Struggling with a 6.5

[735victorbravo]

Really struggling with my 6.5. I’m a hunter not a match shooter so got the Savage 110 Storm. I know I’m giving up a lot with the 22” barrel etc. Have shot off bags, Caldwell front and bags back and even the lead sled
Have loaded Hornady 129 and 140 SST HPBT. Berger 130 Sierra 120s Nosler 100. Have tried to stay by the book and never loaded to the top however maybe 1 step down Have used Varget Win 760 AA4350 H4350 100V and Superformance which I tried only once.
Have had no repeatable groups. Been careful with temperature as well. Actually sent the gun back to savage who were very nice and said they’d look at.
Vortex 6x24 Diamondback Leupold base and rings
Thanks

 

[Dub]

shouldn't be that hard to get decent results with that cartridge. Something is very wrong. Scope?

 

[735victorbravo]

shouldn't be that hard to get decent results with that cartridge. Something is very wrong. Scope?

I been doubting all 3 Myself, the gun and the scope Have the md 16 Savage 223 and shoots much better

 

[DirtySteve]

Put the scope on your 223 and test it. If the gun shoots with that scope you can rule out the scope.

Check the scope base and all mounting hardware. Make sure nothing it loose. Make sure the barrel is free floated. I had a similar problem a while back. the scope base was loose... I wasted a butt load of bullets trying to find a load turns out most of the loads were ok after all.

Edit: Check the action screws as well..

 

[Bill Norris]

Put the scope on your 223 and test it. If the gun shoots with that scope you can rule out the scope.

Check the scope base and all mounting hardware. Make sure nothing it loose. Make sure the barrel is free floated. I had a similar problem a while back. the scope base was loose... I wasted a butt load of bullets trying to find a load turns out most of the loads were ok after all.

Edit: Check the action screws as well..

Definitely check the action screws. I've found that after 2 to 3 months sometimes the torque will be down a little.

 

[Coyotefurharvester]

No repeatable groups, points to optics/mounts. Especially if the rifle has been checked by the factory, it has to have at least met their accuracy requirements. You would have had to pull optics to return for QC, then put scope back on. I just searched Savage for accuracy guarantee and MOA neither shows up in products or content, maybe they have dropped that requirement. Savage says bore diameter consistency is the key to accuracy, that and how they straighten barrels.

 

[JB10]

Have you messed with seating depth?

 

[FeMan]

I would get rid of the lead sled. They are hard on scopes and mounts.

 

[turbo_guy]

As mentioned, check the screws on the rail. Very common problem with savages, including mine.

 

[ebb]

I see a bore scope in your future.

 

[47WillysGuy]

I would get rid of the lead sled. They are hard on scopes and mounts.

yep, a friend destroyed 3 scopes using the sled. no good!

 

[K22]

More specifics on "no repeatable groups." Pictures would help. What size and kind of groups are you getting? Vertical / Horizontal spreads, flyers?

After the screws, scope, and barrel contact with stock forearm issues are ruled out, the first thing I'd consider is the bedding of the action. If action fit to the stock produces instability then inconsistency usually results.

PS: In my humble opinion, lead sleds are one of the most horrible inventions ever created in the shooting sports. They change the rifle harmonics, can damage the scope on heavy recoiling calibers, do not promote mastering the fundamentals of shooting and often the site in off the sled is significantly different than the manner in which the rifle will be used in a real world situation.

I've help many of shooters preparing for big game hunts out west that had trouble because they were using lead sleds. Once we trashed those we were able to obtain reliable site in for real world hunting use.

 

[735victorbravo]

Put the scope on your 223 and test it. If the gun shoots with that scope you can rule out the scope.

Check the scope base and all mounting hardware. Make sure nothing it loose. Make sure the barrel is free floated. I had a similar problem a while back. the scope base was loose... I wasted a butt load of bullets trying to find a load turns out most of the loads were ok after all.

Edit: Check the action screws as well..

Thanks I bet Savage will look at the scope mount too

 

[735victorbravo]

yep, a friend destroyed 3 scopes using the sled. no good!

Wow I never heard of that ! Thanks there goes another 180!

 

[735victorbravo]

More specifics on "no repeatable groups." Pictures would help. What size and kind of groups are you getting? Vertical / Horizontal spreads, flyers?

After the screws, scope, and barrel contact with stock forearm issues are ruled out, the first thing I'd consider is the bedding of the action. If action fit to the stock produces instability then inconsistency usually results.

PS: In my humble opinion, lead sleds are one of the most horrible inventions ever created in the shooting sports. They change the rifle harmonics, can damage the scope on heavy recoiling calibers, do not promote mastering the fundamentals of shooting and often the site in off the sled is significantly different than the manner in which the rifle will be used in a real world situation.

I've help many of shooters preparing for big game hunts out west that had trouble because they were using lead sleds. Once we trashed those we were able to obtain reliable site in for real world hunting use.

Thanks! Everyone seems to be on the same with the sled. And I don’t think I shot any better anyway! The 110 storm is bedded in an aluminum frame so I’m sure Savage will check that as well.
Have tried to load as close to recommended COAL as I can
Typical group at 100 2 to 3” often on a vertical line. Yet with different loads sometimes right left high low. 2” is typical

 

[735victorbravo]

More specifics on "no repeatable groups." Pictures would help. What size and kind of groups are you getting? Vertical / Horizontal spreads, flyers?

After the screws, scope, and barrel contact with stock forearm issues are ruled out, the first thing I'd consider is the bedding of the action. If action fit to the stock produces instability then inconsistency usually results.

PS: In my humble opinion, lead sleds are one of the most horrible inventions ever created in the shooting sports. They change the rifle harmonics, can damage the scope on heavy recoiling calibers, do not promote mastering the fundamentals of shooting and often the site in off the sled is significantly different than the manner in which the rifle will be used in a real world situation.

I've help many of shooters preparing for big game hunts out west that had trouble because they were using lead sleds. Once we trashed those we were able to obtain reliable site in for real world hunting use.

 

[735victorbravo]

Yes spread is all of the above. Flyers are common. 2” to 3” Other days are left right
Thru the cold winter I kept the rounds in my pocket to help with temp extreme. After Savage inspects the gun I’m sure they will look at the scope. I guess they actually take it their range. Expect to hear from them soon as it’s been a couple weeks
Thanks for your reply!

 

[735victorbravo]

yep, a friend destroyed 3 scopes using the sled. no good!

That was 180 down the drain! Thanks you!

 

[735victorbravo]

As mentioned, check the screws on the rail. Very common problem with savages, including mine.

Thanks everyone seems to be on the optics and I will feel like a jerk for not checking!

 

[735victorbravo]

Thanks I bet Savage will look at the scope mount too

But putting it in the 223 is the perfect answer. Hate to have to go back to Leupold but....