Pulling a savage out of retirement

[cobalt]

Hello, I've got a savage Hog Hunter in 308 that I want to repurpose into a reasonable long range rifle. The savage action and bull(ish) barrel should be up to some reasonable 300-600yd work - even if not Olympian class shooting. I'm talking reliable torso hits at 600m. Not left nostril vs right nostril.

First step was to ditch the irons and put some glass on her. Seen here is a 10x42 super sniper mounted with a Blackhawk rail and SWFA SS Rings. I've also got a set of Tulley rings I'd like to try so as to lower the scope. Access to loading is not great but not terrible.

Tonight I sighted in (roughly) and shot some groups with Privi and ZQI M80. They were similar and both showed inconsistency. Privi failed to fire 1 or 2 out of 20 rounds. Sometimes a second strike would fire it off. But not always.

Here's my 100yd groups:

And here are the primer strikes on ZQI (green) and Privi (red). Center failed to fire even after multiple restrikes.

Any advice on the fail to fire? Do the strikes look light to you? The don't look very different from fired brass to my eye but maybe they are all light?

I've got a Bell and Carlson Medalist coming to replace Mr Noodle (the current factory stock). That should be here next week. Hoping that will take out some inconsistency and make it worth putting some good ammo through the bore.

I'll update this thread as I make improvements. (Many will be my own technique I'm sure).

 

[mac1911]

I sold my only 308 years ago and never had any decent groups with anything that resemble 762 NATO ammunition.
I sold my 308 before I started reloading. The best my ruger rifle did was about 2moa with Federal Gold Medal Match

 

[mac1911]

I sold my only 308 years ago and never had any decent groups with anything that resemble 762 NATO ammunition.
I sold my 308 before I started reloading. The best my ruger rifle did was about 2moa with Federal Gold Medal Match

Right now your running 3 MOA ish that's minute of torso out to 600?

 

[frenchman]

Right now your running 3 MOA ish that's minute of torso out to 600?

better be a bigass torso.

 

[cobalt]

better be a bigass torso.

LOL! I thought the same thing!

 

[Mountain]

Some of those look like light strikes. Bolt disassembly & clean, maybe a new spring.

Are you using a rear bag? A solid sandbag under the buttstock would help.

Try some match ammo just to see what your rifle will do. I'm sure if you developed a hand load that it 'likes' you could be ~1.5" or better for group size.

Timney trigger will help as well.

Also, there are slip-on or lace-on cheek rests that will get your line of sight up there with the scope.

Good luck- it's fun taking an average rifle and working out the bugs to maximize accuracy.

 

[knfmn]

better be a bigass torso.

Hopefully the "enemy" will weigh 400 pounds.

Some of those look like light strikes. Bolt disassembly & clean, maybe a new spring.

Are you using a rear bag? A solid sandbag under the buttstock would help.

Try some match ammo just to see what your rifle will do. I'm sure if you developed a hand load that it 'likes' you could be ~1.5" or better for group size.

Timney trigger will help as well.

Also, there are slip-on or lace-on cheek rests that will get your line of sight up there with the scope.

Good luck- it's fun taking an average rifle and working out the bugs to maximize accuracy.

This is all good advice^^

Get some match ammo and set up a very solid rest. Take as much of the human factor out of it as possible. If you've got the accutrigger, which it looks like you do, that helps a lot. Cheek rest will help, too. I actually really like the reproductions of the sniper cheek rests for the Garands. Link They are a lot firmer than some of the ones out there made of foam and help make it easier to repeat your position, IMO.

 

[mac1911]

better be a bigass torso.

Come on its only 18" group @ 600 yards....that's 9 ring the MR1 target.... the black bull at 600 is 36"!
18" is not all that big for torso.... break out the tape measure.
Arm pit to arm I'm 16" and from neck to waste I'm 18"? I weigh 185#

 

[cobalt]

Good tips! Thanks!

How do you guys feel about the Kydex cheek rests?

I definitely need something as I'm floating above the stock now, just barely touching it. I was waiting to seen how the new stock is before deciding what to buy.

I also want a shorter bipod. The cheap one on there is 9-12" and that's really too high, but it was kicking around in a closet.

 

[whatluck]

That stock probably bends too much for a bipod when you load it up, try shooting off bags instead. Also you def need a good cheek weld.

