Rifle Build Questions

[PhotoSniper]

Hey guys, got a few questions for you...

I'm looking to start building a rifle for F-Class shooting... What I've come up with is a build from pure research... I've never owned or built a rifle like this before, so this is in every way a learning experience...

So to start things off, I'll list off some of the gear I'm looking at...

Rifle
Savage 12 F/TR .308 WIN
Nightforce 12-42x56 Benchrest Scope

Reloading:
Lapua Palma .308 Casing
Lapua Scenar 155 gr Bullets
Hodgdon Varget Powder
Federal 210M or CCI BR2 Primers

A Few Customizations:
Master Class Highpower Prone Rosewood Laminate Stock - 895 - 3-Way Buttplate
- Turnwheel Cheekpiece
- Williams Custom Stainless Steel Trigger Guard
- Lacquer Gloss
- Pillar Bed Action
- Anschultz Rail

Now for the questions...

Currently I'm looking at the Savage 12 F/TR, but the Savage 12 Palma has not gone unnoticed... What are the major differences besides the obvious adjustable stock on the Palma?... Are there any differences in the barrel? Is it worth the extra money?

Also, another possible build I'm considering is more of a "piece together" build... This build would include the Savage Precision Target Action, Krieger 30" Heavy Target 1-12 Twist Stainless Steel 5R barrel, and the Master Class Highpower Prone stock listed above...

Is there any benefit of using a Krieger barrel over the included barrel on the Savage F/TR? If so, why? Is it worth the extra money?

I want to do this right the first time... So I thought I'd cover all my bases before shelling out the dough for this rifle... Between the research and your answers, I hope to get the best bang for my buck...

Also if there's anything that I might have missed, or you guys think I change about this build, please let me know... Your information is more than welcome...

Thanks, I look forward to your answers...

 

[gun_rat82]

The Savage Palma is a pretty tight rig, but I think you would be happier with the finished product if you assembled the gun from components. If you go with the Krieger get a tight(.307") bore to amp up your speeds, go with the 5r rifling also, I've had great luck with mine.
Good luck.
Cheers.
Trav

 

[nosualc]

If you're going to replace the stock anyway, IMO, you would be time and money ahead to go the piece together route. The Savage barrels can certainly shoot, and lots of guys have great luck with them, but they're rough as a cob. I think your odds would be a lot better with a quality aftermarket barrel, without really spending much more money.

I bought the savage f-class, and ended up wasting a bunch of time/money trying to get it to shoot consistently.

My factory barrel fouled like crazy, the crown was a joke, and the throat was so long it was impossible to touch the lands and still have any bullet in the case. Using a bore scope, there were chatter marks down the entire length of the bore. You can't believe how bad it would foul in just 20-30 shots.

Still, it shot OK, but just OK. Things got MUCH better (with my scores) when I put an aftermarket barrel on it.

FWIW, there's a few other guys in my f-class league with the Savage target action, and all ended up replacing their barrels with quality aftermarket barrels. All shoot very well. A couple shoot lights out.

-nosualc

 

[Rustystud]

I would suggest you talk to a reputable smith who builds rifles for the shooting discipline you wish to compete in. Having read your post and others who have responded to your post I beleive You need to do more homework. It is costly, time comsuming and frustrating when a customer changes his mind in the middle of a custom build. You might also be wise to communicate with some successful shooters in the discipline you wish to compete in. Look at what they are shooting both hardware and ammunition.
Nat Lambeth