Plenty of hunters and informal goal shooters are curious about making an attempt out the 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge to see what all the trend is about. Others are searching for a light-recoiling gun to introduce a teenager to deer looking. The Savage Axis II XP won’t disappoint in both utility, and one of the best half is it gained’t break the financial institution to do it. Savage gives great worth on this rifle and scope bundle for round $500, and Savage rifles have at all times been identified for his or her accuracy.
Earlier than we get into the specifics of the rifle, let me share some fast historical past of the 6.5 Creedmoor. Hornady designed it in 2007 as a light-recoiling spherical with lengthy bullets and excessive ballistic coefficients to enchantment to precision shooters. It shortly confirmed its stuff by outpacing the venerable .308 in accuracy and wind resistance at prolonged ranges of 1,000 yards and past. That coupled with the lighter recoil has made it a profitable alternative for aggressive shooters.
I’ve been a fan of the .260 Remington cartridge for comparable causes acknowledged above, however manufacturing unit ammo choice was usually restricted as its reputation by no means actually took off. You have been nearly compelled to handload ammunition to shoot lengthy vary. With the success and adoption of the 6.5 Creedmoor, there may be now an unlimited array of manufacturing unit ammunition selections obtainable to the typical hunter. In case you’re not a handloader, the Creedmoor is certainly the higher alternative of those two calibers.
Gun Specs
The Axis II rifles supply a number of nice options, particularly contemplating the value level. In case you’re aware of the unique Axis, one of many first stuff you’ll discover is the inventory has been reshaped for improved ergonomics. The grip space is slim but comfy, with sufficient there to supply management, however not an excessive amount of for these with smaller palms.
There’s additionally a wholesome recoil pad on the butt with loads of flex for consolation, particularly when capturing the sunshine recoiling 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge. Up entrance are recessed grooves the place your fingers naturally come to relaxation, permitting the rifle to simply settle right into a secure maintain. Savage features a four-round detachable field journal, which makes it faster and simpler to load and unload the gun on the finish of a hunt.
AccuTrigger
The opposite main improve within the Axis II is a function most have come to anticipate in Savage rifles as of late – the AccuTrigger. This technique is definitely adjustable by the shooter, presents a light-weight, clear pull with no creep, and prevents the firearm from discharging if jarred or dropped. You may alter the pull weight from 2.5-6 kilos. I measured the set off pull weight on this rifle out of the field proper at 3½ kilos.
That’s all nice, however what makes a Savage a Savage is the eye to element within the barrel and receiver. Of those I’ve owned, I’ve at all times been impressed with their accuracy. There are a couple of key options associated to the barrel and receiver that decrease manufacturing prices whereas additionally enhancing accuracy.
Barrel & Receiver
First, the barrel is button-rifled for a constant bore diameter, and because it’s chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor, it includes a 1:8 twist charge or one full bullet rotation in 8 inches of barrel size. Subsequent, the barrel is mated to the receiver with thread-in head spacing. By threading Savage barrels into place with their particular person motion and bolt, Savage types a hand-fit, completely matched set that’s secured with a barrel locknut. This zero-tolerance method to headspace helps present the accuracy of customized rifles from manufacturing unit firearms.
Floating Bolt Head
Final is the floating bolt head design. When a whole bolt is one monolithic unit, issues should be sized and adjusted in order that the bolt lugs have interaction and lock completely with the barrel and making certain that the bolt face is strictly sq. to the cartridge base. That is frequent in customized rifles, but it surely enormously will increase the price. With the Axis II, the bolt head is separate and linked to the bolt physique by a rod with a little bit of play in it. And because the floating bolt head is designed to permit a couple of thousandths of an inch of motion, it could alter itself for an ideal match sometimes solely present in rifles with hand-lapped locking lugs. While you shut the bolt, the floating head facilities itself, leading to good lug engagement and a squared bolt face for elevated accuracy.
Bushnell Banner Scope
One of many massive advantages of the Axis II XP is that it comes out of the field with a 3x9x40 Bushnell Banner scope and Weaver-style rings mounted and able to go. I used to be actually impressed with the readability and low-light efficiency of the scope that rivals scopes costing lots of of {dollars} extra.
Additionally included is a CF500 BDC reticle that you should use with the Bushnell app to dial within the drop to your ammo at ranges out to round 500 yards. The Banner retails for $100 and is without doubt one of the key elements that make the worth a lot increased than the $500 value for the combo. With that stated, if you wish to change or improve the scope sooner or later will probably be simple as you should use normal rings.
The parents on the manufacturing unit boresight the scope when it’s mounted to have you ever on paper at 100 yards. After all, solely boresighting any gun is rarely “ok” to exit and hunt. Totally different ammo impacts at totally different factors, so make certain you sight in your ammo of alternative. The scope adjusts for windage and elevation in ¼ MOA per click on increments, so every click on will transfer the purpose of influence ¼-inch at 100 yards.
Vary Time
I took the Savage Axis II XP for a variety outing on a transparent, cool 55-degree day in December with just about no wind. For ammo testing, I fired three totally different manufacturing unit masses at 100 yards from a Bulls Bag X7 capturing relaxation and a rear pinch bag. I additionally fired three-shot teams, which I consider is a extra sensible take a look at for any such looking rifle as capturing quantity will probably be low. As well as, my buddy was capturing one other rifle, which allowed the Savage time to chill down after each three-shot group. In case you shoot a rifle like this too quick, it could warmth up the sporter barrel and trigger shot stringing and skew your group outcomes.
Federal Fusion
First, I examined the Federal Fusion 140-grain Comfortable Level looking ammo with a factory-rated velocity of two,725 fps. Sadly, this spherical didn’t carry out effectively on this rifle. It had the biggest group dimension by far at 3.6 inches, and is an instance of how ammo can shoot otherwise in a selected gun.
Hornady ELD-X
Subsequent up was the Hornady Precision Hunter ELD-X 143 grain with a factory-rated velocity of two,700 fps. It produced significantly better outcomes with 1-inch common teams, and I shortly determined to zero it to make use of as my main looking spherical. After a fast calculation and adjusting elevation, it produced one of the best group of the day at just below an inch. 1-MOA efficiency on this value class is spectacular and lives as much as Savage’s popularity for accuracy.
The ultimate load was the Sellier & Bellot 140-grain Full Steel Jacket Boat Tail with a factory-rated velocity of two,657 fps. I used to be searching for a comparatively cheap FMJ spherical for observe and goal capturing. It produced the second-best group at 1.3 inches, and I used to be pleasantly shocked that the purpose of influence was very near the Hornady Precision Hunter ELD-X.
After testing the hundreds at 100 yards, I shot the Hornady ELD-X and S&B masses at 200 yards and averaged 2-inch teams to extend my confidence for looking. Now I used to be prepared to check the spherical’s effectiveness on deer since Tennessee’s gun season was nonetheless open. On a chilly December morning solely a few weeks later, I used to be blessed to reap the great buck under. The bullet carried out exceptionally effectively, and the buck solely ran 30 yards earlier than expiring.
In case you’re searching for a ready-to-hunt bundle that’s nice to shoot and gained’t break the financial institution, the Savage Axis 2 XP is a wonderful alternative. It’s correct and has many options that you’ll admire. For extra data, go to savagearms.com or name (800) 370-0708.
Manufacturing facility Specs
The place To Purchase
Efficiency
Notes: Bullet weight measured in grains and accuracy in inches for averaging two three-shot teams at 100 yards.
This text initially appeared at ShootingSavvy.com and is reprinted right here with permission.
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