|
Post by bigblue on Sept 6, 2007 9:21:27 GMT -6
I got to the range this morning to try the Berger handloads. I had cleaned the rifle after the last session, so I fired a few Fed. 150's to clear the bore of any oil. I then tried the 175gr. Berger's over 42.0 of Varget and three shots at 100 yards gave me a horizontal line measuring .85" center to center. Next I tried the 43.5gr. loads and this time a vertical single jagged hole measuring .40" center to center. The 45.0gr. loads proved to be the worst of the lot with a triangle shaped group measuring .94". I'm going to load nine more, three of each at 43.2gr., 43.5gr and 43.8gr. I do however believe I hit a sweet spot at 43.5gr. So far I only have about 25 rounds through this rifle so I believe it will only improve. I plan to try some 180gr Barnes TSX bullets once I get the bore well broken in. Don
|
|
|
Post by juliang on Sept 6, 2007 12:54:20 GMT -6
That is a very promising start. My Tikka 308 has managed .75 "with 165 SGK and 44gr Varget. Sounds like your 43.5 is just round the mark at .4". I spent a time thinking about Shilen barrels et al for my 308 but it's lightweight and accurate enough for deer in TN. I sure would like to get a good long range shooter like yours though. I now have another Savage which I got from Psycho. First thing I did was to order a new stock, those Savage synthetics aren't confidence inspiring at all. There are a whole load to choose from, going from $90 to $400. I'll let you know how my $120 one does.
|
|
|
Post by psycho on Sept 6, 2007 13:22:56 GMT -6
I had no problems out of the stock on that savage.. I know what you mean though... They are not made to fit the curves of the hand and body.. I had great accuracy out of that sucker though...
What stock did you go with?
I always thought of putting a choate druganov on it.. I like a few boyds as well
|
|
|
Post by juliang on Sept 6, 2007 13:42:43 GMT -6
Hi. I bought a Bell and Carlson DuraMaxx Stock . I haven't even shot it yet!! I wanted to beef up the stock and get one which had a real recoil pad and pilar bedding. I ordered the olive green with black spiderweb. I have instructions on the trigger and adjusted that down too. I was originally buying it for the action alone but... having just resigned my salaried position, I need to hold fire. I will have the stock by next week, change the scope and give it a go. I'll let you know how we did!! By the way, what are the rounds in the blue box? They look like handloaded Nosler Ballistic tips. No regrets about the rifle, Ibought it to be a project rifle. I'll be taking it hog hunting later in the year.
|
|
|
Post by bigblue on Sept 6, 2007 15:12:28 GMT -6
I've been drooling over the Tikka light in stainless steel for quite awhile. I came real close to buying one at Cabelas, but the idiot counterman changed my mind when he couldn't find the scope rings that were supposed to be included. Don
|
|
|
Post by juliang on Sept 6, 2007 15:47:18 GMT -6
Big Blue, look on the interent, gunbroker.com, and other online gunshops. I got my Tikka 308 light for $400. Brand new in box, granted it isn't stainless but.... I got my Tikka 223 varmint there too, $200 cheaper than I could round here. Sure you pay shipping, usually around the same as sales tax in TN and there is a transfer fee but... I have bought quite a few guns and scopes this way and the savings are huge. Go browse in Bass pro to check stuff out, but resist that burning feeling!! Then go buy the same thing off the internet and wait for a few days for it to arrive. You'll save a fortune!
|
|
|
Post by psycho on Sept 6, 2007 19:38:08 GMT -6
juliang, i really dont know what shells they are other than reloaded ballistic tips.. They were reloaded by Alabama ammo..
I can promise you, that barrel is very accurate.. I drove tacks with that gun as is.. Im sure once you get it to your feel, it will be awesome.
|
|
|
Post by bigblue on Sept 9, 2007 10:17:52 GMT -6
Here are some pics with the original stock. Don
|
|
|
Post by DocHolladay on Sept 9, 2007 12:03:55 GMT -6
I dont see a camo'd rifle at all in those pics. Looks great Don, cant wait to see the new stock on it.
|
|