I bought one of the Savage Axis rifles a few years back, when they first came in. It was VERY inexpensive - under $400.00 iirc and in .25/06. With every load I put through it, it shot 1/2" to 5/8" from 75gr. Hp's to 115gr. Noslers P's. including a box of factory 117gr. Nosler P's. (might have had the weights backwards) This happened, even with the horrific trigger, right from the get-go with old /06 brass necked down.
You are spot-on, Ripp - these modern made guns are amazingly accurate.

I well remember the days where a 1 1/2" group with factory ammo was good accuracy.

My Browning A-bolt makes cloverleafs with factory 180gr.Bonded WW and RP Corelokt 180's. one of these days I might bed it, or not.