2 New Savage .308's

[billt]

The scope came in yesterday, and I got it mounted up last night. I really like this Bushnell 3200 Elite Tactical. It's really bright and very clear. So much so I just got off the phone with Bruno's and ordered another one for my Savage 12-F/TR. The only problem I had was the 6-48 tapped holes were full of crud, and no way I could get the screws for the bases in. I took it to a local gunsmith and he told me he had a heck of a time cleaning them out. He had to charge me for the tap he used because it really dulled it beyond further use. I wish Savage would use plug screws on the models they coat with whatever it is they use. I had no such issues with the screws on the 12-F/TR. They went right in. The Burris Signature Zee Rings are a pleasure to work with. They really hold nice and tight without having to lap. Another thing I've found is once you get the reticle adjusted nice and straight, it will stay put without moving. Just tighten away and you're done. The bases are Burris Extreme Tactical Steel. I won't get a chance to get out to the range until next week, but that is fine because by then I'll have the 12-F/TR scoped and range ready as well. I've got a half dozen handloads prepared. I'm anxious to see how they both print. For anyone who is interested Bruno's has the best price on these Bushnell's. Bill T.

Bruno Shooters Supply

 

[billt]

Here are some pictures of the Savage 12-F/TR scoped out and ready to go to the range. As you can see I went with the Bushnell 3200 Elite Tactical 5-15X on it as well. I really liked the clarity, quality, and price. The Burris Extreme Steel Tactical Bases show up as a almost gun metal grey color for some reason, but they are very similar to the rings in color and finish to the naked eye.

Kind of a crappy through the lens shot of the reticle. It almost looks segmented because it isn't straight and vertical in the photo, causing the pixel blocking you see. Time for a better camera.

Really weird how the bases look so grey. For some reason the color saturation isn't as profound.

Overall I'm pleased how they both mounted up. Just enough clearance for the front lens covers. Bill T.

 

[billt]

(CLICK ON THUMBNAILS TO ENLARGE)

The range session for both guns went well. I got out early and had the range all to myself. Wind was dead calm. The large "Number 2" was the worst target shot all day. The rest are pretty acceptable. All were fired from a Bald Eagle front and rear rest. The top "Shoot-N-C" target was the 10-FP the lower one was the 12-F/TR. Overall the 12-F/TR was a little more accurate, and I suspected it would be with the heavier contour 30" target barrel. Both guns show a preference for Nosler Ballistic Tips which kind of surprised me. I thought the Sierra Matchkings would do better. I don't "break in" barrels, both were shot as they came from the box. Overall it was a good first outing, and it looks like I'll be looking to Nosler, Varget, and Lapua as components of choice for both of these guns. I am going to try some Hornady A-Max bullets, as well as some Berger VLD's. But that's another session for yet another day. Bill T.

 

[billt]

This is one of the best things I like about the Burris Signature Rings. You have all but unlimited adjustability without being forced to live with a tapered base. You also can adjust laterally and diagonally as well. Really makes everything less of a headache, and less expensive as well. The Posi-Align Offset Inserts are only $10.00 a set. Bill T.

 

[lever-hed]

Bill - great couple of guns. thanks forthe info on the Bushnell . keep us posted on how they shoot, I'm interested how you like the reticle at the longer distances (6,7,8,900 yds.), how much cover-up on small targets and such..

( ..one under each arm!, )

 

[johnnyk]

Bill, those are two sharp Savages you have set up there. Do you keep your brass separated?..JohnnyK.

 

[billt]

Bill, those are two sharp Savages you have set up there. Do you keep your brass separated?..JohnnyK.

Yes, I keep brass separate. At least thus far I have, but they've only been to the range once. I was going to go this weekend, but they are calling for rain so most likely it will have to wait until next week. I want to take a Cerrosafe chamber cast of both rifles and find out what, if any differences there are dimensionally between the 2 rifles. If the difference is little to none dimensionally, I most likely won't have to keep them separate. Bill T.

 

[elkguys]

sweet looking rifles! I am a fan of the savage my fav is a 300

 

[KY Gun Geek]

Yes, I keep brass separate. At least thus far I have, but they've only been to the range once. I was going to go this weekend, but they are calling for rain so most likely it will have to wait until next week. I want to take a Cerrosafe chamber cast of both rifles and find out what, if any differences there are dimensionally between the 2 rifles. If the difference is little to none dimensionally, I most likely won't have to keep them separate. Bill T.

Bill:

Do you neck size? If you FL size you shouldn't have to worry about keeping brass separate.

It is my experience with Savages (I do castings on my Savages, don't have any experience with other guns) is that the chamber will likely be pretty similar, but headspace could be different. If you are neck sizing, this could be a big deal. You may want to obtain one of the Hornady headspace gizmos: https://www.hornady.com/shop/?ps_se...&category_id=4ffc0a8772783e83440ac87ed0c3ee5b I find it to be very useful.

Good looking rifles - proof's on the paper...

 

[billt]

Thanks for the heads up on the Hornady tool. I had completely forgotten about those. Bill T.