Breaking in the new Savage

[kdp89]

I finally got out with the new rifle today, after what seemed like ages, though I have only had it a week. It's a savage 11 in .223, and I must say that I am impressed!
I didn't feel like driving down to silverdale, so I went to a local spot to sight it in. On the way I stopped at sail to pick up some ammo and was disappointed in the selection. It seems like everyone is pretty thin on .223. So I grabbed a box of Barnes tsx 55 grainers and a box of hornady TAP 75 gr.
All in all the rifle shot great. It was almost bang on out of the box, only had to make some slight adjustments and it was dialed in.
The Barnes shot best in this round. Laying prone in the snow off he bipod I got just under 1" groups with the Barnes and just over with the hornady's. All in all i am very happy with the rifle and think I'll be able to get some great groups once I start hand loading.
Curious though, does anyone have any experience with this rifle and what ammo shoots best for you?

[skypilot]

Try some Factory Federal Gold Match King 69 gr (Sierra Match King). It should shoot those well if it's a 1-9 twist rate.
If those work, load some 69 SMKs over Varget for the 20" barrel and enjoy. Plus the 75 gr Hornady BTHP over Varget works even better at distance(400+ yds) and in the wind.

[fratri]

I got a savage Stevens .223, same twist I believe and mine likes hornady 55 gr sp bullets ( I load my own). On a great day, no wind, solid rest no rushing, clean barrel I can practically get a 5 shot group touching (from the bench) at a 100yds...but most days I settle for loonie size groups....

[RyanO]

I have a Savage FCV .223 26" barrel and I shoot Hornady Superformance 53 grain vmax. I get great groups.