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Post by battleborn on Aug 28, 2011 13:22:25 GMT -7
I was just wondering what your guys thoughts were about a new rifle? I'm due home sometime next month and have had my eye on a couple rifles as I'm pretty new to the whole predator hunting world and would like a nice rifle for it.
The main one I've been looking at is the Savage Axis .243? What are your thoughts on this? Anyone own a Savage Axis?
I will have about $600 to spend on the rifle and scope together. So my thought was the Savage Axis and that would leave me a little over $250 for a decent scope to put on it.
Any Ideas or Input would be very appreciated I always open to more option too this just seemed like the best way to go for me.
Also I will be reloading to so caliber is not a big issue but I would like to save the fur...
Any thoughts?
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Post by Timber Butte Outdoors on Aug 28, 2011 18:24:53 GMT -7
battleborn, I had never heard of a Savage Axis? So, I went to Savage and looked at it. Not Bad! I think it will do you good for a beginner gun. And I think the .243 is a great cartridge for both coyotes and deer size critters. The barrel twist is 1:9.25. Has anyone had any experience with this twist rate?  ?? I think it is made for 90 to 120 gr. bullet weights? 19222 - 243 WIN 1 in 9.25" 22" 19221 - 22-250 REM 1 in 12" 22" According to the twist rate chart: 6mm/243 - 1;10 twist - For bullets up to 120 gr. .224 - 1:12 twist - For bullets up to 63 gr. If I was to buy this rifle, I would buy it in the 22-250 Rem. Also here is something to think about? This is the notice that Savage has on the page. This means that the trigger will be factory set at around 9#'s, not good for shooting small targets at long distance. It wouldn't be bad, not good, but not bad for deer size targets. I am not saying that I am an expert, and everyone has a different way of thinking and preferences. This is just what I would look at before I was to buy a gun. I have been shooting critters for 40 years, and have expended a bunch of ammo at a bunch of critters. That equals alot of time behind a trigger. I shoot a Remington 700 V. 22-250 for 35 years (my 7th rifle). It has a 1:14 twist. It shoots bullets in the 40 to 55 gr. bullet weights. I am going to try to shoot a 60 gr. this year. I reload all my own ammo. I have shot a 52 gr bullet for coyotes, badgers, rockchucks, squirrels for all of those years. I have shot many deer with the 55 gr Remington Corelock HP, out to many yards away, they work well. The first thing I do when I get a new rifle, is to adjust the trigger to about 2.5 to 3 pounds pull, with a crisp break. Adjusting the trigger will decrease your group size considerably. Disclaimer: Adjusting a rifle trigger should be done by a Qualified Gunsmith.
Idaho Varmint Hunters does not support, endorse, or encourage, and will not be held responsible for any damages arising from the above statements about trigger adjustments. Good Luck with your gun hunt. If you have any more questions? ask away! Gary |
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Post by battleborn on Aug 29, 2011 5:35:48 GMT -7
Thank you for your response Stickman! That was the kind of info I was looking for... I do like that gun and believe it would be a good platform to start with. It does not come with the adjustable trigger which is a down fall, I believe over time though that I would be able to remedy this as money permits. The twist rate kind of surprised me too as I have not seen many with the 1 in 9.25? I have never owned a .243 or .22-250 so I do not know much about either. My thought on going with the .243 was I read that it had a little more ability to buck the wind on longer shots? Which is a constant battle in Mountain Home  . I think I can count on one hand the times I have been out where the wind wasnt a factor! lol I do not know if this is true though as I said I dont have very much experience with the 2 different calibers I'm just going off what I have read about them. I have shot both though and do like the .22-250 alot as well. I just wanted to keep the cost of the gun under around $350 or so, So I have some money left over for a quality scope. If anybody has any other idea's I'm wide open as I have time before I get back home and have to make the choice. Again thank you for your Input Stickman very helpful info in there! On a side note.. Im not gonna be able to make the meeting this month as I will not be home in time, But it is marked on the calender in Oct. and I will be there! Look foreword to meeting everyone and getting to break in a new rifle on a few good hunts! Enjoy that Wild Boar Burger! Take care and stay safe... BattleBorn |
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Post by broper on Aug 29, 2011 16:56:34 GMT -7
I pretty much agree with Gary. I'd get a 22/250 also. In my opinion it is the best all around varmint cartridge and in a pinch can be used on deer and antelope. What grain bullet would you use in the .243? You can get 70 gr. and even 80 gr. .224 bullets. They would have better b.c.'s than .243 in the same weight, therefore bucking the wind as well or better than a .243. I've never been a big fan of the .243. In that caliber I prefer 6 m/m Rem. Better cartridge and way under rated. Just my 2 cents worth.
