The problem child

[Sgt_Mike]

Ok this is Not laying bad news /coverage or opinions on the Savage Axis. (this one I know is the exception)

But I do have one in .308 that has been just terrible in the accuracy department. And actually know and found out why, had it cut back to get out of the bad rifling in the bore. It did help, although still not 100 % happy with it. The length (shortness) is what is getting me with increased muzzle blast when we went short enought to cutoff the damaged areas in the bore. Which I have discussed in the past on here. Rather than dig up a old post, I'll just post my thoughts and possible solutions here.
The other day My buddy and I was holding a conversation and he mentioned that he had a Savage small shank (from a Stevens 200) barrel in .223 and I was discussing the Savage Axis I had.

He stated he would just give me the barrel, which at first my thought was to rechamber it to a 22-250 Remington, meaning no need to change the bolt head. Until I sat down and actually researched the actual twist rate 1-9" that put a full stop on the rechambering idea. Just too fast a twist for the varmint bullets in that chambering. This caused me to rethink this, so finally broke down and ordered a new bolt head for it in .223. Now the plan is to just leave the chambering alone as it will mostly likely ( actually will) stay under the rpm value limits that the bullets have because of thin jackets. There was just enough performance increase in the 22-250 to drive it over the jackets limits. and not know exactly where the the best accuracy will be I chose to play it safe with the original chambering of the donor barrel.

I went through the gun shack based out of Helotes, TX for the bolt head for a online order just minutes ago. Wish me luck on the order. Never dealt with them so even though I did do a online order I'm just leery of giving out credit card information.

Yeah I know I'll need to change the magazine as well if I want to feed from it. But I'll most likely wait to see how the new barrel reacts before sourcing a new magazine for the caliber change. Ed said it shot great so there is that.

 

[SupressYourself]

I've found 1-9 to be just fine for 53 v-max in a 22-250 @3900 FPS. -- Maybe that will change as the throat gets beat up, but so far, so good.
Also, there's number of excellent, and not terribly expensive options for aftermarket Savage barrels, for example, I can vouch for Urban Rifleman. If I had a Savage factory barrel that had a bore that looked like butt AND short poorly, the only thing I'd do with it is pull it and is toss it in the scrap metal pile.

 

[Sgt_Mike]

I've found 1-9 to be just fine for 53 v-max in a 22-250 @3900 FPS

My comments I know is apples to oranges comparison. Your stated Hornady 53gr V-Max and my not listed desire to send the speer 50 gr tnt. I don't know for sure but I "think" the Speer has a thinner jacket. Which is where my probably over cautious approach is coming in. Couple that with I have over 1K of these on hand.

When first discussing this barrel with Ed (my buddy) he wasn't sure about the twist. After he left I finally broke down and searched the internet for what Stevens 200 twisted all the .223 barrels they offered. Turns out they chose the 1-9 twist rate. Which I was adamantly hoping for a 1-12 or slower twist rate. (that would have been a no brainer to work)

It is good to hear that your having good success with your setup using the .22-250 in the 1-9 T rate. Highly encouraging news real world application.
After doing the research honestly the deciding factors for shifting to the .378" /.223 Bolt face was with the .223 the RPM was at 280,000 to 288,000 in the upper end of listed velocities. Versus the 312,000 to 320,000 on the upper end of the scale for the . 22-250.
The cost outlay for the .223 bolt head was about $40.00 shipped. (should be enroute soon). Brass, Dies, Powder etc etc all on hand already so no additional cost.
If I had stuck to the .22-250 plan and retained the existing .473" bolt face it would mean paying the chamber cut, and finding dies , as well as brass procurement.

NOW that doesn't mean I won't go the .22-250 route as I know I can lower the velocity to stay under the threshold for the chosen bullets jacket integrity (the speer brand). Or simply shift the bullet to your listed Hornady 53gr V-max's especially after your report and luck. Which while a varmint bullet I suspect it probably is a just slightly thicker jacket to do the job. Yet thin enough to get the "explosive" desired effects.

I can vouch for Urban Rifleman

Yes I'm of the same opinion, while I've not actually sourced a barrel from him I have emailed back and forth with him. There is a reason that I didn't source the barrel from him he seems to have gone away from the slow twist in his offering in the 22 bore. Also didn't notice that he had the savage bolt head on hand or offering them.
So yeah your posted results actually help a lot. Like I said I simply might not like it done in .223 and just have to have what the .22-250 offers.
Your post actually provides a conformation to a viable option which I thought probably existed going forward.

 

[SupressYourself]

There is a reason that I didn't source the barrel from him he seems to have gone away from the slow twist in his offering in the 22 bore.

He offers a 1-12 twist 224 cal in two different profiles on that page. The last barrel I got from him (about a year ago) was a 1-12 22-250 Tikka barrel nut.

 

[Widow maker 223]

I have a 16'' 1-9 .223 It shoots amazing with 40gr v max , 50's, 60's and the 53's

 

[Sgt_Mike]

He offers a 1-12 twist 224 cal in two different profiles on that page. The last barrel I got from him (about a year ago) was a 1-12 22-250 Tikka barrel nut.

not anymore I just checked his page this past week, and again today twice, now he does offer a 1-14" but the profile was slightly smaller that I would desire for paying for a barrel.
I did have him ear marked for a 1-12 Twist in .22 BR in lieu of the .22-250. But he recently dropped the 12 twist, I figure it's solely based on not selling enough barrels in that twist. Nothing negative to him, his skills, or decision to not offer the twist. ( I had thought of the .22-250 as my local smith has that reamer on hand, My choice would have been the 22 BR, sadly he (my local smith , not Brad) doesn't have that reamer). Enter the free barrel yeah... Like I said nothing against Brad.

I have a 16'' 1-9 .223 It shoots amazing with 40gr v max , 50's, 60's and the 53's

Ed couldn't remember the exact length of this one if 22 or 24" I'll find out soon enough. I slightly remember the barrel I "think it's a 22" light weight pencil profile. Hopefully enough meat on the muzzle for threading.