How to turn a Sow's Ear into a Silk Purse-Savage Axis

Beautiful stock, I would've went with the thumbhole if I weren't a lefty shooter that shoots right-handed rifles. That causes a righty thumbhole not to work out so well for me.

I've also heard about the bolt release clearance issues on the first run of stocks but supposedly the second production run has a couple minor bugs such as that worked out. My stock is of the second run which started shipping Dec. 12th, if my source knew what they were talking about.
 
I wish you the best with your new stock and rifle. My rifle has become a favorite but I'm on to the next challenge. I've just acquired a Springfield US Model 1873 in need of some TLC.
 
Well I've finally got around to shooting the first few rounds I loaded for the Axis. It's a windy day here in NC, but it's 47 degress so I can shoot without shivering unlike most days here lately. So I loaded up ten rounds and went out to the picnic table in the yard. I can only shoot 100 yards here at the house, so for more testing I'll have to go to the local range which is 300 yards. I fired the first three rounds to foul the clean barrel, giving me about a 3/4" group. I then shot two three-shot groups which are pictured below. I was shooting off bags. For my first wild guess at a load for this rifle, I'm pretty pleased :) I really don't think I can shoot any better than that. But I bet the rifle can, especially on a calmer day with a better rest. We'll see

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Please excuse my home-made targets, I make my own targets for when I'm doing load workups, it can get sorta expensive otherwise IMO. I save the good targets for going to the range.
 
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Looks good Steve, and I am glad you were finally able to test it out.

Back in the other thread we had going about redoing the Axis now that triggers and stocks are available there were some impressive rifles, and this confirms it. Your load is incredibly similar to the load my 223 Axis likes (mine is 25.4 gr Varget with PMC Brass, but the COL, bullet choice, and primer are all the same).

I am so happy with mine, I actually have a 308 on the way along with another Boyds' stock to put on it.
 
I may tweak my load a little, but not until I take this load to the range on a calm day and shoot several more groups off a lead sled. I want to see its full potential. I may end up getting a Timney trigger eventually too. I think the stock trigger, although modified, is still handicapping the rifle a little. A better scope may be in order as well. It has a Center-point from Walmart on it for now.
 
Congrats Steve, Dont you just love it when a plan comes together. I was wondering if you would know what the twist is on your barrel? I have a Tikka with a 1/10 twist that shoots awesome with 50 to 55 gr bullets but I just dont know if it would handle the heavier bullets. What are your or anyone else's thoughts?
 
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My Axis is advertised to be a 1/9" twist, but I've checked it over and over and it measures 1/9.5" every time. The 69 gr Sierra Matchkings I'm using are supposed to stabilize in barrels with a 1/10" twist or faster, so I'd say they will shoot good in your Tikka. I doubt anything much heavier/longer than that will stabilize though.
 
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