Savage Axis barrel replacement

[jmscon]

So, I have a Savage Axis in 30.06 that I won a few years back at the Puyallup sportsmans show in a raffle. I have been toying with the idea of putting a new heavier barrel on it. The current barrel consistently has fouling problems and shoots up and to the right in a three shot group. Grouping is typically 2" in a three shot group and I can't go through a 20 round box without the grouping opening up to 6" because of fouling.

I have been looking at Criterion barrels and just found Pac-Nor barrels. Any suggestions for a barrel? I figure I have $5 into this rifle so spending a little money on a barrel and a new stock will make it equivalent to a much higher priced rifle.

Using it for hunting big game only but I want to extend my comfort zone.

Any input is much appreciated!

[jay.sharkbait]

Criterion over PAC-Nor, but only by a little.

[CaNINE]

Many barrel manufacturers make Savage Pre-Fits that will work on the Axis.  My personal prefits are made by Benchmark but Shilen, Criterion and others can meet your needs.  Many shooters are using X-caliber barrels out of Montana.  They seem to have an excellent reputation and at an attractive price.   

There are many videos on youtube that will get you pointed in the right direction on how to perform a barrel swap.

[Reidus]

I got a x-caliber pre-fit on a savage. Haven't shot it a lot but first reloads i tried with it put 4 shots in a 1/2" at 100yds. Great barrel for the price. I got one on order for my tikka 300wsm.

[jmscon]

Thanks, I'm going to check out x-caliber!

[Reidus]

I wish i would have bought a bunch of them when they were $200 for a contoured blank.

[jmscon]

Ok, another question. What are the advantages or disadvantages of faster or slower twist rates? Most common I've seen for 30.06 are 1:10 but 1:6 through 1:12 are available.

[Jonathan_S]

Question...did you ever go through a break in with this rifle?

[jmscon]

Question...did you ever go through a break in with this rifle?

Yes, 100 rounds. Followed Savage's recommended process, shoot five then clean, shoot five then clean, shoot ten then clean. I don't think that was exactly it but I followed what Savage had on their website at the time. Had some pretty nice bruises after that range session! I have read that this the fouling and barrel heating is common with the axis.

[Reidus]

Ok, another question. What are the advantages or disadvantages of faster or slower twist rates? Most common I've seen for 30.06 are 1:10 but 1:6 through 1:12 are available.

Different twist rates work better with different weight bullets. Figure out what bullet you want to shoot then determine the best twist rate for that bullet.  I'd probably set it up for the heaviest bullet you might shoot. With a slow twist heavy bullets may not stabilize (200gr with 1-12). With fast twist light bullets may be over spun but light bullets can shoot well in a fast twist.

If you go with a 1-10 i think you'll be fine with 150 up to  200 gr bullets.