Howdy,

I came into a stunning, 99% example of a Savage Anschutz M-153 in .222.

Placing it on the benchrest in two previous sessions, I cannot get the rifle to break one inch at 100 yards off of my bench rest. So far, all 10 groups have fallen between 1 1/4 and 2 inches, averaging around 1 5/8 inches.

Bullets used so far have all been 50 to 52 grainers.

This is one really sweet and good looking rifle with a wonderful trigger.

Should I expect better groups?

Secondly, does anyone have better experience with this rifle and bullets lighter than 50 or heavier than 52 grains?

Many thanks to all. "Bo"

I think it is reasonable to expect better. You don't say what bullets or loads you are using. The 222 rem is not "magic". It just responds very well to decent handloads. I have always used 50 and 52/53 grain match (or Berger) bullets.
Peter.

Peter,

THANKS for the response. All loads were reduced 10% off of "max" with H322, H335, RE-7, and IMR-4198.

Bullets were various Sierra, Hornady, and Speer offerings in 50 and 52 grains. Have not ventured lighter or heavier yet.

My bench rest is hand built, I use a firm Caldwell steel rest with sandbags fore and aft, and with other rifles like .22 Hornet, .221, .223, .243, .257, etc., I have had sub half inch groups before, at least with all the .22 calibers. I feel like this particular rifle has just not found its best bullets yet, but the various loadings are all producing 5 shot groups ranging as described above, - - - - not bad, but not great !

I feel like this rifle should at least break an inch with my set up and various loads. Has not come close, yet.

Right now you have too many variables. Reduce them by selecting a premium bullet eg. Sierra 52 grain match or (preferably) 52 grain Bergers. That eliminates the bullet. Then prepare cases and also, of course, look at the rifle and scope (mounts, bedding etc.)
Peter.

Clean it. I mean really clean it. roger

Clean the barrel really well then try 40-45gr bullets.. I had 1 & it wanted lighter bullkets. hope this helps.

Good point gentlemen (about the cleaning). I had forgotten that he bought it used. Same for checking receiver bolts etc etc.
Peter,

quote:

Originally posted by tom ga hunter:
Clean the barrel really well then try 40-45gr bullets.. I had 1 & it wanted lighter bullkets. hope this helps.

Thanks, Tom and Peter. This is what I really needed to hear.

This gun is as almost new as one can get in spite of being over 40 years old. But, you are right, it may have some old hardened residue in the barrel which my normal cleanings did not get.

Will now scour that barrel and concentrate on 40-45 grainers on my next session. I have plenty loaded up in different styles, brands, and several powder choices. With do my usual 5 shot groups with each variation and record the results. I have recorded my groups and loads for all rifles on computer for the last 5 years and am beginning to narrow down the best bullet choices for each individual rifle.

THANKS again, and y'all have a great weekend.

"Bo"

While your cleaning it as has been suggested above, pull it out of the stock and look at the contact between the action and stock and or the barrel and stock. It could have warped a little in 40 years and you might have pressure being exerted where it should not be, like on one side of the barrel. Again make sure the scope mounts are tight etc. A lot can happen in 40 years of just sitting around. DW

THANKS DW:

After the barrel scrubbing, will take the action out and inspect for barrel contact. I mounted the scope recently but will also check the mounts again.

Take care, "Bo"

quote:

Originally posted by Peter:

Sierra 52 grain match or (preferably) 52 grain Bergers. That eliminates the bullet.Peter.

Not necessarily, I tried premium bullets in my .223Rem., but so far, cheap old soft point bulk Hornady go the best. Depends on the barrel and the load. Anyway, a good hobby can be trying a different load at each range session.

You did not mention the twist rate. Just a thought, my Anschutz 1431/32 has a 1 in 16 twist and with that it seems to shoot best with 60gr Hornady SPs. Those seat the full length of the neck to fit the magazine and I place a wad over the powder to 'substitute for crimping'.
(The wad is inserted before neck sizing which in my case is minimal - just enough to slide the bullet in without gripping it. Then I use wax to 'glue' the bullet in).

I have several Anschutz's,and all of them are crazy accurate.

I'd be willing to bet that your 222 has a lot of copper fouling in the barrel.Give it a good cleaning and then see how it shoots.

303Guy,
All Anschutz 22 Hornets have a 1-16 twist.The 222s have a 1-14 twist.

WB.