Bringing back my 338 Savagae 110BA for refund

W

WCPORTING

Private
Minuteman
Mar 17, 2012
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0
55
#1
Shoots good at 100 yards but is all over the place at 300
I had a guy that owns a local gun store try it and he could not get it to group at 300.

Ammo missfires or sticks all the time. I have trimmed cases to 2.714" and resized, 285grain Hornady bullets(3.625" OAL) seems to shot ok but today i loaded some Sierra 300 grain BTHP to 3.672-3.674" (max is 3.681") and 7 out of 12 missfired. Primers were hit but thats it.
So far this rifle has been the biggest PITA!!!

I have a NF 8-32 x 56 NXS scope so why are my shots at 100 good and 300 are terrible? I can move the elevation/windage 2 clicks either way and be off as much as 4-5".

Im pretty much ready to take it back and save myself all the BS it has put me through. Im trying to be positive but its gone on too long.

Any suggestions guys? Im open to try anything at this point before it goes back this week.
 
#2
Re: Bringing back my 338 Savagae 110BA for refund

Really not enough info to blame rifle yet. And not knowing the local gun shop owner really don't prove the gun isn't a shooter. Could be something in the reloading sequence causing the misfires.

Wouldn't blame the gun just yet but more info is needed before being able to help solve problem.

Topstrap
 
#4
Re: Bringing back my 338 Savagae 110BA for refund

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Topstrap</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Really not enough info to blame rifle yet. And not knowing the local gun shop owner really don't prove the gun isn't a shooter. Could be something in the reloading sequence causing the misfires.

Wouldn't blame the gun just yet but more info is needed before being able to help solve problem.

Topstrap</div></div>

I reloaded the same 300's a week ago and most of them shot but i was maxed out to 3.680" now these at .007" shorter missfire.

I also think i have a problem with the chin rest, i always worry about "am i in the same spot" same distance from the eyepiece etc....

Anyone pm me a good accurate load, primer etc they might share with me and we can compare notes with mine? Just want to eliminate everything i can.

Any info you need please ask, im all ears and thanks for helping.
 
#5
Re: Bringing back my 338 Savagae 110BA for refund

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CL1KKL4C</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Out of curiousity. Did you try any factory match ammo or was it only handloads?</div></div>

Factory Hornady ammo does not work in the Savage. Reloading, trimming, etc. makes them work. HSM 300 grain ammo also missfires
 
#6
Re: Bringing back my 338 Savagae 110BA for refund

I just posted about this in this thread:

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthre...050#Post3290050

One thing you haven't mentioned is COAL. I was keeping my loaded rounds at or just slightly over the 3.681" SAAMI spec so I could use the magazine. The gun I'm shooting now, a Dakota Longbow, can take rounds up to about 3.735" which is just below the length I need to touch the lands, so I make rounds at 3.725" which works well. You might have some room to move there, but it's also possible, and very likely, that the chamber wasn't cut correctly.

I know of factory chambers that have been cut such that the lands are tilted, like the planet pluto, out of the plane of the ecliptic such that the bullet leaving the mouth of the cartridge engages first one side of the bore, then a microsecond later, having canted somewhat relative to the centerline of the bore, now engages the other side of the bore, but the center axis of the bullet is now off center. Makes for interesting downrange dynamics. You'd think it can't happen, but you know what they say. Shit happens.

I'd contact Savage customer service and run this by them. Accuracy of the 110 BA I was shooting was under 1/2 MOA. It just didn't "feel" right to me so I sold it.

Good luck.
 
#7
Re: Bringing back my 338 Savagae 110BA for refund

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: normbal</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I just posted about this in this thread:

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthre...050#Post3290050

One thing you haven't mentioned is COAL. I was keeping my loaded rounds at or just slightly over the 3.681" SAAMI spec so I could use the magazine. The gun I'm shooting now, a Dakota Longbow, can take rounds up to about 3.735" which is just below the length I need to touch the lands, so I make rounds at 3.725" which works well. You might have some room to move there, but it's also possible, and very likely, that the chamber wasn't cut correctly.

