Accuracy problems SAKO TRG 42 338 Lapua

D

DTRG42

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Joined
May 31, 2013
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I have recently bought a Sako TRG 42 - 338 Lapua, but I cannot get it to shoot. I am REALLY disappointed.

I have double checked EVERYHTING. It is not the mount, nor he scope.

It shoots horizontal to semi horizontal strings of about 2-3 inches on 200 yards with 250gr Bergers. It seems like a bedding problem, but the Sako is 'not bedded'.

I rang Sako in Finland and they told me they never heard of that problem before.....

Did somebody experience the same? How do did you fix it?

Help needed urgently! Thanks
 
DTRG42 said:
I have recently bought a Sako TRG 42 - 338 Lapua, but I cannot get it to shoot. I am REALLY disappointed.
Click to expand...

Those results are quite disturbing for the TRG. Have you considered trying a different bullet/powder combination for comparison? I know my TRG with either the 300gr Berger or SMK shoot relatively consistent. Sako changed the twist from 12 to 10 specifically to stability the heavier 338's. I would take the gun to a smith if the groups don't tighten up. Not what anyone would be expecting with the track record of the TRG. Sorry to hear about your results.
 
DTRG42 said:
I have recently bought a Sako TRG 42 - 338 Lapua, but I cannot get it to shoot. I am REALLY disappointed.

I have double checked EVERYHTING. It is not the mount, nor he scope.

It shoots horizontal to semi horizontal strings of about 2-3 inches on 200 yards with 250gr Bergers. It seems like a bedding problem, but the Sako is 'not bedded'.

I rang Sako in Finland and they told me they never heard of that problem before.....

Did somebody experience the same? How do did you fix it?

Help needed urgently! Thanks
Click to expand...

Hi DTRG42
Did you manage to fix the problem, took the rifle to a Smith, or had further answers from Sako? If you bought your TRG new, you are able to send it back, or is it a used one? There is a list of Smith that Sako recommend to do work on their rifles.
I have a TRG 22 in .308, it is a tack driver and I recently ordered a TRG 42 in .338LM, should have it within 10 days. A friend of mine also has a TRG 42 .338LM and it is a tack driver as well (I am talking both rifles 1/4 to 1/2 MOA at 100, as well as ELR shots well beyond the norms). I have not heard yet of such issues but there is always a first, hopefully it is not you.
Most common torque checks are base, rings and stock, you mentioned base and rings but not stock.
A few questions, in order to try to find some answers.
You could be a great Marksman but I do not know you, so do not get upset :)
I'll start at the beginning.
How do you shoot with other rifles? Do you have similar issues?
Is it your first time shooting a .338LM?
What do you think of the .338LM recoil, or muzzle blast; is it bothering you, even just a bit?
Horizontal strings can also be the result of trigger pull, in both direction, and it can be induced by different factors.
Another way to have answers would be to have a well known great shooter trying your rifle; if he does have the same problem, you would know for a fact that it is the rifle, if not, then you have your answer.
I hope you find an answer to your problem, TRG's are usually great rifles. Let us know how it goes.
Good shooting.
Ombre noire
 
I have seen this problem SEVERAL time before with the Sako. The cure is the same every time. Send it to 300 degrees below in Decatur, and chance the muzzle brake. Doing one or the other does not get the job done. It does take both. When I change the brake I do recrown the barrel and only use a side discharge style brake. Definetly do not use one that vents primarily out the top. Top vent brakes do relive muzzle rise but they add stress and flex to the barrel. This will solve your issues.gun)
 
Ombre noire said:
Hi DTRG42
Did you manage to fix the problem, took the rifle to a Smith, or had further answers from Sako? If you bought your TRG new, you are able to send it back, or is it a used one? There is a list of Smith that Sako recommend to do work on their rifles.
I have a TRG 22 in .308, it is a tack driver and I recently ordered a TRG 42 in .338LM, should have it within 10 days. A friend of mine also has a TRG 42 .338LM and it is a tack driver as well (I am talking both rifles 1/4 to 1/2 MOA at 100, as well as ELR shots well beyond the norms). I have not heard yet of such issues but there is always a first, hopefully it is not you.
Most common torque checks are base, rings and stock, you mentioned base and rings but not stock.
A few questions, in order to try to find some answers.
You could be a great Marksman but I do not know you, so do not get upset :)
I'll start at the beginning.
How do you shoot with other rifles? Do you have similar issues?
Is it your first time shooting a .338LM?
What do you think of the .338LM recoil, or muzzle blast; is it bothering you, even just a bit?
Horizontal strings can also be the result of trigger pull, in both direction, and it can be induced by different factors.
Another way to have answers would be to have a well known great shooter trying your rifle; if he does have the same problem, you would know for a fact that it is the rifle, if not, then you have your answer.
I hope you find an answer to your problem, TRG's are usually great rifles. Let us know how it goes.
Good shooting.
Ombre noire
Click to expand...

