Savage f/tr 308,opinions wanted)

[scaxeman]

"One correction - Savage didn't send a team. "Team Savage" is a group of individuals that own and compete using Savage rifles. AFAIK, they do not receive financial support from Savage Arms. They report the F-T/R rifles shoot well though."

Asa,

I must put out a correction to the correction here. Team Savage is most grateful for the financial assistance provided by Savage Arms. Their support with both equipment,new F-T/R rifles as well as Tactical rifles to the Tactical end of Team Savage) and travel reimbursement is what makes it possible for the team to get to matches as widely placed as Canada, Scotland, and Ireland.

As far as how they shoot, well the results from Scotland and Ireland rather speak for themselves. 3 gold medals, 2 bronze medals, and 2 other misc 3rd place finishes. At the short range Scotland match,300-600 yards), only 2 Open class shooters finished on top of the Savage out of a respectable field of ~25 shooters. It goes without saying that the Savage won F-T/R class. At the long range Scottish match,900 to 1114 yards), the Savage took first place at 900 yards and ended up in 3rd place in its class.

I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge as well the generous support of Team Savage's other sponsors here: Nightforce Scopes, Hodgdon Powder, Sims Vibration Labs, Chrony, and Level Grouse.

As jeepgc stated, the pure accuracy we are seeing out of these rifles is impressive indeed. The groups he remarked on were shot prone off a bipod. Other team shooters have shot Krieger barreled RPA actions for years, and in their words "the Savage gives up nothing in accuracy to these much more expensive custom offerings".

Team Savage will be at the International F-Class matches in Canada and Portland, Oregon this summer, and at the SOA and US National Championships in New Mexico this fall. Anyone interested in the rifles is more than welcome to come on out and see the new toys!

Thanks for letting me clear the air,

Darrell Buell
Team Savage

 

[turtleman]

I just wanted to let everyone know that I recently picked up my new Savage.It seems it is going to be a shooter,so far I tried the 168SMK with IMR 4895,4064 powders,nothing spectacular.Then I tried some RL15 and I can see that she really likes this stuff with a mild load first group was under 1/2"ctc increased load half grain opened up,so cut load by half grain from first loading and the group was a .195 ctc.,maybe this is a sign of things to come,keeping fingers crossed.What I also want to let people know is that regardless of the powder comb. so far nothing has shot over 3/4" in this rifle.I know that dont sound like much but the rifle hasnt had over 40 rounds through it yet and Ive been told it takes about 75 to 100 rounds to break in the Savage barrels.All shots were fired at 100 yds.Going out today to try it out some more and see if the RL15 was the real deal or just a fluke.But from what little bit of time I spent with the rifle so far I think it will be a great performer for a factory built rifle.I will let everyone know how it performs.
THANKS EVERYONE.

 

[dodge268]

I still have not had time to work up a load with 175 Bergers, but am still VERY happy with the 175 SMK load,44gr Varget CCI BR2). Getting around 1" groups @300yds. Best group was .73 @ 300yds. Ta damn hot to shoot much here in Ms. Love the rifle, I put a 6.5x20 Nikon Monarch on mine. Got it from SWFA for $319.00. It has bell adjustment instead of side focus so I'm not as cool as some, but I'll take the price reduction and buy more powder.
Patrick

 

[drhenzler]

This guy's Remington custom isn't an F Class Savage. The F Class is way over pressure with his loads... I tried them. No good, and causes damage to the brass. blown primers etc.

VARGET is the right choice, but much less. I found 41gr to be optimum in my rifle behind the M118 pulls, and an overall length of 2.82" The 155gr take 42.5 and I haven't completed my overall length testing, but will seat them out to 2.82 and go ± .01 from there. These may be slightly long for a magazine fed rifle, but just fine in the single shot Savage F/TR.

Gday Turtleman,

I shoot F-Class Std here in Australia where we are restricted to 308 or 223. My rifle is a custom remington with a 28" barrel & a NF NXS 5.5-22x50. U may be better served with a Leupold scope,save some cash)in the 8-25 range.

My recommendation would be to use varget behind the sierra 155 or 175. I use Fed 210 primers with 45.5gns for the 155 & 44gns for the 175's in lapua brass. Both loads are 0.25moa at 300m and the 155's shoot outstandingly well to 1000yds all off a Harris bipod. I use the 175's for match rifle shooting in the same rifle out to 1200yds. U may need to go to around 46gns for the 155's with your 26" barrel. I would be starting at 44 and working up from there. Others may have some comments regarding the torque of the savage action screws.

I know that the recommended torque is different for the front and rear screws. I cant remember but I'm sure someone will know.

Welcome to sport and good luck!

Cheers,

BD