Savage 12 LRP in .260

[Sherrick5]

Long time lurker, finally made an account on here

So just bought one of these, already have it to my smith for threading/comp. Putting a Ross brake on it.

So right now I'm wondering what I should really do with it first, stock is comfortable for now...already have an idea of what I want to switch it to when I decide to change it , accu-trigger is comfortable to me so those don't need addressed. Barrel sure is stock savage but 26" 1:8

Plan is to get a Vortex Viper 6.5-20x44 basically as a starter scope for it, I'd call it limited funds basically because with this rifle I'm switching from normally shooting 308 to the 260. So bullets/cases/ect I bought up, I'll be running mostly 123gr scenars/lapua brass/ and Varget or H4831SC, I've heard good things about H4350 but can't find any locally or online at a reasonable price.

Basically what I'm asking is what do you guys think would be some high "value" for the cost upgrade. The little things that help make a big difference with this rifle, I'm basically looking forward getting into solid 500-1250yd distance territory. I've heard there are a few bolt upgrades that really work for the 12 action? Anyways, all help appreciated and if you shoot at Rayner's in ohio you might see me around.

 

[Chemguy]

My 12 LRP 6.5 Creed came in today.

I have a Viper but bought one of the new Bushnell ERS scopes with the Gap reticle. Strictly from a reticle standpoint I'd vote first upgrading to Bushnell.

I'm leaving mine stock for a while to see how the factory mags do and some aftermarket 10 rounders that fit the Savage bottom metal. If that doesn't pan out I'm buying cdi bottom metal for it. That would be my second vote.


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[Sherrick5]

Yeah, my only experience with a savage is my .223 edge/axis, haven't shot the 12 yet because I've been having to deal with fedex with my reload components. So far from what I was able to tell before it went to the gunsmith, I liked the mag release system it doesn't feel cheap at all anywhere. Who makes the aftermarket mags?

I'm wondering if to just go for a fixed power scope since i'll be shooting benchrest only.

 

[Wildboarem]

The Savage has a good chance to be a shooter out of the box. If your happy with such things as the trigger, stock, etc. then I would definitely look at a good piece of glass for the long term. There are small things one can do on Savages to potentially increase accuracy. Precision ground recoil lug and barrel nut from Jim@ NSS. These are small accuracy increases unless you got a bad apple may not be important, YET! You should have a target accu trigger which is set from the factory at less than a pound I think, so you should be good to go there. You can do a timing and bolt lift kit, that is more tweaking for after the shot not necessarily an accuracy improving addition. Get good glass, work up a good load and shoot the heck at of it. Then she'll tell you what she needs.

 

[anthonylapoint]

It's a great rifle right from the get go that just needs to be shot. Just bed the action and work up loads. It probably won't need anything.

 

[Sherrick5]

I've heard about the timing/lift kit... does it help quite a bit?
So I've narrowed my choices for scopes down to two
The previously mentioned Vortex Viper
Vortex Optics - Viper 6.5-20x44 PA Dead-Hold BDC

and now if I were to go fixed
SWFA SS 20x42 Tactical Riflescope

I've heard good things about the super snipers, my only question is how much Elevation/windage travel does it have? I've heard the fixed ones do a TON (100moa+) but it's not listed on their site.

Thanks in advance

 

[Sherrick5]

So which would you guys recommend out of these two... Vortex Viper 6.5-20x42 or the SWFA SS 20x42 Mrad.... I heard the SS can dial up quite a bit extra? I'm fine with a 20x fixed power over a 10 or ect

 

[fdkay]

It depends on the type of shooting you are doing. Strictly range, or combo of range and field?
The SS is a well built scope, but the glass will be a bit dark on the 20X.
I would limit it to the 12X. That is enough mag for engaging steel to your desired distances.
The viper you are considering gets very good reviews, if you get the mil-dot version, it is mil/moa and has limited travel. You will definitely need a 20 MOA base but should be able to reach your targets with one. You have to consider that at the extended ranges you intend to shoot at, you will be maxing out the adjustment range, even with the canted base, so you will be looking through the edge of the objective lens and may get distortion.