I am shooting without the muzzle break - you will ruin your ears for life by just shooting once without ear protection. Recoil is mild - I expected a lot more, but keep in mind, the rifle is quite heavy.

Shooting skills - I shoot a lot and all my other high caliber rifle do half inch on 220 yards (200 meter) or better.

I finally got the Sako to shoot ok'ish. It does not like 250gr Bergers, it does not like Hornady SST..... When I finally got hold of some 250gr Lapua Scenar, the groups came down to about 1 inch on 220 yards. It is ok, but nothing to write home about. I will have to play a bit with seating depth now. I just cannot understand why the rifle will shoot strings of 2-3 inches on 200 with all the other bullets( I tried loading all sorts of seating depths.... etc) and then suddenly shoot with the Lapuas. Something tells me there is a problem with the throat/muzzle or something - Does any expert have any idea why this could be?
 
DTRG42 said:
I am shooting without the muzzle break - you will ruin your ears for life by just shooting once without ear protection. Recoil is mild - I expected a lot more, but keep in mind, the rifle is quite heavy.

Shooting skills - I shoot a lot and all my other high caliber rifle do half inch on 220 yards (200 meter) or better.

I finally got the Sako to shoot ok'ish. It does not like 250gr Bergers, it does not like Hornady SST..... When I finally got hold of some 250gr Lapua Scenar, the groups came down to about 1 inch on 220 yards. It is ok, but nothing to write home about. I will have to play a bit with seating depth now. I just cannot understand why the rifle will shoot strings of 2-3 inches on 200 with all the other bullets( I tried loading all sorts of seating depths.... etc) and then suddenly shoot with the Lapuas. Something tells me there is a problem with the throat/muzzle or something - Does any expert have any idea why this could be?
Click to expand...

Oops, messed up that one, answer is on the next post ;)
 
Last edited:
DTRG42 said:
I am shooting without the muzzle break - you will ruin your ears for life by just shooting once without ear protection. Recoil is mild - I expected a lot more, but keep in mind, the rifle is quite heavy.

Shooting skills - I shoot a lot and all my other high caliber rifle do half inch on 220 yards (200 meter) or better.

I finally got the Sako to shoot ok'ish. It does not like 250gr Bergers, it does not like Hornady SST..... When I finally got hold of some 250gr Lapua Scenar, the groups came down to about 1 inch on 220 yards. It is ok, but nothing to write home about. I will have to play a bit with seating depth now. I just cannot understand why the rifle will shoot strings of 2-3 inches on 200 with all the other bullets( I tried loading all sorts of seating depths.... etc) and then suddenly shoot with the Lapuas. Something tells me there is a problem with the throat/muzzle or something - Does any expert have any idea why this could be?
Click to expand...

Glad you found something that works for you, 1" at 220 yards is half MOA, which is very acceptable, if you can do that repetitively. I agree it could get a bit better but nevertheless, if you can stick with that at all distances, you are in business. Shooting the .338 without muzzle brake is, obviously, doable but usually not recommended for most shooters, the TRG 42 is not all that heavy at 11 3/4 lbs (naked) but it looks like it works for you. I will be able to say more about this within the next 2 weeks, as my TRG 42 should be shipped tomorrow. Now I wish to be able to find some H1000 or Retumbo but it looks like it is MIA just about all over. This powder situation is 100% ridiculous.
I wish you the best in your future and coming up loads, looks like you are on the right track.
Good shooting.
 
How did you get on with your trgs.
I love mine and have changed loads to the 285 amax pushed by 91 g of retumbo and fed 215m primers in lapua brass.
I have verified out to 600 on paper at 1/2moa with some elr testing to come.
Keen to hear other peoples experiences with this platform.
 
I have fitted a suppressor and since that point the rifle shoots AMAZING. It is still picky about what bullets it likes, but the 250gr Lapua Scenar and the 285gr Amax are a dream. Half Moa and better up to 1000m . I can only say wow!! :)

I suppose the suppressor eliminates the barrel whip.

Happy happy happy
 
DTRG42 said:
I have fitted a suppressor and since that point the rifle shoots AMAZING. It is still picky about what bullets it likes, but the 250gr Lapua Scenar and the 285gr Amax are a dream. Half Moa and better up to 1000m . I can only say wow!! :)

I suppose the suppressor eliminates the barrel whip.

Happy happy happy
Click to expand...
i have suppressed mine as well as have the brake but dont enjoy it.
any chance of sharing your amax load as pretty interested to see what your doing as far as load data and accuracy are concerned.
pm me if dont want to post it publicly.
cheers Andy
 
Really? I have been shooting mine since 2009 with a the factory brake and its a very accurate rifle. Recoil is very smooth, feels like a 308 to me.
250gr SMK
N165: 92.4gr
3.680 OAL
Lapua Brass: 2.714
Primer Federal 215
as per Sierra Manual

300gr SMK
IMR4350: 78.2gr
Lapua Brass: 2.714
Primer Federal 215
as per Sierra Manual

I did great with this in the beginning, I moved on since then but have you tried these at 100 to 300 Yards?
 

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