I am not new to reloading, but new to developing a load for a Savage 10FCP HS in .308 (only 20 rounds down the tube before starting load development)
After trying to develop an OCW load for 175 SMK with IMR 8208 XBR, I simply wasn't satisfied with the results, and decided to check COAL issues.
I measured the COAL to the lands using the wooden dowel method (measure to a closed bolt, then insert a dummy round seated extra long and let the slow closing of the bolt allow the lands to gently push the bullet into the case--measure again with a dowel to the tip of the bullet while dummy round is chambered).
I was shocked to see that COAL to the lands with a 175 SMK was only 2.798"(!!) Has anyone else experienced a factory Savage 10 chambered with what appears to be a short throat? In case it matters, it has the older notched barrel nut. Barrel nut and barrel have not been touched since the factory.
After trying to develop an OCW load for 175 SMK with IMR 8208 XBR, I simply wasn't satisfied with the results, and decided to check COAL issues.
I measured the COAL to the lands using the wooden dowel method (measure to a closed bolt, then insert a dummy round seated extra long and let the slow closing of the bolt allow the lands to gently push the bullet into the case--measure again with a dowel to the tip of the bullet while dummy round is chambered).
I was shocked to see that COAL to the lands with a 175 SMK was only 2.798"(!!) Has anyone else experienced a factory Savage 10 chambered with what appears to be a short throat? In case it matters, it has the older notched barrel nut. Barrel nut and barrel have not been touched since the factory.