 

[FALex]

So which would you guys recommend out of these two... Vortex Viper 6.5-20x42 or the SWFA SS 20x42 Mrad.... I heard the SS can dial up quite a bit extra? I'm fine with a 20x fixed power over a 10 or ect

Having run a .260 now for a decent amount of time, and knowing much of SWFA's SS scopes, I'd go with the 10 or 12x mil-quad reticle. 20x is just too much, unless every shot you take is going to be out at 800 minimum. If it were me, I'd go with the 10x. It is a great compromise between too low and too high. Then again, I am not a huge magnification guy, either (I type that just having bought a 4.5-30 XRS...HAHA!!! It was for the zero stop and 10 mil/turn revs, I swear!)

 

[Sherrick5]

haha, thanks guys for the insight, basically I'll be shooting paper @ 150, and steel from anywhere from 300-1000, including 5" steel at 1000... so that's why I was thinking towards the 20x, because with the scope I have on my 308 it's a 4-12x bushnell and I was struggling with seeing the small steel at 1000 so that's why leaning towards the 20 rather than the 10 and 12... basically looking for something high value for the price for now and once I build up a little more cash replacing it with a mark4 or whatever I feel would be best at the time. So that maybe helps what I'm shooting for.
[MENTION=48203]FALex[/MENTION], with your .260 what powder do you usually use? I've heard tons about H4350 and 4831SC, which I've been able to actually find #1 of the 4831sc around here, but I have a ton of varget from my 308, so dealing with that... Do you know of anyone using superperformance with .260? It's plentiful around here, plus I saw where there's load data for the 6.5creedmore for it, so I figure it would at least be a option.

 

[Sherrick5]

Thanks for the replies basically I'll be on paper @ 150yd, and steel from 300-1000 including 5" steel at 1000, which I struggled with my bushnell 4-12x to see it, so that's why I'm thinking 20. Does anyone know how high the 20x will travel? I've heard 130moa on the 10x, but nothing about the 20x

 

[Wannashootit]

My son's Savage has the Accu-trigger, and while it's OK, it's still a bit heavy, IMO, for 1000 yard shooting. I have the old three screw, and I'm planning on switching out both of ours to the Rifle Basix Sav-1 which gets down to a pound.

The Viper's a great scope (have one), and will fit perfectly for your application. I don't shoot inside 600 (except for load workup), and have rarely found 20X to be too much- except on rare occasions of really bad mirage conditions.

Far as the H4350; I have the same problem- use it for my 7-08 rounds. I shoot heavy bullets (162), and I've been advised to switch to the IMR 4350 which seems to be more available generally and is actually in stock at the local reloading shop. My guess is that it might work on the 6.5's as well although they are lighter...

 

[BoilerUP]

I say buy the rifle, roll some ammo, and shoot the darnthing. See how it does before you start throwing money at it - it very well might surprise you.

48.0gr H4831SC or 39.3gr Varget (+/- depending on your rifle) should work great with 123s.

 

[Sherrick5]

Thanks for the load recommendations, I've tried to post another message on here but it keeps telling me to wait for a moderator to approve, so don't know what's going on there...

basically i'll be shooting paper at 150 yards, then steel from 300-1000 including as small at 5x4" steel at 990, so that's why I'm thinking of the 20x fixed... plus I like the fact it can adjust so much

 

[kish]

Thanks for the load recommendations, I've tried to post another message on here but it keeps telling me to wait for a moderator to approve, so don't know what's going on there...

basically i'll be shooting paper at 150 yards, then steel from 300-1000 including as small at 5x4" steel at 990, so that's why I'm thinking of the 20x fixed... plus I like the fact it can adjust so much

just got my lrp in monday lapua brass arrived tuesday and the vortex scope 6 x 24 - 50 ffp thursday. Plan on making some loads sunday and trying it out. Scope looked real good , Purchased it at cameraland there deal of the day special for 749.00 ......best price i found