I know of factory chambers that have been cut such that the lands are tilted, like the planet pluto, out of the plane of the ecliptic such that the bullet leaving the mouth of the cartridge engages first one side of the bore, then a microsecond later, having canted somewhat relative to the centerline of the bore, now engages the other side of the bore, but the center axis of the bullet is now off center. Makes for interesting downrange dynamics. You'd think it can't happen, but you know what they say. Shit happens.

I'd contact Savage customer service and run this by them. Accuracy of the 110 BA I was shooting was under 1/2 MOA. It just didn't "feel" right to me so I sold it.

Good luck.</div></div>

Thanks for the reply. Interesting thread, Lapua brass seems to be what the Savage likes.
 
#8
Re: Bringing back my 338 Savagae 110BA for refund

As a licensed dealer I have dealt with Savage every once in awhile and they have been great to deal with since they are inmproving on their name from what a lot of old timers may have remembered about the Savage of older days. Call and ask Savage for suggestions. Hopefully you will get someone like whom I have dealt with. Good luck whatever the issue is.
 
#9
Re: Bringing back my 338 Savagae 110BA for refund

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: distantplinker</div><div class="ubbcode-body">As a licensed dealer I have dealt with Savage every once in awhile and they have been great to deal with since they are inmproving on their name from what a lot of old timers may have remembered about the Savage of older days. Call and ask Savage for suggestions. Hopefully you will get someone like whom I have dealt with. Good luck whatever the issue is.</div></div>

Thanks, i will call them again, maybe get ahold of a different person.
 
#11
Re: Bringing back my 338 Savagae 110BA for refund

A friend of mine had to send his back to Savage for chamber work for similar problems. It shoots better now, but he still has a hard time getting it to shoot sub moa. I'd definitely talk to Savage
 
#12
Re: Bringing back my 338 Savagae 110BA for refund

Mine shoots 1/2 moa or better from 100 yards to a mile use Lapua brass 87gr H1000 set 20 thou off the lands I use fed gold match primers, You will be good to go!
 
#15
Re: Bringing back my 338 Savagae 110BA for refund

Scheels will take it back. Already spoke with them about this issue. They offered an exchange for another Savage 338 also.
 
#16
Re: Bringing back my 338 Savagae 110BA for refund

Even being a small FFL dealer I have been able to talk certain manufacturers into refunds so then I would be able to refund and return the firearm. I would do it to help the customer and the manufacturer. Usually when this was done a customer would get a different model. It doesn't happen all the time but it is how things are communicated back to the manufacturer. Glad to hear they will take it back or exchange. IMO I would exchange - the rifle like any others will have a few garbage ones come out of production but most will accommodate the customer.
 
#17
Re: Bringing back my 338 Savagae 110BA for refund

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: distantplinker</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Even being a small FFL dealer I have been able to talk certain manufacturers into refunds so then I would be able to refund and return the firearm. I would do it to help the customer and the manufacturer. Usually when this was done a customer would get a different model. It doesn't happen all the time but it is how things are communicated back to the manufacturer. Glad to hear they will take it back or exchange. IMO I would exchange - the rifle like any others will have a few garbage ones come out of production but most will accommodate the customer.</div></div>

Thanks,

trying to keep an open mind here. I want to keep this rifle as long as all issues resolved.

Talked with Savage and they told me to go back out and shhot 100 yards and see what groups i get. They said they guarantee 1" groups out of the box. I made sure all bolts were tight on rifle as well.
There was an old timer out there yesterday and he told me that this caliber rifle needs 4-500 yards before the bullet actually settles down, anyone agree?

Savage and Hornady talked and Hornady is now in the process of making better brass so we should see better results soon.

I did a detailed cleaning on my rifle so i will go back out soon with better ammo, try and pick a day with no wind, maybe early am.

I am going to do my best once again and try to make this work but this is my last time.
Any other suggestions are welcome.
 
#19
Re: Bringing back my 338 Savagae 110BA for refund

measuring today:

300 grain Sierra BTHP:
Case trimmed to 2.714"
Bullet touching rifling at 3.725"
Book calls for 3.681" max difference of .044" free bore


285 grain Hornady BTHP:
same trimmed case 2.714"
Bullet touching rifling at 3.725" (same as Sierra)
Book calls for 3.625" max difference of .100" free bore

Maybe ill try the Sierra 300's with:
H1000:
85 grains
86
87
88
89

All this with trimmed Lapua brass @ 2.714"

Am i going in the right direction? Thanks
 
#20
Re: Bringing back my 338 Savagae 110BA for refund

The first thing I would do is check the chamber for headspace, correct dimensions, and surface finish. Headspace gauges are a must for this. If you want to get fancy, a chamber cast with Cerrosafe might be very informative.