 

[mac1911]

I like a solid cheak weld plus I must have a short cheak to eye distance. I always need a rise of some sort. I have a reproduction M1 sniper pad it's ok.
I have installed a few adjustable combs also.

 

[cobalt]

That stock probably bends too much for a bipod when you load it up, try shooting off bags instead. Also you def need a good cheek weld.

That's why I called it Mr Noodle! Bell and Carlson should be waiting for me when I arrive home from my business trip tomorrow night.

 

[cobalt]

New stock installed. I already love this thing. So solid. Actions feel like it locked right in.

Tulley rings installed. Access to loading is improved, but not a ton as the scope is now lower. I can definitely get a better weld with the stock/ring combo, but I do need to get a pad.

Pics and range report before the weekend is out.

 

[mac1911]

New stock installed. I already love this thing. So solid. Actions feel like it locked right in.

Tulley rings installed. Access to loading is improved, but not a ton as the scope is now lower. I can definitely get a better weld with the stock/ring combo, but I do need to get a pad.

Pics and range report before the weekend is out.

Whoohoo !

 

[cobalt]

Alright, I've got her resighted with the new rings and stock. Daughter was with me so I felt a little rushed (a little boring for her spending much of the time with me sighting).

But overall I'm happy. Groups closed up some with the stock and more with the Federal Match ammo:

 

[cobalt]

Notes: the bipod has to go. It's too high and not a consistent base. Need a bag for the rear.

Also, I Ordered a check rest. Weld is much better but I'd like something to index against. Still doesn't feel natural. When it's not blazing sun I'll go back and shoot some prone also. The bench is an awkward height.

 

[mac1911]

Notes: the bipod has to go. It's too high and not a consistent base. Need a bag for the rear.

Also, I Ordered a check rest. Weld is much better but I'd like something to index against. Still doesn't feel natural. When it's not blazing sun I'll go back and shoot some prone also. The bench is an awkward height.

Very nice .... I love a solid full weight cheak weld. If it was legal in cmp matches all my rifles would have adjustable combs on them.

Shooting from the bench is not always fun unless you have a decent rest. Recoil also beats you up a little more sitting at the bench.

Don't know if there is enough material on that stock comb to install your own adjustable kit or if they make one with adjustable comb?

Anything with a scope I need adjustable comb or a riser of some sort.



I even have just taped a piece of PCV pipe split in half to get some height. I also have a inexpensive slip on one that's ok that has a few different height inserts. Not my favorite but for 30$ it works.

https://www.amazon.com/Comb-Raising-Kit-Loops-Model/dp/B01F6C9GMY

 

[cobalt]

My plan for the evening (before the thunder started) was to head back to the range, really nail the zero from prone and then stretch out to 300yds. I've got a shooting mat from having shot some appleseeds in the past.

You can buy this stock with an integrated check riser but it is much more expensive.

I was considering a cheek riser like this:
https://www.amazon.com/Adjustable-C...F8&qid=1471040348&sr=1-2&keywords=cheek+riser

But went with this instead because I like the idea of having some storage on the rifle for some kit like tools, bore snake, basic DOPE, etc:
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TRAX3YE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[mac1911]

My plan for the evening (before the thunder started) was to head back to the range, really nail the zero from prone and then stretch out to 300yds. I've got a shooting mat from having shot some appleseeds in the past.

You can buy this stock with an integrated check riser but it is much more expensive.

I was considering a cheek riser like this:
https://www.amazon.com/Adjustable-C...F8&qid=1471040348&sr=1-2&keywords=cheek+riser

But went with this instead because I like the idea of having some storage on the rifle for some kit like tools, bore snake, basic DOPE, etc:
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TRAX3YE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Will the second one give you enough added height? Looks more like a thin pad.
If the bell and carlson stock is solid it might be possible to cut the comb and install adjustable comb kit.

 

[cobalt]

I think it will be ok. It does come with spacers (most of that style don't seem to). I was very close hight wise since the B&C is high anyway. And I can put a little foam under it if needed.

I hadn't thought of modding the stock as you are suggesting. It is fiberglass, so I dont think thag would work.

 

[mac1911]

if it's solid it can be done. I also filled a hollow stock with epoxy and fit a kit to it.

It's all in what you want to do.
Having a left to right adjustment is nice also.

I have never been 100% happy with any stock fit and always modified guns to work even if it was just tape built up.

