338 lapua freebore

[Never Forget]

So after reading many positive reviews on the Savage FCP in 338 Lapua of people achieving MOA accuracy with factory ammo and ½ MOA with handloads I decided to buy one and give it a whirl. I had my smith bed the action before even firing it and gave it the proper break in process. Long story short this POS is a 2 MOA gun on a good day with all handloads. I’ve tried 300 grain Bergers, sierra, and 225 Hornady SST. Sadly the Hornady did the best. Retumbo, H4831, and H1000 for powders. Nothing makes it better. All groups shot at 200 yards, 4" and worse. I did manage 1 2" group but was not able to get that load to repeat again.

Alright rant over. So I’ve thrown in the towel, it’s getting a Kreiger barrel and some trueing. Savage did offer for me to send it in for a look but I want more than what they can offer. I still want to shoot 300 grain Bergers, what freebore is recommended for these? I’ve tried contacting PTG but no one is ever available or returns a voicemail. I prefer to shoot mag length but single loading is an option if the sweet spot requires it.

Thanks, John

 

[germanlongbow]

I wouldn't lose hope yet. My buddy has had a savage 338 since they first became available. I had a Dakota Longbow. Both rifles loved RL 22 with Sierra 300 gr matchkings. I tried the 300 bergers in mine and could never get them to shoot under 2 MOA either. Try the 300 Sierra's. Both the above rifles are capable of 1/4 moa at 100 yards. We shot ours consistently at 1000 yards back in 2003. That being said I've sold mine and rebuilt a 338 AI. This rifle will shoot the 300 bergers with RL 33 well, but tack drives with cutting edge 277 gr with Retumbo. If Savage is willing to look it over it couldn't hurt. If not, try some other load recipes with bullets and powders. Good luck.

 

[dragman]

If you don't mind single shot around .325 freebore should do the trick.

 

[dkhunt14]

Did you try the Berger in the lands .005 or so. That is where most my guns want them. Also try Re33, you can get 100 or more fps a day good accuracy. It could be the throating, I don't know what Savage put in them. I like the pressure ring in front of the junction. It could be a bad barrel. Some can't handle the recoil to shoot great. Matt

 

[Never Forget]

Did you try the Berger in the lands .005 or so. That is where most my guns want them. Also try Re33, you can get 100 or more fps a day good accuracy. It could be the throating, I don't know what Savage put in them. I like the pressure ring in front of the junction. It could be a bad barrel. Some can't handle the recoil to shoot great. Matt

I tried in the lands, just out, mag length, and several spots in between with no improvements. I have not been able to locate and RL33 yet, will give it try with the new barrel. I don't think the recoil is bad at all, more of a push than anything, I could shoot it all day if I had the $'s to do so.