Second thing, I would strip, examine, and clean the bolt.

The problem is probably somewhere between there.

If you don't want to do this yourself, you'll have to find a good gunsmith which presents a whole new set of problems.
 
#22
Re: Bringing back my 338 Savagae 110BA for refund

1. For your misfires, you might try adding a little more weight to your trigger using the tool provided by Savage. When I received my BA, the trigger was releasing too light and the safety sear wasn't fully depressed when the trigger released the firing pin causing light strikes.

2. I've generally found (always exceptions to the rule) that these larger calibers, particularly over 30, tend to shoot as well or better when the bullet has a bit of jump. I usually start off with .338 loading for 0.050" jump during initial load development (OCW).

3. H-1000 is a good place to start IMHO, if no joy you might try Retumbo. Recommend Lapua brass.

If neither of those powders seem to work, have a competent gunsmith inspect or ship back to Savage for inspection.
 
#25
Re: Bringing back my 338 Savagae 110BA for refund

Thanks for all the responses.........

Got my Lapua brass today to eliminate alot of my problems.A huge thanks to diego-ted for the help he has given me.
Our local store gave me Butches solvent and it does not remove copper. I got the right stuff now and it took 72 patches to clean up, unbelievable!
Mike in Boise, you are correct. My freebore was rediculous. I will load the Lapua brass and possibly go out tomarrow afternoon.

I will post up results.
 
#26
Re: Bringing back my 338 Savagae 110BA for refund

2012-05-03172154.jpg
 
#27
Re: Bringing back my 338 Savagae 110BA for refund

dude it sounds like you have a serious headspace problem wouldnt call it for sure but the info all these other guys have given you is good to check-one other thing though the spec for the firing pin protrusion on a savage 10-110 thru the bolt face is.060" i found that mine was a little light at .045" when i first got it 2 years ago. i reset it to .060" and have never had a problem. i have a 600 yard 2.5" 5 shot target from mine. it loves 92 grains h1000 and 300 grain sierra. oh and i know its expensive but lapua brass i have found produces the best accuracy in my rifle. hope all this helps you out and you keep it i know i love mine wouldnt trade it for the world.
 
#28
Re: Bringing back my 338 Savagae 110BA for refund

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: WCPORTING</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
2012-05-03172154.jpg
</div></div>

Whoa... That ain't right.

As for big bullets needing lots and lots of range... Welk, lots of theories, but if it's not 1moa or better at 100 yards, thats trouble.

Don't wait for a calm day. I've shot my TRG42 with 300smk (91gr Retumbo) at 600 yards on a windy day, and only took shots when the wind was at it's worst, and still got 1/2 moa. The wind isn't the problem.

Either your barrel is fubar, your screws are loose, or you can't shoot.
 
#31
Re: Bringing back my 338 Savagae 110BA for refund

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lofty</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Something ain't right.....I've never had a barrel hold anything even close to that much copper. </div></div> thats about right for the BA during the break in after 150 shots.
 
#32
Re: Bringing back my 338 Savagae 110BA for refund

My buddy bought one and we shot it last weekend. It was a real shooter. Took us 3 shots out of the box to get it zero'ed in at 600 yards. With Prvi and handloads it shot under .5MOA out to 600 yards.

However it had light primer strike problems with about 30% of the Prvi Partizan 250gr BTHP factory load. I was impressed with how easy the gun was to shoot half MOA. the recoil felt less than my 12.5lb 308win rifle.

Headspace was good because the fired cases measured (comparator at the shoulder)less than .001" longer than the factory rounds. We reloaded the with 205gr SMK & Federal mag primer and every round went off and grouped well under 1" at 200 yards.

He call the Prvi and they told him the 250gr BTHP ammo is not being shipped due to light primer hits from Savages.
 
#33
Re: Bringing back my 338 Savagae 110BA for refund

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: WCPORTING</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Shoots good at 100 yards but is all over the place at 300
I had a guy that owns a local gun store try it and he could not get it to group at 300.

