Author Topic: Savage 10 FP in .223 (Read 1018 times)

bigjeepman · « **on:** January 28, 2005, 11:58:12 PM »

Just curious if any of you shoot this Savage model. I am looking at one now to take on a prairie dog hunt this summer. I like the heavy barrel and the Accu-trigger features but have never owned or shot a Savage before. I have heard of some issues with feeding problems with the .223 cal only from the blind magazine that took a little work to fix.

I am also considering the Savage VLP in .204 but without the availability of new brass, the costs of shooting enough factory ammo to get brass for a hunt seems to be too expensive. I know some are buying once-fired brass on ebay.

Gregory · « **Reply #1 on:** January 29, 2005, 03:43:52 AM »

I have a 110 FP in 223 that I bought in the early 90's. I do have problems feeding the last round from the magazine but for my purposes that's doesn't bother me much. With match bullets it will shoot 0.5-0.7" five shot groups and will shoot an inch or slightly less with most any load. I did have a gunsmith work on the trigger and it's much improved. The new accu trigger should be great mine was made well before the accu trigger came out.

I have an old Weaver K10 scope on it. Been thinking about a 6.5-20X for it.

coyote 2 · « **Reply #2 on:** January 29, 2005, 04:18:31 AM »

bigjeepman - I do not have the 223 but I have the 308 in that model and I love it. I am not sure of the problem in feeding - but I have none at all. Maybe this has been fixed in the new models? This is probably the most accurate weapon - out of the box - that I have ever owned. The accu-trigger is something special. You can get it down so light - its scary. I left mine at the factory setting. When you can pull a weapon out of the box and fire a group of 5 rounds under 1/2" at 100 yards - I would say that is a good rifle. The 223 being faster and flatter would probably do better. I equipped mine with a fixed Super Sniper 10X scope with the mil-dot. Looking to do some 500 yards shooting this summer - so I went with the 308 cal. The only thing that I do dislike on the Savage 10FP is the stock. Little slim for me - but I have a McMillan A5 coming for it. There are other great weapons - but for the price - you can not beat the Savage 10FP + I love the 20" barrel on mine. And with the ammo of today - there is so little difference in the 20" - 26" lengths - all you loose is a little FPS. So slight - not having to pack that extra 6" of barrel is great for me.

my .02 cents worth.

bigjeepman · « **Reply #3 on:** January 29, 2005, 07:05:22 AM »

thanks for the replies guys ...

coyote 2 ... the Model 10FP I am looking at has a 24" barrel on it and weighs 8.5 lbs and has the Acuu-trigger. I do recall seeing a .308 tactical that has the 20" barrel but I am not sure of the model number. I do not really like the stock on the 10FP either. What kind of investment does it take to replace it with a McMillan?

Like I said in my original post, I'd love to have the VLP in .204 but it is around $200 more and would be much more expensive to shoot in the beginning. I love that laminated stock.

nipprdog · « **Reply #4 on:** January 29, 2005, 08:45:00 AM »

I've got a 10FP in 223 that is quite a shooter. with BH 68gr MHP, it'll shoot 5 shot 1/2" groups regularly.

I just upgraded to the B&C Duramaxx stocks(about $100) for both of my savages.
Much firmer than the factory stock. the 223 is on the bottom.
haven't had a chance to try them yet, though :evil: :evil:

the only feeding problem I had was with the winchester 45gr varmint load that I use in my Handi. everything else fed fine.

have you priced the 12BVSS in 223?

coyote 2 · « **Reply #5 on:** January 29, 2005, 02:10:51 PM »

Quote

What kind of investment does it take to replace it with a McMillan

Sadly a lot - $500 plus for the McMillan Stock - more than the rifle - but I think well worth it. Mine is the LE1 model -20"barrel - tactical 308 and along with distance shooting - that is exactly what I use it for...

I think Nipprodg has the right idea for the stocks for a heck of a lot of money less - that B&C Duramaxx stock is very nice.

bigjeepman · « **Reply #6 on:** January 29, 2005, 03:04:45 PM »

I bought the FP 10 in .223 this afternoon with the 24" barrel. The Accu-trigger broke at exactly 2 lbs everytime I put the RCBS pull scale on it. That is unreal in my opinion. I am putting a Bushnell Elite 4200 mildot 6x24x40 on it. Should make a real nice varmit rifle.

nipprdog ...

I love the stock on your .223. It looks like something I'd be very interested in putting on mine. Where did you get it? Does B&C Duramaxx have a website?

nipprdog · « **Reply #7 on:** January 29, 2005, 03:23:50 PM »

Quote from: bigjeepman

I bought the FP 10 in .223 this afternoon with the 24" barrel. The Accu-trigger broke at exactly 2 lbs everytime I put the RCBS pull scale on it. That is unreal in my opinion. I am putting a Bushnell Elite 4200 mildot 6x24x40 on it. Should make a real nice varmit rifle.

nipprdog ...

