Savage 10 Predator .260

[ridenrunwv]

I'm new to the hide and am curious what people's experience with the Savage 10 Predator is? I'm looking at purchasing this rifle in a .260 by the way. I've spent all my spare time lately online reading forum discussions and debating on a Savage vs Remington 700 and this forums discussions about the advantages of 6.5 mm calibers over .308 and good luck with Savage rifles has helped me make up my mind. I just wanted to thank everyone for providing such detailed information and in depth discussions on such a variety of topics.

I'm also curious if you feel like I've gotten too wrapped up in getting a .260 instead of a .308? I could get an SPS Varmint in .308 for 200 dollars cheaper and invest in a nicer stock but a big reason I'm leaning towards the Savage is being able to get a .260

 

[ridenrunwv]

Also curious about opinions on the 12 Long Range Precision instead of the 10 Predator.

 

[danish1911]

I was just in this dilemma and went with the LRP in 6.5 Creedmoor since it comes with the target action and better trigger for only $200 more. I almost went for the Predator since I could of had it in a couple weeks but I figured since I can't find ammo for it I might as wait and get the better deal. The LRP is going to take a bit longer to get here (a couple months give-or-take) but is the best option...

 

[ridenrunwv]

The wait time and having to carry it around seem to be the only two downsides to me. I reload so ammo isn't much of an issue with the LRP. I will have to ask around about the wait time. I believe I would go 6.5 Creedmoor or 260 if one had a wait and the other didn't.

 

[danish1911]

I checked on wait time and both calibers are a couple months out. I reload as well and can find plenty of bullets but no brass. I want to get some Hornady ammo first to shoot then I have the brass to reload..Good luck!!

 

[ridenrunwv]

If it's only a couple months I might go for it then. That will give me plenty of time to find good quality brass and even reload plenty of rounds to have waiting if the brass search goes well.

 

[dawson08]

If we knew what it would be used for. That would help!

 

[ridenrunwv]

Used mostly for target shooting and stationary coyote hunting. Will also be used some for whitetail deer hunting but that's just a short season out of the year.

I currently don't have anywhere to shoot beyond 600 yards but am sure I can find somewhere soon on farms I know owners of. Just want a capable rifle for when I find places to shoot longer ranges.

 

[dawson08]

IF your not completely against .308's and your set on a Savage I would suggest one of the following Savage HS 308 24 5R- NOTE the 5R part. OR go to a pawn shop find a cheap Savage then since you live in Charleston go to Douglas barrels in Charleston and get a barrel for it in either caliber you chose then find a stock you really want. NOW if you are already set on the guns you have named then neither will make a diffrence in WV. IF you COULD FIND a 700 yard shot on a deer or coyote in WV both would more less come down to the shooter (not that I would make that kinda shot due to the likelyhood of a clean kill). Past that for target to a 1000 yard it is six in one hand half a dozen in the other (except for 260 having less drop) past 1000 i would say 260 all the way. But 1000 yard is going to be hard to find unless you know a strip mine to sneak onto.

 

[ridenrunwv]

Well I actually do deer hunt on a strip mine in Boone county every year. My dad works there. I hunt on farms in Mason county with many opportunities for long shots also.

I've been driving myself crazy debating on different rifles and different calibers lately and just trying to get some input from people so thanks for helping. I had no idea about them being located in Charleston by the way.

 

[Joop]

I have a Model 10 Predator Hunter in .243. It's probably the most accurate rifle I own. I bought it for the primary purpose of coyote hunting. But, the .260 Remington, as well as the 12 LRP did cross my mind at the time, too. The LRP is an awesome rifle from what I've seen, but not really geared towards hunting in the way that the Predator Hunter is. If my primary use was going to be long range target shooting, I would go with the LRP in .260. If hunting is your primary goal, then the Predator Hunter is probably the better choice.

Oh, and I'm going to throw a wrench into things by telling you not to overlook the .243 as a caliber, either. Cheap and easy to reload for and it has an excellent range of bullets available. Very flat shooting and the heavier bullets cut wind very well.

Best of luck!

John

 

[dawson08]

Well then I would say look more along the line of a 300WSM from Savage I won a comp about a year ago with mine ( the same one I took a deer with in the fall) accurate,short action and plenty of knock down for the ethical long rang shots.

 

[Rick 324]

I have both a Savage 10 Predator in .260 and a Savage 10 FP-HS and both are tack drivers. Savage out of the box is the best value I could find and they have been reliable and accurate! You really cant go wrong with either caliber! Components are usually available and you can always make. 260 brass from necked up. 243/7mm-08 brass or necked down .308 brass! If you are hiking the mountains to hunt I would definately buy a good pack! Both rifles run from 11-14 lbs.

Good shooting!
Rick

 

[ridenrunwv]

There are so many good choices it's overwhelming. As much as I would like a Long Range Precision I just don't want to wait a couple months to get one especially after reading such good things about the Predator Hunter model.

