.223 10 FP accuracy

[CoffeeInMe]

Here is a link to the rifle I have if anyone needs more information...
http://www.savagearms.com/10fp.htm
My question is what is the least amount of accuracy you would accept from this rifle ? I will be shooting from a bipod and the rear will be resting on sand bags. My scope is a Nikon ProStaff 3-9 x 40. I will only be shooting factory loads. A couple of different ammo's I will be shooting is going to be some Federal 50 gn jacketed hollow point, and Hornady 75 gn bthp. So considering that I do my part and hold the rifle as steady as possible then what should be the worst group you would except from any given round of ammunition ? Im just looking for a "rule of thumb" so to speak that would be unacceptable. I want to know what this rifle should at least (at a minimum) be capable of at 100 yards.

[KRP]

If I find factory ammo that shoots MOA I'm more than happy.  You may find a particular ammo your rifle likes that shoots much better but you will need to try several to find out.  Shooting from a bipod takes practice as well and the Savage plastic stocks are known to flex quite a bit.  That rifle may well be capable of .5MOA with handloads but you might never get better than 2-3MOA with factory ammo or you might get lucky and find something it really likes and get .5MOA with factory loads.

[trotterlg]

I would be surprised if you canot find a factory load that won't shoot an inch at 100 yards.  You may also find the cross hairs on the scope will be about 3/4 inch wide on a 100 yard target, so that may be one of your limiting factors.  Larry

[CoffeeInMe]

Well first off Im not glad to hear that I might not find a factory loads to shoot moa. I also now realize I should have bought a better scope. But before I do anything else I first have to determine my final goals and full purpose for this rifle vs the cost.
Thanks for the help.

[trotterlg]

Sorry I phrased it that way.  I think you will be able to find some factory load to get to 1 inch at 100yards.  They are now productin some Winchester white box .223 at Walmart again, it has proven very accurate in a lot of rifles, so try it first if you can find it.  45gr I think it is.  For target shooting the corss hair size is an issue when trying very fine shooting.  I have a Savage 10 FP with a 17 Remington barrel on it and a Swift 4-12X40 scope.  Not a high priced rifle, but it will shoot as many shots as you like into an inch at 100 yards froma cold clean barrel.  I think you will like what the Savage can do for you.  Larry

[KRP]

There's nothing wrong with that scope and the crosshairs won't cover anything close to 3/4" at 100 yards at full power.  I've got one and Nikon's duplex reticle is fairly fine and I've shot plenty of MOA or smaller groups with it at 100 yards.  As for the ammo your just going to have to shoot it and see what it does.  I didn't mean to be discouraging I was just pointing out that you should try several flavors to see what works best and that there is a possibility the rifle won't like them.  Those Federal 50 grain HPs will shoot ~MOA in my M70.

[LaOtto222]

I have shot nothing but hand loads in my modified Stevens 223 (cheap barrel). It is capable of .25" groups at 100 yards and under .5" all the time, if I do my part. This was 50 grain VMax and VV N133 powder. I would think your gun should be capable of doing this if you find loads it likes

[CoffeeInMe]

This all sounds great. I simply need to slow down and be more patient with my decisions. Too many times I get impatient and buy/sell things prematurely. I really do think I might want to get a higher magnification scope later but I will first see what I can accomplish with this.
Thanks

[LaOtto222]

I am a believer in lower powered scopes. On a solid bench a high powered scope can make a difference, but not as much as you would think. Here is another picture of a target I shot using different powers. I loaned the rifle to my Bother in Law and he said that it did not shoot straight. I was checking zero and also if it changed from one power to another. I would shoot your 9X and if you want to squeeze a tenth or two out, then get a higher powered scope.

[243tom]

I've found the WW white box to be very accuate from my 10fp.....although it is older manufactured ammo, which may or may not mean anything. Most groups will cover a one inch target.
Also had very good experiences with Ultramax "remanufactured" 50gr NBT,, not as good with their 50gr TNT.

Though the best "one ragged hole" groups come from handloaded 75gr hp Hornady bullets using IMR 3031. I've not tried too many different powders in this rifle.....since I tend to stick with a load that works well when I find one. It will shoot good with most bullets 40gr to 75gr.
The 10fp is a very capable rifle for the cost,,in my opinion.  Hope this helps.

[CoffeeInMe]

Thanks for all the help. Im going to start another thread with some of my results.