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...

 

[Erik Cortina]

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?

Big benefit. The Krieger is a premium match barrel, the other is a Savage barrel.

 

[nhm16]

If you get the 12 F/TR or Palma, shoot the factory barrel to see if it's any good before replacing it. From what I've read, some shoot great, some don't. Team Savage supposedly shoots "out-of-the-box" rifles that are not cherry picked or have custom barrels on them. Also, bedding helps. A Krieger or other aftermarket barrel is more of a known quantity, especially if a good smith chambers and fits it.

The biggest difference between the F/TR and the Palma:

• IMO, the Palma has a much nicer stock, with an adjustable buttplate and a less ghetto cheekpiece
• The F/TR is a 1:12 twist and throated for the 175gr range of bullets
• The Palma is a 1:13 twist tight bore, with a short throat optimized for the 155gr Palma bullets
• The F/TR has a Savage heavy contour barrel (1.12" at the breech tapering to 1.0" at the muzzle)
• The Palma has the standard Palma contour (albeit the breech end is also 1.12 to pass through the barrel nut)
• The Palma is lighter by over a pound (depending on scope and bipod, might make a difference in staying under 8.25kg in F/TR)
• The Palma is more expensive

Of the two I would get the Palma and have it bedded.

 

[artbosco]

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...

Add 13 minutes to your F-Class learning experience by watching this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1opz3d97iY8&feature=related ! You'll be glad you did. These guys know how to build rifles.

 

[PhotoSniper]

Thanks for the video... I'll check it out...