I have several hundred .308 cases right now so I would have brass to make .260 with now and live within 20 minutes of a Cabela's where I can get what else is needed to load .260 so I'm probably too impatient on the LRP

 

[dawson08]

personally necking 7mm08 down to .260 is one thing 308 down to 260 is another that MIGHT be pushing it alittle while there are people who do it there are a ton more who do not and for good reason. but to each his own. I would say 308 since you already have the brass.

 

[ridenrunwv]

If the 308 to 260 is questionable I reload for my dad's Tikka 308 and have a friend I could sell the brass to so that's not a concern. My local Cabela's always seems to have 260 brass in stock so I can buy new brass.

The big thing that still had me considering a 308 is that I know somewhere that I can get a Remington 700 SPS Varmint in 308 for 600 dollars and that's quite a bit less money than I was looking at for either Savage, however I just keep reading such good things on Savage rifles and the 260 caliber so that's what has me leaning that way.

 

[DarnYankeeUSMC]

One thing that is good about the Savage you can change barrel and caliber in about 15 min without taking it to a smith and waiting a couple weeks. A barrel nut wrench and action wrench makes all the .473 cases available to you.

 

[ridenrunwv]

I love the ease of swapping barrels on a Savage. Night hunting coyote season in my state is only certain times of the year and requires a 22 caliber or smaller so I can just swap to a 22-250 or something to night hunt without buying another rifle.

I think I'm just deciding between the 10 Predator and 12 Long Range Precision at this point. With a good pack I'm guessing the LRP weight wouldn't be too much difference but just want to check on the wait time to get one. Not sure I need the LRP though after reading such good things about the Predator Hunter.

 

[mnhntr]

I just bought a Savage 10 predator in .260 off GB for $740 and should have it the begining of next week. I had a Savage LRP in .260 and traded it because it was too heavy to hunt with. I traded for a Remington 700 BDL SS SYN in .260 and although the trigger was nice I wanted a Savage. The Rem had a 1/9 twist the Savage 1/8, I prefer 1/8 because I want to use 142gr SMKs. The accuracy was better with the Savage but it was not sing the same loads so that may not be a far assessment. I am really looking forward to getting my hands on the Predator and seeing if the load I used for the LRP works. Otherwise I will work up a load and see. The LRP put out .244 in 5 shot groups with 142gr SMKs at over 2900 fps.

 

[ridenrunwv]

Reading about these awesome groups shot with the LRP makes me really want one. I honestly don't do a lot of hiking in the places I hunt at and I mountain bike a few times a week and stay in good shape so don't feel the weight would be a big issue but if the LRP doesn't give much better accuracy there is no reason to carry the extra weight. I would really like to see a LRP vs Predator accuracy comparison shot side by side with the same ammo.

I'm also beginning to see that the price of the two rifles aren't as close as 200 dollars because local gun shops keep quoting me around 1,100 for the LRP.

 

[DarnYankeeUSMC]

I have a mod pred hunter brush camo in 22-250. Was not impressed with the stock. It touches the barrel towards the end on one side. I was going to relieve it for a full float till I shot it. It shoots factory Winchester 45gr in dime size groups at 200 yards. 10 shot groups. It has stayed the way I got it. I am starting some load development for the 50gr ballistic tip Noslers and it does not seem to matter. Not impressed with the stock but gonna keep it.

 

[ridenrunwv]

Glad to hear about some of this excellent accuracy with the factory Accustock. I have a Ruger M77 Hawkeye in 308 that I considered keeping as my "practical" weight hunting rifle but just have not been happy with it's accuracy. If I can sell it maybe I'll just replace it with the 10 Predator and start saving up to build a rifle more suited only to long range target use.

If I find myself shooting a lot longer distances than expected I could build a more extreme long range setup without having to worry as much about barrel life and recoil/noise of a more capable long range rifle. That rifle will end up being another searchfest.

It's nice to have somewhere to come to find information and ask questions with so many knowledgeable people when I do start looking for another rifle in the future. I'm finding that I'm more likely to not be happy with the weight of the LRP than the accuracy of the Predator model also.

 

[danish1911]

I'm also beginning to see that the price of the two rifles aren't as close as 200 dollars because local gun shops keep quoting me around 1,100 for the LRP.

Really?? My gun shop quoted me $769 for the Predator and $969 for the LRP..

 

[ridenrunwv]

I'm going to go ask around more today but that's what I've been told so far. I'm getting a low price offered on the Predator but I guess since they have to order the LRP they aren't coming down on the price hardly any.

 

[hahco]

there is a pretty big difference between the LRP and the Predator MAX-1. The LRP has a heavy barrel, 1" I believe with little or no taper. It has the very light target accutrigger. It is made for sitting on the bench and target shooting, not hunting. it is a pretty heavy piece.

the predator is much more portable. It has a 24" straight taper barrel that is a medium, not heavy, contour.

