I have a savage 10fple in .223. Its the 20" version with accutrigger but without the accustock. I've finally honed my skills enough with the rifle to shoot sub moa out to 300 yards. But it's heavy. It does this with almost all factory ammo I put through it. I want to cut the barrel back to 16", thread/recrown and flute it. Thinking about using adco for this. I'm not familiar with anyone in the dfw, Texas area to do this. My question is what are the chances my accuracy out of this barrel goes to hell? I've found that when shooting fiocchi 40gr. Vmax she consistently hits about .5 moa most days. It shoots good but I only shoot it at the range because I don't want to lug it around. And even then I don't want to get it out.
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Cutting down the barrel ?.
- Thread starter James0101
- Start date
Re: Cutting down the barrel ?.
You will lose about .5-.75 pounds, will that be enough to satisfy?
You will lose about .5-.75 pounds, will that be enough to satisfy?
Re: Cutting down the barrel ?.
I was hoping to lose about a 1lb. Is my math wrong. About 3.5 lbs starting weight. 3.5-20% (cutting it back)=2.8 then 2.8-10% (fluting)=2.52. Or does fluting not do that much. Just started toying with the idea. Maybe just buy a different barrel with a slimmer contour. Any suggestions there? It's been my experience that if you get something that you shoot well don't mess with it but man it's just too heavy for my sissy ass.
I was hoping to lose about a 1lb. Is my math wrong. About 3.5 lbs starting weight. 3.5-20% (cutting it back)=2.8 then 2.8-10% (fluting)=2.52. Or does fluting not do that much. Just started toying with the idea. Maybe just buy a different barrel with a slimmer contour. Any suggestions there? It's been my experience that if you get something that you shoot well don't mess with it but man it's just too heavy for my sissy ass.
Re: Cutting down the barrel ?.
If I can get the same or close to the same accuracy out of a lighter package. I know poi will shift due to velocity. Not hard to make new dope. But is it typical for accuracy to drop off after doing something like this. Or am I gtg and worrying about nothing. If the odds are the accuracy will suffer I'd rather start a new project and let pack this one away for my son.
If I can get the same or close to the same accuracy out of a lighter package. I know poi will shift due to velocity. Not hard to make new dope. But is it typical for accuracy to drop off after doing something like this. Or am I gtg and worrying about nothing. If the odds are the accuracy will suffer I'd rather start a new project and let pack this one away for my son.
Re: Cutting down the barrel ?.
Tried all that years ago. I'd keep it at 20". About 1 oz per inch. Not much more. Most folks if they would lose 10 lbs about the waist would be better off. Won't hurt accuracy. If you want lighter, find a lighter stock. JMHO
Tried all that years ago. I'd keep it at 20". About 1 oz per inch. Not much more. Most folks if they would lose 10 lbs about the waist would be better off. Won't hurt accuracy. If you want lighter, find a lighter stock. JMHO
Re: Cutting down the barrel ?.
This is a heavy or bull barrel and its got the cheapo factory stock on it at the moment. Going to change optics to a lighter one. Also my optic sits in leupold pws rings, which are pretty stout, and leupold bases. Is there lighter options there, or maybe I could use something a little less stout given the caliber of .223.
This is a heavy or bull barrel and its got the cheapo factory stock on it at the moment. Going to change optics to a lighter one. Also my optic sits in leupold pws rings, which are pretty stout, and leupold bases. Is there lighter options there, or maybe I could use something a little less stout given the caliber of .223.
Re: Cutting down the barrel ?.
had a older savage .223 i can't remember what model, but it either had a 24" maybe even a 26" bull barrel. it had a long action, but was somehow chambered in .223 that shot like a laser.
i sold it because i too didn't want to lug it around, basically had to plan in advance every shooting position for varmint hunting.
now i regret it because it was such a good shooter, i can't seem to duplicate it.
bottom line leave the rifle as is. if it performs as well as your saying if you do something, anything to it, it may ruin an already perfect setup. chances are it may not happen, but what if? it sucks having something magical like that then losing it over "comfort to carry" issues - i got lazy and lost the magic.
had a older savage .223 i can't remember what model, but it either had a 24" maybe even a 26" bull barrel. it had a long action, but was somehow chambered in .223 that shot like a laser.
i sold it because i too didn't want to lug it around, basically had to plan in advance every shooting position for varmint hunting.
now i regret it because it was such a good shooter, i can't seem to duplicate it.
bottom line leave the rifle as is. if it performs as well as your saying if you do something, anything to it, it may ruin an already perfect setup. chances are it may not happen, but what if? it sucks having something magical like that then losing it over "comfort to carry" issues - i got lazy and lost the magic.
