Range day.

Rifles:
Savage Axis .223 with Zeiss Conquest 3-9x40
RRA Lower with M1 Varmint Upper with Ior Valdada 6-24x50 (equipment malfunction, no rounds fired)

temperature: 95 degrees

Loads tested:
bullet: Hornady 52 grain BTHP
powder: IMR3031
grains: 22.0, 22.5, 23.0, 23.5, 24.0

range: 50 yards

group size:
22.0:  0.795x0.663 inches (3 shots)
22.5:  0.614x0.715 inches (4 shots)
23:0:  0.766x0.542 inches (4 shots)
23.5:  0.564x0.486 inches (3 shots)
24:0:  0.708x0.564 inches (4 shots)

23.5 had a smaller group because a ceasefire was called in the middle of it.

Was not using a bench rest, so definitely some shooter variability in the mix.  

Went on to test some 69 grain loads, but after the 2nd shot, the bolt froze with a round chambered but bolt not fully locked.  Removed scope so I could bang the bolt back open, called it a day with the axis.

Switched to the AR, and first attempted firing pin went click, and the bolt is still frozen solid in that one.  

Had planned on going down to 100 yards as well, but not today :-(

Looks like 23.5 grains of IMR3031 with a 52 grain BTHP is the sweet spot for the Savage.  It can probably do 1 MOA with that load if the shooter cooperates.  Not a tack driver, but not bad for a $325 rifle.

Shoot at 100 yards using 5-shot or 10-shot groups.  Then post results.