Ammo missfires or sticks all the time. I have trimmed cases to 2.714" and resized, 285grain Hornady bullets(3.625" OAL) seems to shot ok but today i loaded some Sierra 300 grain BTHP to 3.672-3.674" (max is 3.681") and 7 out of 12 missfired. Primers were hit but thats it.
So far this rifle has been the biggest PITA!!!

I have a NF 8-32 x 56 NXS scope so why are my shots at 100 good and 300 are terrible? I can move the elevation/windage 2 clicks either way and be off as much as 4-5".

Im pretty much ready to take it back and save myself all the BS it has put me through. Im trying to be positive but its gone on too long.

Any suggestions guys? Im open to try anything at this point before it goes back this week. </div></div>

The best possible outcome you can hope for is that Savage is willing to take it in to look it over and replace some parts. The shop you bought it from will not take back a used rifle and just return your money, they would be losing a great deal if they operated like that.
 
#34
Re: Bringing back my 338 Savagae 110BA for refund

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Long Shot Mofo</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My buddy bought one and we shot it last weekend. It was a real shooter. Took us 3 shots out of the box to get it zero'ed in at 600 yards. With Prvi and handloads it shot under .5MOA out to 600 yards.

However it had light primer strike problems with about 30% of the Prvi Partizan 250gr BTHP factory load. I was impressed with how easy the gun was to shoot half MOA. the recoil felt less than my 12.5lb 308win rifle.

Headspace was good because the fired cases measured (comparator at the shoulder)less than .001" longer than the factory rounds. We reloaded the with 205gr SMK & Federal mag primer and every round went off and grouped well under 1" at 200 yards.

He call the Prvi and they told him the 250gr BTHP ammo is not being shipped due to light primer hits from Savages. </div></div>

I have been using the Winchester Magnum primers. Going to switch to Federal since i have seen them used alot more, eliminate another suspect.
 
#35
Re: Bringing back my 338 Savagae 110BA for refund

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: WCPORTING</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
2012-05-03172154.jpg
</div></div>

What kind of copper solvent did you use? I want to pick up a bottle, as it looks pretty effective!
 
#36
Re: Bringing back my 338 Savagae 110BA for refund

Long shot, from my experince the Lapua 338 will not fully fireform with just one firing, that is why I will neck size for the 2nd firing to get a truer measurment of shoulder growth. In my BA the shoulder grows quite a bit as does OAL that is why Lapua brass is the only one I use, the others are just too soft.

I dont' think there is anything wrong with this BA by BA standards, it, the ammo and shooter just need fine tuning and time with each other!! "SOUNDS LIKE A LOVE STORY" LOL

Diego
 
#37
Re: Bringing back my 338 Savagae 110BA for refund

WCPORTING said:
2012-05-03172154.jpg
[/quote


I have one of the first BA's made early 2011. This looks like my 110BA each and every time I take it out even after 20 rounds. About 25 to 35 patches, that's why I'm having Mark Channlyn make me a new barrel. I have been going through what you are with my BA from day one and thought it would improve but... And Savage was no help I have 552 rds down the tube now. I will have my new barrel in about a month and all my troubles will go away. Savage barrels and chambers suck in my opinion, but it is what it is when you buy a factory rifle... Some good and some bad. Good luck I hope it gets better for you but I doubt that it will.
Sully
Click to expand...
 
#38
Re: Bringing back my 338 Savagae 110BA for refund

Hey Sully, how much is the new tube? I have about the same amount of rounds as Sully maybe more down the tube. I clean the copper after every 50 rounds, It takes be about 10 patchs to get out the copper. Mine shoot pretty good out to a mile. Sully, I was thinking of getting another tube from Savage and having it hand lapped to reduce copper build out, What do you think: These are 300 yard groups.
berger300atlands.jpg

Col2fin.jpg


Here is shot out to a mile, Click image


 
#39
Re: Bringing back my 338 Savagae 110BA for refund

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: diego-ted</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Long shot, from my experince the Lapua 338 will not fully fireform with just one firing, that is why I will neck size for the 2nd firing to get a truer measurment of shoulder growth. In my BA the shoulder grows quite a bit as does OAL that is why Lapua brass is the only one I use, the others are just too soft.