Even though the MAX-1 predator is much more portable than the LRP, I find it to balance something awful. Way front heavy, and just too long a barrel for the contour/profile that they use. The savage precision carbine, with a 20" version of the same contour barrel, feels much better in the hands. When I first got the MAX-1 in my hands, my 1st thought was "mistake". I think with the barrel cut down to 21" or so, it would handle much more decently. BUT, it's got the stupid flutes in the barrel, so it'll look weird when you cut it down.

 

[ridenrunwv]

Well was just quoted 789 and 979 for prices so at that difference I'm just going to wait on the LRP.

I agree with neither one really being portable and decided on just getting the best long range target rifle and will probably be shopping around for a Precision Carbine or Tikka T3 in the future for a compact rifle. Just hope I don't have to wait forever on the LRP.

Thanks again for all your help. I'm glad of have found somewhere to start posting and discussing things with knowledgeable people.

 

[Hawk45]

To me they are two totally different rifles for different jobs.
The LRP is a precision LR gun. Big and heavy meant to shoot off a bench or prone.
The Predator is a quasi hunting/varmint rifle. Not quite one or the other because of the Med varmint taper barrel.

 

[ridenrunwv]

I agree on them being such different rifles. I'm still not totally sold on one or the other and would really like to have both so if my local dealer still can't order the LRP in a few weeks I might go ahead with the Predator Hunter and put the extra money towards a bunch of ammo to practice with.

 

[Hawk45]

I'll add that the trigger (Competition vs standard) and the stock (HS Precision vs Accu-Stock) on the LRP are miles ahead of the those on the Predator. If it's going to be a hunting rifle, the Accu-stock may be fine, but I'd never keep one on a precision rifle. They are too light, feel like the regular cheap plastic stocks and as mentioned above the barrel and stock combo on the Predator put the balance point of the rifle way to far forward (nose heavy). Just my .02. If you want to the LRP, wait, don't rush into something just to have something. Go shoot your .22 for a few more weeks.

 

[Shooter762x51]

Ridenrunwv,

Here are pictures of the Savage 12 LRP that my uncle just got.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatal

 

[ridenrunwv]

Looks like they did change the stock on the LRP. Thanks for posting pictures. I'm definitely going to be waiting now. I like that stock design much better than the original LRP HS Precision.

 

[Decoy453]

If you are not into waiting, Jim over at Northland shooting supply has the LRP in 6.5 creedmore.

http://www.savageshooters.com/forumdisplay.php?43-Northland-Shooters-Supply

 

[mnhntr]

I got the Savage 10 Predator in .260 and so far it is not the shooter that the LRP is. Having said that I have not been able to try any other bullets than the SMKs which gave me a 1 inch group at 100yds. The closer to the lands the better the groups got. I did a ladder test to find OCW and it was not the most conclusive test but it gave me a good idea where to start. I am still going to work on the SMKs but I ordered some 140gr AMAXs to see if it is simply the difference of ogive type. I will let you know more when I do some more shooting next week.

 

[afpumpman]

I have the P/H in 260 and it has shot everything I have fed it sub moa. The bullets have been on the lighter side, 107's, 120's, 123's,129's and Berger 130's. H4831 and 129 SST's are .5 5 shot groups at 100 yards. I really like this rifle. I have more expensive ones, but this may become my favorite. Good luck with yours.

 

[neal007]

I have the Predator in .260 also. It has been a shooter for sure! Set it up with a Bushnell HDMR H-59.
2 1/2" 3shot groups at 500yds was what I got the only time I ever bothered to put it on paper past 100yds
.I cant imagine how good the LRP would have been!
139 Lapua Scenars
42grns 4350
Rem Brass

 

[mnhntr]

Well after not getting good groups I scoped the barrel to find pitting and chatter marks through out the barrel. Sent it back to savage and they did nothing but test fire and check headspace. The group they shot was .8 in at 100 yds with 120gr federal using Nosler by bullets. I am not pleased because a 1-8 should shoot heavier bullets and they do not seem to care the barrel looks like it was rifled in the last century.

 

[Ring]

Well after not getting good groups I scoped the barrel to find pitting and chatter marks through out the barrel. Sent it back to savage and they did nothing but test fire and check headspace. The group they shot was .8 in at 100 yds with 120gr federal using Nosler by bullets. I am not pleased because a 1-8 should shoot heavier bullets and they do not seem to care the barrel looks like it was rifled in the last century.

fix it here...

Tubb Final Finish Bore Lapping System 264 Cal 6.5mm

kit comes with grit #1 - 5... only shoot 1-3...

also, did u get the CM or 260?...
powder?
load?

 

[Hunt4life]

I have Rem 700s and Savages. The floating bolt head on the savage and the ease of DIY has put them over the top for me. .260 is a great choice but you will likely have to reload though there are some offerings from certain manufacturers.