I love the stock on your .223. It looks like something I'd be very interested in putting on mine. Where did you get it? Does B&C Duramaxx have a website?

http://bellandcarlson.com/

in fact, Midway has them on sale this month.

http://www.midwayusa.com/rewriteclearancevendor/9076/267490

I got the one on my 223 from a dealer at the INDY 1500 Show for $85 :grin:

the other I got from Cabelas using that $30 coupon promotion.

bigjeepman · « **Reply #8 on:** January 30, 2005, 12:59:46 AM »

nipprdog ...

Thanks for the info. I will check into them today as I regularly order from both Midway and Cabela's.

By the way, I am from Southern Indiana ... about 50 miles NE of Evansville. Always good to hear from other Hoosiers.

nipprdog · « **Reply #9 on:** January 30, 2005, 06:44:05 AM »

glad to help.

if you order one, heres a nice article on them

http://www.savageshooters.com/Reviews/DuramaxStock.html

I had to do some sanding on the left side in the lug area as mentioned.

the newer stocks come ready for accu models.

also, check out http://www.savageshooters.com.

lots of good info and people, just like here. :wink:

by the way, I'm up here in Purdue country.

mountainview · « **Reply #10 on:** January 30, 2005, 05:17:44 PM »

B-jeep,

I also highly recommend the Savage. I have the 12FV and the Accutrigger is all that everyone says it is. Mine is a great shooter. I have experienced feeding problems on one of my other Savage rifles but the problem disappeared when I tried a different box of ammo and the has not reappeared since.

Safe shooting.

bigjeepman · « **Reply #11 on:** February 01, 2005, 01:48:14 PM »

I made it to the range today for the first time with my new Savage 10 FP in .223. I reload for other calibers but decided to break this rifle in on Winchester white box 45gr HP and 55 gr Federal reloads that my brother buys for his 2 AR's. I started off with the Federals and my second 3 shot group measured .648". With a new scope sitting on top, I was doing some sighting in for the first few groups and with this being my first 4200 Elite 6-24x40 Mildot, I was really impressed.

I shot 5 groups of 3 shots with the Federals and then switched to the 45 gr Winchesters. These 5 shot groups were consistently less than an inch with 4 of the 5 groups having multiple holes touching. I was also trying to get used to the new Accu-trigger and I did improve as time went on. I am really pleased with the way this new setup performed and can't wait to start reloading for this caliber.

My brother showed up at the range at this time and his second 4 shot group measured .500" with all holes touching with the Federal ammo. He couldn't believe this new outfit was already performing so well.

For any of you who do not think Savage is worthy ... well, they are. This is the best start I have ever had with any new rifle and it will only get better with time and practice.

bigjeepman · « **Reply #12 on:** February 01, 2005, 01:53:21 PM »

I also wanted to add to my experience at the range that the stock is a bit thin for me where I place my cheek. I could buy a cheek piece or buy a Duramaxx stock for it. I will shoot it another time or two before I decide where to go from here but there will be something done about the stock.

targetguy · « **Reply #13 on:** February 07, 2005, 07:30:49 PM »

I have a 10FP in 223 with a 4.5 to 14 mil dot nikon buckmaster scope. the gun shoots unbelievably well. My best 3 shot group at 100 yards is .180" my best 5 shot group is .365 at 100 yards. 200 yards i have shot 3 into less than 1/2" I shoot almost exclusively 40 grain bullets, V-max or blitz kings. I am working up some loads with some 75 grain A-max. This is the beauty of the 1in 9 twist

Donaldo · « **Reply #14 on:** February 07, 2005, 08:42:15 PM »

This is what we Savage owners have been trying to tell yu people for years. You just can't buy better accuracy out of the box for twice the price. Try one, you just might like it. That is the way I got hooked.

bigjeepman · « **Reply #15 on:** February 08, 2005, 12:37:01 PM »

Donaldo ...

You make a good point though I have been building my revolver and my son's shotgun collection for the past 2 years. I have had my eye on a Savage VLP in .204 for almost 4 months but with brass not being readily available, I held off.

Since my purchase, I have told many people and I know of 3 new Savage purchases because of my satisfaction with mine. A guy I work with is a Savage freak along with 3 of his friends. He knows more about Savages than I do about women. He is going to put my new stock on for me as I think I am going to go with a Desert Tan Duramaxx from Midway USA. I am getting my reloading supplies this week too for the .223.

nipprdog · « **Reply #16 on:** February 08, 2005, 01:26:22 PM »

them praire dogs won't stand a chance this summer!

glad your new rifle is working out so well. :grin:

bigjeepman · « **Reply #17 on:** February 08, 2005, 03:55:42 PM »

Thanks nipprdog ...

I just placed my Midway order for the Desert Tan Duramaxx stock and a few reloading supplies. I am going to start out with 55gr V-max bullets and H-335 powder. I will definately try 45 gr bullets later. I'll let you all know how I do with my reloads in about a week or so.

nipprdog · « **Reply #18 on:** February 09, 2005, 01:22:48 PM »

jeep,

don't be afraid to try some heavier bullets also. less affected by wind.

I shoot 68gr in mine. thats the great thing about the 1/9 twist. it will stabilize a variety of weights.