 

[Ring]

ive used psts, i have swfa 16x and 5x20hd and a razor
if u want cheap fixed, go 12x or 16, the 20 blows...

the pst has great features, at 900ish
swfa hd is 1300, and a HDMR is about the same if you look
if u can get the hdmr or swfa hd get it... if not, the pst will sell easy when u can

 

[wakajawaka]

I've got the Sightron SIIISS832x56LRD on mine and am very pleased.
The trigger is set at 10oz.
It's supposed to be able to go down to 6oz but I haven't tried to go that low.

 

[Sherrick5]

Why exactly does the 20x blow? I mean some people don't like too much magnification and all... like just wondering what's so much better with the 16 over the 20, is it the mirage, is it clarity, eye relief or what?
But basically after the rifle, 1000 lapua 123's, 200 cases, and such i'm looking for a scope to basically "get me by" but still be a great value until I go for something like a Mark4 or such,
thats why the 20x which I can get under 300, and the 6.5-20x44 vortex I can get for 430...

Edit: When I get it back from my smith I'll probably set my trigger up to 1.5 or so, I'm not a stickler on ultra light triggers, what I've noticed is just a personal thing that I need to teach myself of, but when I have an under #1 trigger I never pull a trigger smooth, I like a bit of resistance rather than a sneeze-n-go-off,

 

[Ring]

" is it the mirage, is it clarity, eye relief "
mirage, darker pic, cant find a target due to FOV... just not as clear the the 12/16x

 

[Sherrick5]

Alright, thanks for the heads up about it, I know I just can't deal with a fixed 10/12/16 with this build for what I want, I'd rather just save my money than get those, if the 1000 yard targets were bigger, I could deal with it, but alright thanks.

 

[Ring]

u planning on shooting TVP and rayners?.. if so, the 12/16x is plenty for the steel... granted, a 5x20 is better, but you can easy see/hit 12x12 plates at tvp and the stuff at rayners..

 

[Sherrick5]

basically I'll be at rayner's only, TVP is almost twice the drive compared, I just basically have bad eyes, color blind Red/Green ect. when I deal with green or red in the distance, I see them in groups rather than by themselves... so the small red/orange steel at rayners I'll see as green sometimes if I'm on too low Mag

 

[bunsen27]

This was previously asked: the best 10 round magazines using the Savage bottom metal come from Dan at Dark Eagle Customs. Also PTG has a bottom metal system in the works for a Savage with AI type MagSafe I heard.

The first upgrade to do is replace the Accu-trigger with a Rifle Basix.

The LRP is a great out of the box rifle.

 

[Sherrick5]

Alright a small update, either today or tomorrow I should be getting everything back from the gunsmith, Harrel 4 port brake on it, on wait right now for my SS 16x in the mail, but I already have the base and will do pressure tests... loading with varget, superperformance, and 4831SC... seeing what works well with it.

Question out there... could anyone point me to an easy step by stepon how to bed my scope base... pref for a savage, I've never tried it before or seen anyone do it, but I heard it's something I should really look into

 

[BoilerUP]

Basically the same for a Savage as for a Remington, except new Savages have a rounded rear vs. a Rem's flat rear.

8541 Tactical has a nice video somewhere that might help you.

 

[Kentucky Jelly]

My son's Savage has the Accu-trigger, and while it's OK, it's still a bit heavy, IMO, for 1000 yard shooting. I have the old three screw, and I'm planning on switching out both of ours to the Rifle Basix Sav-1 which gets down to a pound.

The Viper's a great scope (have one), and will fit perfectly for your application. I don't shoot inside 600 (except for load workup), and have rarely found 20X to be too much- except on rare occasions of really bad mirage conditions.

