Savage 11 for 500 yds?

[Rialb]

I am on a very limited budget and the max I am able to shoot around here would be 500 yds. Would a regular Savage 11 with a wood stock in .308 be ok? A glass bed job with a bipod would probably help. I'm looking for something that would deliver moa or a little better at those ranges. $500 - 600 is what I'm looking at to spend. Any ideas? Or am I just dreaming?

 

[AJ Peacock]

I am on a very limited budget and the max I am able to shoot around here would be 500 yds. Would a regular Savage 11 with a wood stock in .308 be ok? A glass bed job with a bipod would probably help. I'm looking for something that would deliver moa or a little better at those ranges. $500 - 600 is what I'm looking at to spend. Any ideas? Or am I just dreaming?

What are you shooting? Targets or animals? As far as MOA accuracy, I'd be surprised if the Savage wouldn't do better than that with good reloads.

Is there a particular reason you are thinking about the .308 over other 'less ballistically challenged' calibers?

AJ

 

[Rialb]

Both targets and animals. Why the .308? I like being handi-capped.
Seriously, I like the caliber and want to use some ammo that I have access to. Nothing like free ammo when you are on a limited budget.

 

[hammertyme]

As previously stated, the Savage out of the box is usually capable of doing what you ask. Yes proper stock and proper bedding will enhance ones ability to shoot it at the longer ranges.

Palma shooters have been limited to the 308 caliber and shoot to 1000 yards with scope or open sights. Think I would check a ballistics chart and compare
energy remaining with game intended to hunt.

The 308 is a reliable load for many hunting applications. I do find it on the light side for many as well.

Neal

 

[Rialb]

I' m in Pennsylvania and the biggest game we have here are Whitetail deer and Black bear. So a .308 will be fine for them out to 500 yds I'm thinking. Shooting some target would be a max of 500 yds around here.

I figure I could use the 165gr btsp for hunting and the match 168gr bthp for target and they should be real close in point of impact and ballistics at the ranges I will be using them for around here.

 

[Forester]

I' m in Pennsylvania and the biggest game we have here are Whitetail deer and Black bear. So a .308 will be fine for them out to 500 yds I'm thinking. Shooting some target would be a max of 500 yds around here.

I figure I could use the 165gr btsp for hunting and the match 168gr bthp for target and they should be real close in point of impact and ballistics at the ranges I will be using them for around here.

Go for it. If you don't mind the extra weight go for the model 12. The heavy barrel will help.

With the right bullet a .308 is just fine for whitetail to 500 yards. The flack it gets around here not withstanding.

Try a 168 or 175 Berger for punching paper and hunting. They will work from as close as you want (at .308 velocities) out to the .308's effective range.

The Bushnell 3200 5-15 Tactical scope is a good pick for a reasonable price too.

 

[geargrinder]

Your Savage 11 should be up to the task.

Make sure your barrel is free floated while setting on the bipod. Glass bedding may help. Does your stock have pillars?

Is it an accu-trigger? If not, there is much to gain by adjusting the trigger and replacing the spring.

If you still aren't getting groups that you want with good handloads, it may be time to get that model 12 barrel.

I have a few of them. They all shoot half-MOA or better. They are all the 26" stainless fluted varmint taper ones.

 

[PaulB.]

I have a savage model 11 and I can shoot .75" @ 100yards with hand loads and it seems to be tempermental when it heats up after 2 rounds. It is stock and doesn't have any modifications. It has a nikon pro staff wich is really nice for the money. I plan on buying a heavy barrel for it some time soon and maybe bedding it as well. Or I will just build my .338 rum and use it as my long range target and hunting gun.

PaulB.

 

[Rialb]

Thanks all. You talked me into buying one.