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

Buy recommendations Savage Axis XP- which caliber is ideal?

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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?

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u/preferablyoutside Apr 09 '26

Unlike the majority of guys on here I actually own one, and have shot three others, they shoot well and are an excellent rifle. Good trigger, excellent stock design, garbage scope, I’d suggest budgeting for a replacement optic and put a good quality MDT rail on it. When you get it clean it well with hoppes No.9 and oil with Lucas CLP, I suspect most problems guys have with them is that they’re trying to run them drier than their prom dates.

For caliber .223 is an excellent range round and a decent hunting choice depending on area and legality. Most of the guys on here are more collectors, LARPers or foot fetishists going off the average post so take their opinions with a grain of salt. I reside in Alberta and used that exact rifle in 22-250 as my primary hunting rifle this year, shooting a good quality 55gr Norma Oryx I was able to accomplish killing a whitetail, and a cow elk, as well as numerous coyotes. Contrary to advice on this post not one of the rounds bounced off. If you use .223 as a target choice and shoot consistently with it, your practice will pay off and show dividends on your hunting success. I know this will flabbergast many but practice does indeed make perfect.

Good Luck, and it’s an excellent choice.

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u/paidjannie Apr 09 '26

Yeah same, I have one, not my favourite rifle in my safe but it's excellent value for money. Works great and haven't had any issues at all.

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u/Snipez9999 Apr 09 '26

I would argue that 22-250 is far different than .223 and if there just starting out in the hunting world a .308 has more benefits for longer ethical kills while still maintaining cheaper ammo prices with a variety of different hunting and target ammo available without needing to reload

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u/preferablyoutside Apr 09 '26

At $12.50/box for PMC Bronze .223 vs $30ish on .308 I’d respectfully disagree on the cheap ammo side of .308.

If OP is relatively new to firearms shooting a .223 is going to help them develop good shooting fundamentals while still being capable as a hunting round.

I agree with the 22-250 to .223 being a different calibre proposition on game, I was more referencing my lived experience with that rifle. I would have felt as confident with a .223 in all the hunting situations I was in last year, especially as Norma loads that exact 55gr Oryx in their .223 line. Excellent cartridge.