New episode needs advice

[Panama Evans]

I recently purchased 2- Savage 12F 6br's form myself and wife. We've only had them a month and so far we are extremely pleased. We even ran into a person who use to do R&D for Savage, and he suggested we recut our crowns to an 11 degree crown instead of the factory crown. So with that said I'd like to get some insight from anyone who may have done a crown change or knows if this is worth the change as a second point of view.

 

[TAJ45]

Reading between the lines - I'm thinking you both are fairly new to precision shooting. Good choice on chambering.
If so, unless you can't get those 6 BRs around .5 moa after load dev, getting some consistency at the bench and a clue abt wind using flags, unusual fliers, I would hold off on that expense/accuracy option.
When you get your wheels under you, a better understanding of what you need and want will be narrowed down.
For sure a good crown won't hurt a thing and if the cost x2 is not a problem OK but if the crown isnt "bad", you might look at triggers, bedding job, quality dies, rests etc.

 

[Tommie]

Certainly could improve accuracy but it's not a sure bet. Worst case would be no improvement and you're out a few bucks. I'd give it a try. Keep us posted if you decide to have them re-crowned.

 

[BoydAllen]

It all depends on your budget. If the expense is not a factor, give it a try and report back about your results. My instinct is to say that unless there is something wrong with the factory crown, leave it alone, and get on with learning the vast amount of information that will definitely improve your results. The list is endless. Step one, come up with a way to see what the wind, between you and the target is doing.

 

[LHSmith]

I recently purchased 2- Savage 12F 6br's form myself and wife. We've only had them a month and so far we are extremely pleased. We even ran into a person who use to do R&D for Savage, and he suggested we recut our crowns to an 11 degree crown instead of the factory crown. So with that said I'd like to get some insight from anyone who may have done a crown change or knows if this is worth the change as a second point of view.

Precision Shooting magazine had done a bunch of articles on muzzle crown types, actual testing based on accuracy affects. IIRC every test conducted, concluded that the shape had no measurable effect as long as the cut was perpendicular to the bore and the sharp edge at the very end of the bore was "broken" ever so slightly. A bad crown usually results in oblong bullet holes irregardless of loads during work-up.

 

[sparker]

I recently purchased 2- Savage 12F 6br's form myself and wife. We've only had them a month and so far we are extremely pleased. We even ran into a person who use to do R&D for Savage, and he suggested we recut our crowns to an 11 degree crown instead of the factory crown. So with that said I'd like to get some insight from anyone who may have done a crown change or knows if this is worth the change as a second point of view.

A proper bedding job and new crown are sound investments.

 

[DOGCAPPER]

The 11* crown dates back to early 1900 when Hudson and others used single shot rifles and cast bullets in 200 yd matches Scheutzen style.
You cannot go wrong with 11* crown unless it is cut wrong. Dont use an end mill stuck down the barrel.
Use a cutter ground to cut from the inside out.

 

[BoydAllen]

One more detail, what are arguably the most accurate rifles on the planet are used to compete in short range (100-300 yard) benchrest. I am not aware of anyone in that game who uses an 11 degree crown, and some very notable shooters shoot BT bullets. If there was an advantage there, you can be sure that they would be exploiting it.

 

[Panama Evans]

Thank you for all the great responses. A little history here. I've been shooting for two years now at 600 yard shoots. I was shooting a savage 110 ba, and my wife a 308 savage fcp. Yes I've been doing tons of research in these rifles, and what all is needed to be competitive. Each match is a learning experience, and every practice a moving forward of what I'm learning.
At this point at 600 yards were shooting 1/2 Moa or a bit over that. Just recently at 200 yards I was shooting 1/4 Moa. Things keep progressing nicely, and with only two competitions behind us I can only say we love these rifles.
With all that said, and being on a SSI income I try and weigh any changes carefully. Now my next research will be to see if this person from Savage is worth listening to on changing our crowns, or just waiting till I can afford a match grade barrel, this all depending on how we progress. So far we have already meet our goals that were set to be met by the end of the summer.

 

[hpshooter]

Sounds like you both have a plan and wisely set goals. Glad you are enjoying the shooting together. My wife and I shoot together in .22 club level bench rest matches several times a year and in the past we shot High Power with service rifles together.

Personally with the performance you are currently getting with your rifle I would practice my wind reading skills and techniques and possible set aside funds as available to purchase a Criterion or Shilen pre-fit in the spring for nest season.

If the bug really gets you I can see you shooting a full blown match rifle down the road, plenty of good ones with good track records come up for sale at reasonable prices on the classifieds here