r/canadaguns • u/Sawftswerve • Apr 09 '26

Buy recommendations Savage Axis XP- which caliber is ideal?

Post image

Hey folks, I am looking at getting the Savage axis to add to my collection.

They have multiple calibers available ranging from 223 (which was the one I’m leaning towards), .243, .270, and a .308.

I want a caliber that I can shoot often without breaking the bank, but still has punch and versatility.

Do you prefer any of these over the other? Is it worth the extra cost?

17 Upvotes

82% Upvoted

41 comments sorted by

View all comments

13

u/SmokeySamson Apr 09 '26

It depends on what you consider versatility. If you're just taking it to a range, .223 is perfect with its cheapest ammo cost compared to the other calibers. 270 and 308 are both solid cartridges and can do pretty much anything, with the 270 tending to have better velocity and 308 having access to heavier projectiles.

All that being said, there are very few agreements on what is an "ideal" caliber. Everything is going to have pros and cons. Queue to the people coming in with 300 Win Mag and 338 suggestions.

1

u/Sawftswerve Apr 09 '26

Would .223 be fine for medium game (for example whitetail) if I decide to go hunting with it down the road?

4

u/SmokeySamson Apr 09 '26 edited Apr 09 '26

I personally have a 308 for my hunting rifle. I've taken it to the range many times, and while ammo cost isn't as cheap as it used to be, you can still find boxes on sale for ~$40/20 rounds.

I hunt with someone who has successfully harvested a whitetail with a 223 but shot placement is everything (as it should be for any caliber). He now prefers his 270 as it gives him more options for projectiles.

Other noteworthy calibers are 6.5Creedmoor and 30-06. Both are widely available and tend to have reasonable cost for ammo. If you like the rifle you've picked out and you're only planning on owning one, then I'd lean towards the larger calibers.