Re: Cutting down the barrel ?.
This has been an ongoing battle in my head because it does shoot so well. I'm not a great shooter but I've spent enough time with this rifle that ive bonded with it. But I don't take her out because she is heavier than my ar. But my ar gives way to the accuracy of the savage. I love running the bolt though. I can't stand to see her just sit there. Guess I'll start a new project. The savage, I just bought used, but some rings i had laying around here on. then topped her off with the midway BSA special 6-24 mildot, btw that thing rocks for $$$.
This has been an ongoing battle in my head because it does shoot so well. I'm not a great shooter but I've spent enough time with this rifle that ive bonded with it. But I don't take her out because she is heavier than my ar. But my ar gives way to the accuracy of the savage. I love running the bolt though. I can't stand to see her just sit there. Guess I'll start a new project. The savage, I just bought used, but some rings i had laying around here on. then topped her off with the midway BSA special 6-24 mildot, btw that thing rocks for $$$.
Re: Cutting down the barrel ?.
Fluting a barrel rarely does much, honestly. Many smiths are against fluting a barrel after the fact.
Personally, if my 20" were too heavy, I wouldn't cut to 16". I'd get a different, lighter contour barrel and keep it at 18-20", as well as buy lighter parts. Maybe try a Manners lightweight stock, Nightforce ultralite rings, etc. There are better ways to save weight than fluting.
Fluting a barrel rarely does much, honestly. Many smiths are against fluting a barrel after the fact.
Personally, if my 20" were too heavy, I wouldn't cut to 16". I'd get a different, lighter contour barrel and keep it at 18-20", as well as buy lighter parts. Maybe try a Manners lightweight stock, Nightforce ultralite rings, etc. There are better ways to save weight than fluting.
Re: Cutting down the barrel ?.
the reason it feels so heavy is because it has a heavy barrel which is good and a light stock (factory plastic). so all your weight it out on the end of the barrel. if you cut it and plan on hooting it out past 300 i would not go shorter than 18". you should get a better stock maybe with less length of pull that will also bring the rifle back closer to you and it will seem less heavy and more maneuverable.
that being said if it is just heavy to pack around, you got other options;
1. go to the gym more or go hiking/hunting with your rifle more.
2. buy or build an accurate hunting rifle.
I have been where you are at. I choose to carry it as is. If it is sling heavy there are slings with backpack style straps the make it seem as if it is half the weight.
the reason it feels so heavy is because it has a heavy barrel which is good and a light stock (factory plastic). so all your weight it out on the end of the barrel. if you cut it and plan on hooting it out past 300 i would not go shorter than 18". you should get a better stock maybe with less length of pull that will also bring the rifle back closer to you and it will seem less heavy and more maneuverable.
that being said if it is just heavy to pack around, you got other options;
1. go to the gym more or go hiking/hunting with your rifle more.
2. buy or build an accurate hunting rifle.
I have been where you are at. I choose to carry it as is. If it is sling heavy there are slings with backpack style straps the make it seem as if it is half the weight.
Re: Cutting down the barrel ?.
If you don't mind to read 'technical' text - here is a good article on subject :
http://varmintal.com/alite.htm#BarrelLength
If you don't mind to read 'technical' text - here is a good article on subject :
http://varmintal.com/alite.htm#BarrelLength
Re: Cutting down the barrel ?.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: former naval person</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Tried all that years ago. I'd keep it at 20". About 1 oz per inch. Not much more. Most folks if they would lose 10 lbs about the waist would be better off. Won't hurt accuracy. If you want lighter, find a lighter stock. JMHO </div></div>
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jeeptrash</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Start lifting weights? Or your rifle
</div></div>
I agree with these guys.... you have a rifle that shoots better than most people are capable of (1/2 moa @ 300 yards is impressive for a shorty .223 out of the box) then don't jack with it.
