30BR buildup

[Ross308]

I have an older single shot Savage 112 series J that I want to rebarrel to 30BR. Got some questions naturally. I guess the type of brass has nothing to do with the rebuild itself but is brass with the small rifle primer better than large rifle primer? I want to use it for VFS mainly but group shooting also. As for weight, would it be better in HV or LV? From what I've read it seems that recoil is a factor especially if free recoil is used. Could a LV be used at both ranges,100 and 200 yds, without being a real disadvantage? I've read that some prefer a twist of 1 in 17 over 1 in 18 and visa versa. I know I'll have a lot more questions. Also know I'm asking the right people.
Thanks for all input.
Dan R.

 

[Steve Blair]

Stan Ware has my Farley Black Widow action at his shop building a .30/6 BR switch barrel. The barrels are both Krieger HV; .30 is 17" twist and 6 is 13.5". Some folks like the 18" and 14", respectively, but I think the tighter twist gives more flexibility and a little better safety margin. I chose 24" long for both as I am targeting 13.5 pounds. The rifle will have a Robertson stock.

Lapua 6BR brass is the best choice for .30 BR. Small primers work well up to a certain powder capacity. When testing Lapua's new Palma brass in .308, I had several >200 fps dropouts with CCI BR4 primers and fixed it with CCI 450s. At the case capacity of either the 6 or .30 BR, SR primers offer a real advantage for consistency.

A light varmint weight barrel would work just fine at any distance within the cartridge and barrel's capability.

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

In IBS VFS, the only reason to build a LV is to chase records. LV and HV are shot and scored against one another as a single class. Only records are kept seperate for LV and HV. So why build a LV only to compete against HVs? As for group, the two classes are seperate and A LV will be legal for both bot not vice versa. The extra 3lbs. is an advantage with the 30's--Mike Ezell

 

[Ross308]

Mike-Steve,
Thanks a lot for the quick response. I think you're both kind of favoring the HV for the 30BR and it does seem to be the way to go. I'm going to have Sharp Shooter Supply do the work if I can get it set up with them.
One more question. It used to be, when I was still shooting, bench rest shooters wanted all the weight they could in the barrel itself. Is it legal to shoot one barreled action and make the additional wt. of a HV up in the stock?
Thanks again.
Dan R.

 

[skeetlee]

If your new to benchrest and the 30BR HV is the way to go. The recoil can be a bit hard to steer with a 10.5 gun. Some fellas do really well with them though. Doc Ed, that post on here from time to time does extreamly well with his 10 pound 30cal rifle! Lee

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

Mike-Steve,
Thanks a lot for the quick response. I think you're both kind of favoring the HV for the 30BR and it does seem to be the way to go. I'm going to have Sharp Shooter Supply do the work if I can get it set up with them.
One more question. It used to be, when I was still shooting, bench rest shooters wanted all the weight they could in the barrel itself. Is it legal to shoot one barreled action and make the additional wt. of a HV up in the stock?
Thanks again.
Dan R.

IMO you want to put the extra weight where the gun balances well. That's easier said than done with a lot variables as to where it's CoG should be in relation to stock and range design, as well as loads and shooting style. Free recoil doesn't work well for most 30 cal. shooters--Mike Ezell

 

[Ross308]

Mike-Lee,
Thanks for the follow up on questions asked. I shot a 7 Rem. Mag. on egg shoots quite a few years ago and started flinching. Really hard to get rid of. Makes me kind of wonder if free recoil is the only way to go. But I'm taking your advice and going HV for the firsts one. Maybe later on the LV. Thanks again for all the help.
Dan R.

 

[I_shoot_for_fun]

Not to bad mouth Sharp Shooter Supply, but I'd think long and hard about that before committing. There have been a number of threads about their poor scheduling and late shipping of numerous builds over the last 1 1/2 to 2 years or so over on the the savage shooters sight. Most of the threads have been removed so they don't remain on the board for everyone to see. They are a sponsor and I understand the thinking behind removing those threads; I just don't agree with or like the removal. But its their site, their rules. Fine, no problem. There are other 'smiths such as Kevin Rayhill that rework Savages. Make sure you do your research before you commit.

 

[tiny68]

Two sides to every coin: Fred (SSS) does excellent work at a very reasonable price. Yes, their wait list to have an action T&T has exceeded 1 year at times. Fred has T&T four actions for me. If I every get another Savage, it will go to Fred too. Small shop. SSS does T&T in batches. They may not do them by once every 3-4 months (just a guess me). I do know that once Lisa calls or emails and you send in your action, it has never taken me more than 2 months to get an action back. The two Rem700 I had tricked out by big name gunsmiths each had my rifles for more than a year. I knew that coming in. I can't say anything about Kevin's work, never had anything done by him. I can speak for the quality of SSS services. That's is why I keep coming back.

My 30BR is based on a Target action that has been T&T by Fred with the Evolution trigger. Several BR long timers have cycled the action and tell me it is as smooth as their Pandas, Farleys, Bats, and other custom BR actions. I couldn't ask for anything better. The trigger is not quite a Jewel quality, but it dang close.

Luck in your 30BR build. Go to a match that is shooting score. Ask questions. BR guys are good folk. They will help you with the procedure on making your brass. Tim

 

[skeetlee]

I have a close friend that has had a hard time dealing with SSS. No personal experience myself. I do know his work is good though and i guess thats what you pay for. As long as it is right!
I sure would like to feel a savage action that felt like my BAT actions. If i did i may buy one myself, but i dont see that happening anytime soon! I sure have been beat by a fair share of savage rifle though!! Must be something there!! Lee