Should either one out shoot the other - all else being equal? Why?

Any good reason to pay over $200 more for the 12VSS?

Thanks as always.

Keep shooting and keep smiling.

Tim

[Jose Grande]

I saw this earlier & I was hoping a Savage shooter would chime in. I don't have enough experience with Savage to give you a good answer. But if it were me, I'd use the repeater because I might want to shoot at coyotes or something where I needed a fast second shot. I single load long range target shots anyhow, unless there is not enough time to do so.

[litman252]

Not really an expert, but I agree.
Tony

[Green3845]

I'm with them, I'd go with the repeater.

When it comes time to rebarrel, go visit Larry Racine's website---

http://www.lprgunsmith.com/

He is a a High Power gunsmith that specializes in Savages. He has been a member of the US Palma Team 2 or 3 times, so his opinion about long range shooting is pretty valid.

[DonT]

I have a Savage and would recommend looking at the 12BVSS. It has the heavy fluted stainless barrel, the NICE wood laminated stock with palm swell (barrel is free floated) and a rubber butt plate.

Slide a nice scope and Harris bipod on it and you are ready to go.  Liked my .223 so well I went out and bought the same gun in a .308 and set it up exactly the same.  Both guns will shoot sub MOA if I do my job.

I just starte playing with the 69gr Sierra HPBT Matchking bullet and they work very well, providing better groups at longer distances.  

If you are considering shooting much at the longer distances you might what to reconsider your decision and go to the .308.  Mine shoots the Sierra Matchking 168gr HPBT very well and you have more wind bucking weight out to the longer distances.  If there is no wind the .223 is fine but add a crosswind of 5mph or more and it can be a real challenge :grin:

Anyhow with the 12BVSS you get enough weight so the .308 is not punishing like it is in the lighter composite stocks.

Just my $0.02.... Hope it helps..
DonT

[savage10fp]

i have a savage model 10fp in 223 and my brother has one in 12bvss and even he admits the tactical is a far better rifle, i live in oz but i can asure you that 12mm groups using 69grhpbt at 59 long and adi 2208 powder {aussie powder} of 24.9 grns is a excellent load, this is shot at 100yrds of course and only spreads ever so slightly at 300yrds,
if using 63gr i use 25 grns of 2208 at 60 long which gives same group at 100
go for the tactical you wont be disappointed