I dont' think there is anything wrong with this BA by BA standards, it, the ammo and shooter just need fine tuning and time with each other!! "SOUNDS LIKE A LOVE STORY" LOL

Diego </div></div>

That's good to know. What neck sizing die do you use?
 
#40
Re: Bringing back my 338 Savagae 110BA for refund

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: diego-ted</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Mine shoots 1/2 moa or better from 100 yards to a mile use Lapua brass 87gr H1000 set 20 thou off the lands I use fed gold match primers, You will be good to go!</div></div>

Is 87 grains H1000 too light for 250 grain Sierra BTHP?
 
#41
Re: Bringing back my 338 Savagae 110BA for refund

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: diego-ted</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Hey Sully, how much is the new tube? I have about the same amount of rounds as Sully maybe more down the tube. I clean the copper after every 50 rounds, It takes be about 10 patchs to get out the copper. Mine shoot pretty good out to a mile. Sully, I was thinking of getting another tube from Savage and having it hand lapped to reduce copper build out, What do you think: These are 300 yard groups.
berger300atlands.jpg

Col2fin.jpg


Here is shot out to a mile, Click image


</div></div>
Ted,
I can't remember right off the top of my head but there is no way I will buy a factory barrel to replace a factory barrel. You will be allot of money ahead of the game going custom hands down but that's why there are so many barrel mfgr. out there. Mark apprenticed under Boots and I've see his work and his shop... the guy can build a barrel!!!
Sully
 
#44
Re: Bringing back my 338 Savagae 110BA for refund

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 402</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Lapua brass?</div></div>

Yes
 
#45
Re: Bringing back my 338 Savagae 110BA for refund

I run 88gr of H4831SC or 88.4 N560 with my 250gr SMK
I run 88gr of H1000 or 93gr N570 with my 300gr Scenars
Lapua brass
Sully
 
#46
Re: Bringing back my 338 Savagae 110BA for refund

100 rounds Lapua brass:

20 at 86 grains H1000
20 at 86.6 ""
20 at 87 ""
20 at 87.6 ""
20 at 88 ""

this is what i have loaded, have not pressed bullets yet.
 
#47
Re: Bringing back my 338 Savagae 110BA for refund

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 402</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I run 88gr of H4831SC or 88.4 N560 with my 250gr SMK
I run 88gr of H1000 or 93gr N570 with my 300gr Scenars
Lapua brass
Sully</div></div>

H1000 w/250gr SMK book says.....
89.3gr to 100.1gr

At 2950 fps were you load your 250 SMK w/H4830SC 88gr i would have to load the H1000 at 97.9 to match your velocity.
 
#49
Re: Bringing back my 338 Savagae 110BA for refund

I did not read the whole post, but it does not take rocket science to try the gun with some factory match grade ammo. It would take all the reloading factors out of the equation. Also try another scope. Ya it's a night force, but try another scope anyway.

If it does not perform with factory ammo and another scope, then it is probably the gun. In that case call Savage.

I have a 110 BA and have had nothing but amazing results. Just shot a cold bore shot at 200 yards and hit a dot the size of a dime. The gun is consistently sub minute if I do my part. I also have two friends with the same gun and they are shooting great groups.

It is not the design of the gun. Maybe you loaded a hot round and damaged the bolt etc. Did the gun ever shoot good with factory ammo?
 
#50
Re: Bringing back my 338 Savagae 110BA for refund

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Patriot Prepper</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I did not read the whole post, but it does not take rocket science to try the gun with some factory match grade ammo. It would take all the reloading factors out of the equation. Also try another scope. Ya it's a night force, but try another scope anyway.

If it does not perform with factory ammo and another scope, then it is probably the gun. In that case call Savage.

I have a 110 BA and have had nothing but amazing results. Just shot a cold bore shot at 200 yards and hit a dot the size of a dime. The gun is consistently sub minute if I do my part. I also have two friends with the same gun and they are shooting great groups.

It is not the design of the gun. Maybe you loaded a hot round and damaged the bolt etc. Did the gun ever shoot good with factory ammo?</div></div>

Problem is it wont shoot factory ammo but i see were you are coming from.

Honestly, i think 1/2 of it is ME and I need to take my time and learn to shoot better. We will see tomarrow early AM.
 
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