Savage 12 BVSS 22-250...range testing

[451 Detonics]

A few weeks ago I bought a used Savage model 12 BBSS. This was a spur of the moment buy simply because the price was too good to pass up. Came set up with a 6X18 scope and Harris bipod. I ordered some Bitterroot Valley ammo for it and tried every thing out at the range today.

This Savage is a pre Accutrigger model meaning it has the nasty heavy Savage trigger of old in it. I will do a trigger job on it, I did quite a few in the pre Accutrigger days and never had a problem getting a safe trigger under 2 pounds in them.Having a decent trigger should help with the group sizes.

Speaking of groups this is what today's 100 yard target looked like I shot this off the Harris bipod using a squeeze bag under the buttstock. Ist 5 went 1 1/2 inhes right, I adjusted and the next group was 1/2" left.



Now I will check the bedding, work on the trigger and properly torque the action screws qnd see what happens. One thing for sure...Savages shoot!

 

[NCsmitty]

With it shooting that good stock, the potential has got to be exciting. What was your load?



NCsmitty

 

[451 Detonics]

It is the BVAC load using a 55 grain V-Max bullet

 

[788Ham]

Good shooting 451, hope that rifle fine tunes for you. I've got a Rem. 700 BDL that really shoots good, need to reload some and get with it when things warm up some, still below 50 right now. I've got a 788 in .223 that really shoots good, shot a 3 shot group @ 100 yds, .366 MOA with 52 gr. BTHP Hornady's, put a new trigger in it, Timney, this has made the whole difference! Good shooting my friend.

 

[451 Detonics]

I called both the low fliers in those groups, fighting an 8 pound trigger is tough when trying for groups. Both times I should have taken another breath and started over. I don't think the Savages are quite as finicky as the Rugers when it comes to the action screws but I am sure it will help some. I am also not super happy with the glass on it, it is a middle of the road Bushnell, good glass but super finicky about eye relief. It will work off the bench but in the field it would be a bit time consuming.

Bottom line is the Savage will shoot and I am sure it will shoot better than the groups I shot yesterday. I still feel they will outshoot any factory rifle made today under the $3000 dollar mark.

This rifle will replace my 22 CHeetah with it's aging barrel as my varmint rifle. The CHeetah barrel will be retired and the action used for something else. I don't plan on anymore trips west where the CHeetah's velocity was an advantage but I think a .375 Whisper Incognito will be a fun rifle and will allow me to retain the fabulous wood on the CHeetah.

 

[788Ham]

Have you thought about possibly changing the trigger on the 22-250? Just curious. Timney didn't have a replacement trigger for the 788 until just recently, that I am aware of. The original trig was horrid, never the same feel twice in a row, its now set to 36 oz's, not even the same rifle now! It took me almost 1/2 box of cartridges before I realized it would/was shooting this good. I was able to shoot good with it and the lousy trig before, but things have really changed now. YMMV

 

[451 Detonics]

I can put as good a trigger in the Savage as just about any I can buy, I did them for year before companies starting making aftermarket drop ins for the Savages. If I do put on in it will probably be the SSS trigger.

 

[Peter M. Eick]

Nice job. It looks like my 22/250 bvss does.

 

[451 Detonics]

A new stock is in the plans, still deciding between a couple. I have reworked the trigger and it is now right at 2 pounds, still a bit heavy but a huge improvement over what it started with. 1st day with decent weather and i will give it another range trip.