Accuracy, what can I expect out of my Savage 16 in 260 Rem?

[justinp61]

I had been looking for something with lighter recoil last fall so I bought a Savage model 16 in 260 Remington. It seems to be a great little rifle, it's light and has very little recoil. I didn't get to shoot it much before deer season, just enough to zero the scope. I'm wondering if these rifles (mdl 16s) are accurate enough to mess with loading for? It will be used mainly for deer and occasionally for coyotes, ground hogs and punching paper. I removed the Nikon scope and put on a Leupold VX3 4.5-14, sure wish I'd got an adjustable objective.

I load for my FVSS in 22-250 so I have the equipment, will just have to buy brass, dies, bullets and maybe powder. I have Varget and 4064. Just hate to spend the money if it's going to be a 1" at 100 yard rifle, it'll do that with factory ammo.

http://www.savagearms.com/firearms/model/16TROPHYHUNTERXP

Thanks, Justin

 

[jonbearman]

I have found that loading for any factory rifle has its gains. Did it help your fvss in .22-250?

 

[justinp61]

Actually my 250 shoots factory loaded Hornady 55gr V-max very well, 5 at just over 1/2" at 100 yards. Bullet selection is the main reason I load for the 250. These rifles are two different animals the bull barrel 250 weighs just over 11lbs in the Stockade Elk Stalker stock with a Leupold 6.5-20 scope. Yes with it shoots better with my reloads than the factory stuff. If my model 16 is capable of 1/2" groups at 100 it would be worth loading, but if 1" is as good as it gets I'll stay with the factory stuff and sell the brass as I accumulate it.

Thanks

 

[Syncrowave]

If my model 16 is capable of 1/2" groups at 100 it would be worth loading, but if 1" is as good as it gets I'll stay with the factory stuff and sell the brass as I accumulate it.

Seems to me that the only way to know is to try. Even if you can't get 1/2" groups, I'd be surprised if NO handload did better than the factory offerings. Good luck.

 

[RHux]

I purchased a 16 in 7-08.....the barrel looked looked like someone had run a tap through it before it was rifled. I had a Criterion Mag contour 1-8 22" 260 Rem barrel , so I spun that on it. With 140 Berger VLD it will shoot 1" at 200yds . Velocity is 2,700fps. I believe the barrel would be the limiting factor on your rifle.

 

[DanSavage]

Expect 3" group or under. If everything with the gun, scope and ammo are all peachy expect .5'' or less.

 

[jonbearman]

I have what you have but blued. It has the slow twist barrel and it shoots outstanding and that is under an inch or better.

 

[justinp61]

Thanks guys. I'll keep my eyes open for a good deal on a used set of dies and brass, With the 1-8 twist it should handle 140s with no problems if I decide to go that heavy.