* Any load info is for MY GUN ONLY. Each load was worked up from a starting charge 2 grains below max in .2 grain increments. Every gun is different. Safe in mine could be dangerous in yours. Safe reloading practices dictate we start low and work up for our firearm. The “Cabela’s exclusive” Savage 12 FV is offered in .308, 6.5 Creedmoor, 22-250, and .223. They are equipped with Savage’s Accutrigger. They pair a cheap polymer stock and a matte 26” heavy barrel in all chamberings. They retail for $419.
After having good results with this gun in .308, I bought one in .223. The .308 has been easily sub MOA in the tupperware stock with a Sig 3-9 x 40. I put the .223 in a Boyd’s thumbhole varmit stock. I put a Seals (think cheap Chinese) 8-32 x 50 scope in Leupold rings on it for medium range target shooting. It has a Harris bipod installed also. All told, I have about $918 in the .223.
The chamber on the .223 is TIGHT! Using a Hornady oal gauge, here are my coal lengths to jam for different bullets:
• 65 grain Sierra Game King - 2.243
• 60 grain Hornady SP - 2.183
• 60 grain Hornady VMax - 2.215
• 60 grain Sierra Tipped Match King - 2.36
I have found that my gun likes rounds either just .002 off the lands or a full .01 off.
My best results have been with 65 grain GK’s over 26.0 grains of Varget. Easily sub 1” at 100 yards. Starline brass, wsr primers, 2.233 col.
60 grain TMK’s are sub moa with 23.9 grains N135. Starline, wsr, 2.35 col.
60 grain Hornady SP’s are sub moa over 25.8 grains of Varget. Winchester brass, Federal Match primers, 2.175 col.
60 grain VMax over 24 grains of Benchmark was sub moa but flattened primers @ 24.2 in LC brass with FGMM primers. The required seating depth to get a col of 2.205 likely caused the pressure to spike earlier than expected in my ladder.
I hope my experiences are useful for those who have or are looking at buying a “Cabela’s” Savage 12FV. Both of mine have been a pleasure to load for and shoot.