 

[KMM696]

Regarding the light strikes/misfires, the Savage 10/110 firing pin is adjustable for protrusion - might be worth checking.

http://www.savageshooters.com/content.php?143-Firing-Pin-Protrusion-Data

Lots more information on their forum on chasing Savage accuracy, too.

I made an adjustable Kydex cheek rest, which works great. Like the one you picked, too, but I suspect I'd be adding foam underneath. Let us know when you get it how it works out, as that is not a bad price.

 

[cobalt]

Regarding the light strikes/misfires, the Savage 10/110 firing pin is adjustable for protrusion - might be worth checking.

http://www.savageshooters.com/content.php?143-Firing-Pin-Protrusion-Data

Lots more information on their forum on chasing Savage accuracy, too.

I made an adjustable Kydex cheek rest, which works great. Like the one you picked, too, but I suspect I'd be adding foam underneath. Let us know when you get it how it works out, as that is not a bad price.

Thanks! After reading the link, I suspect these are genuinely duds. The primers seem to be indented consistently and about as much as the post suggests would be the max.

 

[cobalt]

Spent a little time in the dirt today shooting prone. Still no sock. Cheek rest installed but too high need to back it off a touch still. I had a hard time maintaining sight picture and was twisting my neck to get low enough now. May 1/4 inch down will be right.

Some respectable groups with Federal Match 168gr. One just at 1moa (all groups are 5 shot):

Next best:

Horniday AMAX match didn't look great but maybe that was me:

A sock for the rear will come next.

 

[cobalt]

I made some adjustments on my cheek riser and I'm pretty happy now. I removed the spacers and that set me at just the right hight. But still getting the weld in the right position fore and aft. So, I took advantage of the pliable rest and installed the Velcro spacers vertically so there is a feature to index my cheek against. This gave me consistent welds and good sight picture every time. That should really help.

Btw, here are a few pics it installed. I like having a small pouch right there. I might add one to my AR with an A2 stock also.

 

[mac1911]

nice.... its good when you can et a nice head plant. I need a A1 length stock on my AR to get that nice drop into place distance.

FWIW Carlson stocks emailed me back about installing adjustable comb on your stock....there response below

Our stocks are made from a 2 part urethane skin filled with a 2 part urethane foam. It could be done but you would need to install something to "anchor" it to.

which was what the other stock i had i did to. just back filled the stock with a hard expoxy.....if you ever want to go that route?

 

[cobalt]

Thanks for asking! I'm liking what is on there now.

Not a mod, but I did get a sand bag for the rifle butt. Can't wait to take that to the range. So solid and easy to adjust. No heartbeat signature movement. Excited to see what it will do! I'm considering ditching the bipod and going for just resting the rifle on my pack. It's not easy to load the bipod consistently every shot.

 

[mac1911]

Thanks for asking! I'm liking what is on there now.

Not a mod, but I did get a sand bag for the rifle butt. Can't wait to take that to the range. So solid and easy to adjust. No heartbeat signature movement. Excited to see what it will do! I'm considering ditching the bipod and going for just resting the rifle on my pack. It's not easy to load the bipod consistently every shot.

Yes decent bags front and rear are good prone. I actually use a front bag to support my arm when zeroing my AR or Garand for service rifle matches. I also tried shooting my scoped AR and my 1903a4 using my service rifle sling works very well...

I do use a Harris bipod also and I don't think much of it other than sometimes the rifle will pivot left or right.... when I don't want it to!

 

[cobalt]

So far I'm really liking this rifle. It's MOA accurate with Federal Match. Super comfortable to shoot prone. I'm nailing 8" steel disk at 1000' without breaking a sweat. (No wind)

I need a longer range! This is addictive!

I like the SS scope, though 10x is too much at the ranges I'm shooting. Adjustment is easy and reliable so far.

 

[mac1911]

So far I'm really liking this rifle. It's MOA accurate with Federal Match. Super comfortable to shoot prone. I'm nailing 8" steel disk at 1000' without breaking a sweat. (No wind)

I need a longer range! This is addictive!

I like the SS scope, though 10x is too much at the ranges I'm shooting. Adjustment is easy and reliable so far.

Nice.... not sure where you are but there is a 600 yard prone match at reading rifle this weekend Sat 3
Starts at 9am....I'm going to run my AR and see how she does.