Savage axis 2 xp

[u/tictac556]

Shot my savage axis 2 xp chambered in 6.5cm and I just have to say, I'm so damn impressed with this extremely budget rifle. My best 4 shot group was a banger, 2 shots in the same hole at 200 yards. I shoot 4 shot groups because my magazine holds 4. The rifle is a savage axis 2 xp 6.5 creedmoor Optic is a vortex diamondback tactical 4-16x44 FFP Ammunition is S&B 140 gr soft points The rifle is zeroed at 200 yards Primary use is coyote hunting

[u/tictac556]

I also live in southern Ontario, which is why 6.5cm was appealing to me. The main difference in the pro is it comes with a medium profile barrel that is threaded, it come cerakoted, it has a factory installed 1913 rail instead of the standard Weaver bases, it has a larger bolt handle and the stock has been redesigned and has a more modern grip angle and design. It also comes with the accutrigger.

[u/Bald_Cliff → u/tictac556]

Thanks.

I'm back and forth between 270, 6.5 and 308, but with my wife being a lefty, I now have to buy 2 of each of our hunting guns so cost is a big factor for me (plus we still saving for that first house) and also to not have to maintain two separate calibres per firearm.

The pro definitely seems worth it.

[u/tictac556 → u/Bald_Cliff]

Oh man I feel that! 270 is so damn expensive, .308 is great but not very useful in southern Ontario. I was iffy on 6.5, but im happy I made that choice. 6.5 can get expensive but I think i pay $35 per box of the cheap S&B 140 gr soft points, and they're obviously very accurate.

[u/Bald_Cliff → u/tictac556]

I'm curious (outside of the lack of game for harvest) why you hold 6.5 in the South over 308. As I understand it it's better at long range but I'm not really in a position to go over 200 yards based on the land I hunt.

Forgive me for the questions, trying to figure out my personal preference so hearing your philosophy would help.

[u/tictac556 → u/Bald_Cliff]

In southern Ontario you're only allowed to hunt with a rifle caliber no greater than .277. Lots of guys hunt down here with .270 win, .243 win and .223 rem. I was actually going to get a .223 but the savage has a 1-9 barrel twist rate and I would prefer 1-8 or 1-7 so 6.5cm was the next best option based of cost and accuracy.

[u/Bald_Cliff → u/tictac556]

I see, twist rate was not something I was even thinking about so thanks for putting that on my radar.

I never really expected to hunt with it down here, only if I were to go up north for a moose trip.

My deer down here will be with a 220, and I'm more a waterfowl guy than pretty much anything else.

You've given me much more to consider.

[u/tictac556 → u/Bald_Cliff]

220 works excellent on the whitetail with a quality sabot! In terms of 6.5 I'm pretty sure they're all 1-8 twist, and i think the .308 is 1-10. If you're going to just shoot targets and maybe a moose .308 will likely serve you better.

[u/Bald_Cliff → u/tictac556]

Thanks for your help!

[u/tictac556 → u/Bald_Cliff]

I'm happy to help, I hope it makes your decision easier.