How much can that rifle weigh 10-11 pounds? I'd replace the stock to balance out the rifle if anything and that would make it a bit heavier overall and just lose the 10-11 pounds that were bothering me from around my middle
Then again, I'm the kind of guy who doesn't notice the extra weight of what most would consider to be a lot of "stuff in my pockets"....(IE G22, 3 spare mags, mini maglite, 2 folders, 3 sets of keys including 3 key-fobs, 2 cellphones, a lighter, electrical tape, a small notebook+pen, wallet, 2 pocket knives, leatherman squirt ps4, 2 USB thumb drives and a couple of cotton balls with some gauze wrap.)
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: former naval person</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Tried all that years ago. I'd keep it at 20". About 1 oz per inch. Not much more. Most folks if they would lose 10 lbs about the waist would be better off. Won't hurt accuracy. If you want lighter, find a lighter stock. JMHO </div></div>
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jeeptrash</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Start lifting weights? Or your rifle
I agree with these guys.... you have a rifle that shoots better than most people are capable of (1/2 moa @ 300 yards is impressive for a shorty .223 out of the box) then don't jack with it.
How much can that rifle weigh 10-11 pounds? I'd replace the stock to balance out the rifle if anything and that would make it a bit heavier overall and just lose the 10-11 pounds that were bothering me from around my middle
Then again, I'm the kind of guy who doesn't notice the extra weight of what most would consider to be a lot of "stuff in my pockets"....(IE G22, 3 spare mags, mini maglite, 2 folders, 3 sets of keys including 3 key-fobs, 2 cellphones, a lighter, electrical tape, a small notebook+pen, wallet, 2 pocket knives, leatherman squirt ps4, 2 USB thumb drives and a couple of cotton balls with some gauze wrap.)
Re: Cutting down the barrel ?.
I just cut my 24" down to 18" and didn't notice any difference in overall weight, primary reason was that I wanted a shorter OAL when running my can
I just cut my 24" down to 18" and didn't notice any difference in overall weight, primary reason was that I wanted a shorter OAL when running my can
Re: Cutting down the barrel ?.
I appreciate all the input. I'm going to keep her the way she is. Just change optics to a lighter flavor. I never use it past 14x anyways. I see to much of my flaws when not using a rear bag. I'll just put her away for now and hope that my build will shoot as good.
I appreciate all the input. I'm going to keep her the way she is. Just change optics to a lighter flavor. I never use it past 14x anyways. I see to much of my flaws when not using a rear bag. I'll just put her away for now and hope that my build will shoot as good.
Re: Cutting down the barrel ?.
You can
1. change the stock to McMillan with edge fill - you'll loose the adjustable cheekpiece option but the stock will weight 650-700 grams - so you'll save 300-400 grams
2. Change the scope base to the light one - Murphy precision titanium is only 77 grams versus 153 grams of night force tapered base
3. Change internal magazine to the badger m5 dbm. Internal magazine with floor plate weights 145 grams. Badger dbm is only 94 grams. Yeah - AICS 10 rnd mag weights 264 grams - but you can leave it in the pocket.
4. Change the optics to the lighter one - 300-400 grams of weight savings is there.
These little pricey steps can save you around a 1 kilo of weight without touching the barrel.
You can
1. change the stock to McMillan with edge fill - you'll loose the adjustable cheekpiece option but the stock will weight 650-700 grams - so you'll save 300-400 grams
2. Change the scope base to the light one - Murphy precision titanium is only 77 grams versus 153 grams of night force tapered base
3. Change internal magazine to the badger m5 dbm. Internal magazine with floor plate weights 145 grams. Badger dbm is only 94 grams. Yeah - AICS 10 rnd mag weights 264 grams - but you can leave it in the pocket.
4. Change the optics to the lighter one - 300-400 grams of weight savings is there.
These little pricey steps can save you around a 1 kilo of weight without touching the barrel.
Re: Cutting down the barrel ?.
My advice is to leave it the way it is, and just get used to the extra weight. My only bolt gun I use for hunting is my Savage that I have at 15.5 pounds. I've just gotten used to lugging it around, so it no longer bothers me. If you're getting extremely good accuracy, I personally wouldn't mess with it.
My advice is to leave it the way it is, and just get used to the extra weight. My only bolt gun I use for hunting is my Savage that I have at 15.5 pounds. I've just gotten used to lugging it around, so it no longer bothers me. If you're getting extremely good accuracy, I personally wouldn't mess with it.
