Hey guys,
I picked up a Savage 110 Long Range Hunter 300WM at Cabela's on clearance about 18mos ago with the intention of using it for elk hunt this fall.(heavier than I wanted but…) Got my scope this spring and started shooting some and accuracy has been just so so. So, I'm asking for some opinions/help.
Here's my setup:
Savage LRH 300WM w/accutrigger
Leupold VX5HD 3-15x44
Warne Maxima ring and bases
Ammo:
I've tried a little bit of factory ammo, mostly just to get it on paper(due to ammo shortages)
Reloads: I was really wanting to try an all copper bullet (for penetration in case of a bad shot angle) so I started with the Barnes 180gr ttsx.
Brass: Started with some 1x fired Rem brass I had, now using new Peterson Long.
Primers: Fed 215s
Barnes TTSX
IMR 4831
I had a couple of groups right at 1MOA at .1 off. Farther off and closer opened my groups up to as much as 2in. I thought the rifle should/could do better.
166gr Hammer Hunter bullets
IMR 4350
Initial loads looking for max looked promising. So the next loads I tried in the 70-72gr range I had 2 groups right at or just under .5 MOA (3 shots). I thought I'd hit the jackpot. (I shot 3 groups….groups 1 and 3 were great, group 2 not so much)
Tried to repeat the load…..haven't been able to come close…..best I've gotten is around 1.25 MOA.
Im really struggling to find much consistency with this rifle. I've checked to make sure all is tight, making sure my technique is consistent (and good).
Couple things I thought about.
1)Trying a lead core bullet and see if there's a noticeable difference in accuracy….but with today's availability, I'm not sure how much I can try
I have a few more powders available, a couple pounds each of IMR 7828, H-1000, Re-22, Retumbo.
2) I've only shot the rifle with the brake open….would closing it make a difference in accuracy?
Thanks for any help, it's much appreciated!
Scooter