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Post by battleborn on Aug 30, 2011 5:45:52 GMT -7
Thank you guys for the suggestions, I think that I will be going with the .22-250. I already have rifles for big game and would not need to use this one for that purpose. I was just looking for a good all around varmint rifle that would be a good starter for me. It looks like the .22-250 is a very good choice.
Anybody have any experience with the Savage Axis in .22-250?
Or the 1 and 12 twist?
What are some good bullet weights you guys are using? I want something that will cut the wind pretty well but keep the fur damage to a minimum.
I believe I will be putting a Redfield 4x12-40 on this as well so any input on that would be appreciated too. I have read quite a few reviews on it and it seems like a pretty well rounded scope at a very reasonable price.
Again thank you guys for the help with the selection of the rifle!
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Post by Timber Butte Outdoors on Aug 30, 2011 10:13:20 GMT -7
battleborn,
Ammo? You know that every gun shoots and likes different ammo/bullet combo's. Because no 2 barrels are made alike. But mostly it depends on barrel twist, to what bullet weight it will shoot well.
Also, each chamber is a little bit different, which creates a difference in the way it sends a bullet down range.
Also, there is the condition and type of the riflings. And the crown of the barrel all have a major influence on the performance and stablization of the bullet when it exits the barrel.
Shooting small groups is also dependant on your ammo, each componant, case, bullet, primer, powder, and the consistancy of the manufactuing of your loads is very important to get the best performance for your loads.
I would get a variety of ammo in different bullet weights and shoot 5 shot groups, to see what bullet weight it will shoot best. This is because, each rifle has a "Sweet Spot"
If you don't reload, I would find someone you trust to load for you. With the 1:12 twist I would go up to the 70 grain bullet, down to the 52 or 53 gr bullet. I don't think with the 12 twist, you will be able to get a bullet any heavier to stablize and group . As well, any lighter than 52 will not stablize either.
Start your reloads with 5 rounds at the minimum powder charge, with any powder you choose to use, and work your way up by half grain increments to the max load.
Shooting 5 rounds of one load, checking each group for size, and check the pressure indicators on the empty case - is the primer showing signs of excess pressure or flattening, neck for splits or cracks in the case, check the case at the base for splits or cracks.
Dude, the Redfield is a decent piece of glass, it will do you well. Good choice!
Later,
Gary
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Post by broper on Aug 31, 2011 18:46:16 GMT -7
Yeah, Gary is right on!
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Post by battleborn on Sept 29, 2011 23:42:36 GMT -7
Well I thought I would give an update on what I chose, I went with a Savage Axis .223 and a Redfield 4-12x40 Accu-range. I would have liked to gone with the .22-250 but I went all over town and nobody had one in stock so I decided on the .223 caliber.
I havn't had a chance to take it out yet but over all I really like the way it feels and handles! I think that Savage has done a really good job with it and believe that it will be a great fur gun! I also have nothing but great things to say about the Redfield but man it is an awsome scope with very clear glass. I really beleive its what puts the gun together!
Im going out tomorrow morning to sight it in and hopefully try and call alittle tomorrow night... Hopefully I will have some pics to put up!
Battleborn
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Post by Timber Butte Outdoors on Oct 1, 2011 20:04:20 GMT -7
Battleborn,
Congratulations! On getting yourself the rifle you like and you are comfortable with! Your rifle will be a great shooter, and with a new Redfield Scope, man you will be deadly. The .223 will do you a good job.
Get out there, find something to whack with it, then come back here and post the pictures and tell us the story.
What ammo are you going to be shooting?
Good Hunting!
Gary
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??
. I think I can count on one hand the times I have been out where the wind wasnt a factor! lol 
