The Best Savage 10ML-II Loads
From the left: Hornady 250 grain .452 XTP, Barnes 225 grain .451 "XPB" #45120, Parker 275 grain .450 Ballistic Extreme, Barnes 290 grain T-EZ, Barnes Original #457010 Semi-Spitzer FB .458 300 grain, Parker 300 grain .451 Match Hunter. The flattest shooter is the Parker MH, shown all the way to the right, followed by the Barnes Original shown second from the right.
This would be, of course, just a matter of opinion based on hunting and shooting with seven or so examples of the Savage 10ML-II over the last decade. For what Savage Arms recommends and allows, that begins and ends with what they publish in the 10ML-II owner's manual. I'll begin with the best loads, ballistically, though the load that suits you is going to be a matter of your own hunting style and personal preferences.
PARKER MATCH HUNTER 300 GRAIN
Above are representative external ballistics from the Savage 10ML-II using the Parker 300 grain Match Hunter out to 350 yards. You'll need to confirm point of impact in your own rifle at the ranges you want to hunt at, of course. With a 200 yard zero, it is center of the body hold to about 235 yards . . . and go pick him up. This load has more retained velocity at 300 yards, with a 300 grain bullet, than a .44 RemMag with a 240 grain bullet, out of a rifle, has at the muzzle.
The Parker Match Hunter 300 grain is a .451 diameter bullet, used exclusively with the MMP short black sabot. With its dramatic, pronounced nose, it requires the proper .45 / 50 Spinjag to seat it. The Spinjag used for the Parker MH works with most all other .45 bullets as well, so it is the only jag you'll need.
My primer of choice is the Federal 209A. The two most consistent propellants are Vihtavuori N120 (not N110!) and Alliant Reloder 7. Loaded to 2250 – 2350 fps, that is my personal comfort level with the 10ML-II. Something I enjoy practicing with off the bench without getting beat-up or having to use a scope-destroying Lead Sled that invariably changes point of impact as well. I've not talked much about the Parker Match Hunter until this year. My excuse is that until this year, it didn't exist.
BARNES ORIGINAL SEMI-SPITZER FLAT BASE 300 GRAIN .458 #457010
Used exclusively with the Orange MMP .458 / 50 sabot, this supremely tough (.032 in. jacket) and accurate bullet has taken everything from boar, pronghorn, to black bear for me. Again, N120 or Reloder 7 have been the most consistent propellants.
HORNADY #4500 300 grain HP .458 (Sectional Density .204, B.C. .197)
This .458 diameter bullet is economical (nineteen dollars per box of fifty) and supremely accurate, though not as flat-shooting as the Parker or the Barnes. It uses the same Orange 458 / 50 MMP sabot as the Barnes Original. For this bullet, I prefer Accurate 5744, the easiest “Savage” propellant to ignite. 40 – 44 grains is the window, netting you a pleasant but formidable 2000 fps or so muzzle velocity. This soft-shooting load is center of the body hold to about 185 yards, as shown above with a six inch kill zone, then just go pick him up.
Accurate 5744 is also the ideal propellant for low recoil, reduced powder charges as well. 35-36 grains works beautifully and is ideal for younger or recoil sensitive shooters. It turns the 10ML-II into a real cream-puff, shooting more like a .243 Winchester than anything else.
© Copyright 2003-2011 by Randy Wakeman. All Rights Reserved.
Please Note: Randy Wakeman, his agents, heirs and assigns, hereby disclaims all possible liability for damages including, actual, incidental and consequential, resulting from usage of the information or advice contained in these articles. Use the data and advice at your own risk, and with extreme caution.
