I'm thinking the 204 may be too limited.

[PaddyD]

Well, I've decided to change my 204R to a 223R. I have a new Criterion Savage prefit bull contour ordered for the LRPV. Reason being is that this rifle will only shoot 32 g bullets well. Actually it shoots the 32's exceptionally well, but I need to also be able to shoot the heavier 40's too.
So, enter the 223. The new tube will be a 26" 9 twist and be able to go from 45 up to 70 gn bullets. I've been loading for it the last 6 or 8 years now and tried just about every powder/ bullet combination out there, but with the 39 or 40 g bullets it just won't shoot under 1/2 MOA on a consistent basis. I just hope this new CBI barrel is a good one. I guess the beauty of this M12 is that if the 223 barrel won't shoot, I can always just screw the 204 back on.
Anyone here shooting Criterion barrels? Have they done well for you?

[Rick in Oregon]

Why not just call Savage CS and tell them you have a rifle that won't shoot the 40's. They have replaced barrels for issues far less problematic than yours. Going to a 223 from 204 is a few steps backwards. I shoot multiple rifles in both calibers and have for many years, so feel entitled to comment.

You bought the rifle in 204. Make them give you a rifle that shoots in 204; that's what you paid for.

[000shock]

I agree with rick. You bought the 204 because i assume it is the round you wanted. See if sav will make it right. If your going as far as swapping barrels, why not a new 204r barrel with a 1:11 twist if you want 40’s to group well? My howa shoots 40’s like crap, but my compass (1:10 twist) shoots them great.

[Bill K]

I say about the same, you ordered and bought a 204R to have one, so when you ordered this new barrel why not get it in 204R with a 1/11 twist and enjoy the 204R, rather than the 223R ? It would shoot 40's or the 39 Sierra BK great as most 1/11 do in the 20 cal . Bill K