Bought my first large caliber rifle today

[J_McLeod]

In light of recent political events, my wife told me to go out and buy more guns and ammo. So I picked up this Savage Axis .308, my first non surplus (they don't get shot much) rifle larger than a .223. Have a die set on the way, along with some 168gr Hornady bullets. My powder choices are Varget, H322, H335, CFE 223 and H414. Maybe I'll take up hunting one day.

 

[savanahsdad]

you didn't say what cal. it is ?

 

[WoodchuckAssassin]

I've talked to a lot of people who are very happy with the axis. I talked to one person who owned 5 axis rifles in 5 different calibers.

Be sure to post pics of your groups. I've never shot one personally and have always been curious. I've heard some horror stories about the axis, but I've heard just as many testimonials to the contrary.

Isn't buying guns fun!?

 

[Grumulkin]

A 308 Winchester is a good choice. With 165 and 168 gr. bullets, I'd go with Varget.

 

[Reloadron]

Enjoy your new rifle. I generally use H335, IMR4895, H4895, and IMR4064 for my .308 loads w/ 168 grain bullets. Just find what works best for your rifle working up loads.

Ron

 

[wyohome]

I use W-748.

 

[Wylie1]

I have never used the powders you have mentioned but have had accurate loads with both IMR 4895 and 2000MR if they would be another option for you. My preference is for the Alliant Power Pro 2000 MR as well as Sierra Game King 165s in 2140s and 2145s.

 

[ACP]

What exactly does this mean?

"In light of recent political events, my wife told me to go out and buy more guns and ammo."

Are bolt action hunting rifles on anyone's list of banned firearms?

And, since you admit you don't hunt, what do you plan on doing with this long-range rifle -- "in light of recent political events"??

Maybe the thing to do "in light of recent political events" is to run for higher office yourself in order to effect the change you desire. Talk to your neighbors and to complete strangers about your ideas. See if they agree enough to have to represent them in government.

If they don't, maybe that will tell you something very, very important.

 

[BullRunBear]

"In light of recent political events, my wife told me to go out and buy more guns and ammo." That's rather obvious and effects many of us. It doesn't matter that bolt actions aren't (currently) on some politician's list.

J Mcleod: Glad you brought up the Axis. I've been thinking about an inexpensive rifle for fun and tagets. My other centerfires are mil-surp. I prefer bolt actions and the Axis gets good remarks and is affordable. Just have to decide on a caliber. Also, I've never used a scope on a rifle. Maybe it's time I learned.

Jeff

 

[soloban]

Picking from the choices you have available, I vote Varget as well. If you can get your hands on IMR4895, H4895, IMR4064, those would be good choices as well. The 150, or 168 Grain Sierra Match Kings are great as well.

 

[J_McLeod]

What exactly does this mean?

"In light of recent political events, my wife told me to go out and buy more guns and ammo."

Are bolt action hunting rifles on anyone's list of banned firearms?

And, since you admit you don't hunt, what do you plan on doing with this long-range rifle -- "in light of recent political events"??

Maybe the thing to do "in light of recent political events" is to run for higher office yourself in order to effect the change you desire. Talk to your neighbors and to complete strangers about your ideas. See if they agree enough to have to represent them in government.

If they don't, maybe that will tell you something very, very important.

Actually bolt action rifles are on many people's list on banned weapons. http://www.sfgate.com/opinion/openforum/article/2nd-Amendment-Mr-and-Mrs-America-turn-them-2813319.php

I've never hunted because I grew up in the city and never learned how. Maybe I'll learn this summer and try next fall. Now if decide to hunt out of sport or the need for cheap food, I have the tool for it.

I'm prohibited by law from running for office because I still have 10 years left on my enlistment. I've never been rich and don't care for pandering, so any attempt would probably be unsuccessful anyways.

I already have semi rifles and several pistols so I have no need for another. Better to round out the collection. I enjoy reloading almost as much as shooting, so I'll enjoy having a .308. I couldn't find any 4895, so I think I'll start with the H414 because it can't be used for .223. Next choice would be the Varget.

My wife and I are both very outspoken supporters of the 2nd Amendment. She's a little more worried about the future than I am. The bottom line is, when someone tells me to buy guns, I go buy guns.

 

[squarepants33889]

Beautiful answer McLeod. Kinda shuts up a silly poster who should have kept his ignorant reply to himself. We, here on the high road, try to support each others love of firearms, not begin forum wars about political responsibility.
I was amazed to see a new member of my range stack a near cloverleaf with the second group his rifle had ever fired. I have considered the axis myself when trying to sastisfy a buying urge, but the wrist of the grip is too skinny for the size of my hand.
Let us know how she shoots.

 

[USAF_Vet]

I'll be picking up a Savage Axis myself here in the next couple weeks. I went with .30-06 since I can still buy it, .308 Win is pretty much all sold out.

What optic did you go with?

 

[J_McLeod]

Thanks for all the replies. The more I read good reviews the more excited I am to go shoot. The rifle came with a Bushnell scope pre mounted, which was part of the reason I picked it. I have little experience with scopes.

I came very close to getting a Lever action 30/30 or a bolt in .270. In the end, I decided to go with more power and the .308 because it's more common and has more options for bullets. Currently 270 bullets and ammo are easier to find, but even with the panic .308 components can be found. Also because my Lyman manual didn't have lead data for the .270. Maybe next time for the other two.

 

[vujade]

The Axis is a good rifle. My Dad has one. For Christmas, I surprised him and made him some custom loads.

The rifle would shoot 1-1.5 inches with factory ammo. It settled to .5-.75 inches with handloads.

168 grain Hornady Amax + 41.3 gr. of Varget. OAL 2.40 inches. (These are lighter recoil rounds (for an older shoulder) but still very accurate).

My only complaints are the cheaper stocks and the trigger can be a little heavy. I only did 3 shot groups as it would tend to string when the barrel got hot. Perfect for hunting and plinking though.

 

[Loc n Load]

308 Savage

Congrat's...you have a good rifle/caliber combo.....I am a big fan of modern Savage rifles..... I have 40 yrs experience of shooting, competing and instructing rifles in the .308 chambering. IMO the .308 is one of the most versatile calibers there are.....I shoot everything from 22rf to 50 BMG and the .308 is one of my " go to" rifle calibers.....I have seen amazing accuracy from 308 rifles, both bolt and semi's....I have shot and witnessed sub moa groups out to 1000 yds with the .308.....enjoy ur rifle.