Far as the H4350; I have the same problem- use it for my 7-08 rounds. I shoot heavy bullets (162), and I've been advised to switch to the IMR 4350 which seems to be more available generally and is actually in stock at the local reloading shop. My guess is that it might work on the 6.5's as well although they are lighter...

The accutrigger in the LRP is anything but heavy.

I have one in 6.5 creedmoor. The weakest link is definitely the stock, but is serviceable. I had mine bed into a Manners stock, and changed to Accurate Mag bottom metal. It is a shooter.

 

[6brshooter]

Make sure ur scope base is one that does not have a recoil lug on it. With the lrp's closed action ejection port it is now go. I like badger bases so i removed the lug to fit on my lrp. The lug is trued from the factory, the small shank lugs are stamped and should be tossed but the target action lugs are gtg. Yep trigger goes down to 6 oz but with the safety blade spring pressure is a couple oz so it feels like a long pull when set light. I have mine set at 14-16 oz, it feels similar to a two stage. First stage is safety blade depress, second stage is actual trigger break. The viper scope u mention is decent, tracks good also. Gets a little blah on hot mirage days. My advice if funds are limited, get a decent scope now and good rings and bases. If u compromise now on rings and base so u can put another100 on scope u will end up replacing all down the road. Egw makes a base for the target actions that work good. I like tps and seekins rings. Seekins are maybe alittle better machined but tps can be had for 80 bucks.

 

[fdkay]

In my experience, Savages don't normally need to have the scope bases bedded.

 

[Wannashootit]

The accutrigger in the LRP is anything but heavy.

I have one in 6.5 creedmoor. The weakest link is definitely the stock, but is serviceable. I had mine bed into a Manners stock, and changed to Accurate Mag bottom metal. It is a shooter.

Yup- I stand corrected. The Target AccuTrigger is a different animal.

 

[mnhntr]

My LRP in .260 shot 5rd bug holes with 44.5gr of H4350 and 142gr SMKs

 

[haroldwilson]

You don't need the recoil lug. The target actions come with precision recoil lugs. The lesser actions don't and might benefit from the precision lug.

Don't know the scoop on the precision nut. I have a 12LRP in 6.5 CM, and I'm not changing the nut on mine. I'm not touching anything on it for fear I will screw it up. Unbelievable rifle straight out of the box. I don't know if they are all like this one or not.

600 Yds with 140 Amax. Approx 1.5" vertical and 2.5" horizontal. Not a calm wind day.

 

[FALex]

haha, thanks guys for the insight, basically I'll be shooting paper @ 150, and steel from anywhere from 300-1000, including 5" steel at 1000... so that's why I was thinking towards the 20x, because with the scope I have on my 308 it's a 4-12x bushnell and I was struggling with seeing the small steel at 1000 so that's why leaning towards the 20 rather than the 10 and 12... basically looking for something high value for the price for now and once I build up a little more cash replacing it with a mark4 or whatever I feel would be best at the time. So that maybe helps what I'm shooting for.
[MENTION=48203]FALex[/MENTION], with your .260 what powder do you usually use? I've heard tons about H4350 and 4831SC, which I've been able to actually find #1 of the 4831sc around here, but I have a ton of varget from my 308, so dealing with that... Do you know of anyone using superperformance with .260? It's plentiful around here, plus I saw where there's load data for the 6.5creedmore for it, so I figure it would at least be a option.

I'm running H4350 when I'm competing (on my last pound, by the way...anyone know where I can get any, feel free to PM me). I recently got turned onto Accurate 4350, which is SUPPOSSED to run similarly, grain-for-grain, with H4350 (just from my research of it). I am using it for practice, only. I think the Accurate is significantly less temp stable than the Hodgdon from what I am observing.

Chances are great that your Savage will love H4350. Most rifles in the 6/6.5 flavor do enjoy it. I have no idea how Varget will do, but I'm sure someone has done it/is doing it. I think if you can get your hands on the 4831SC, you'd be good to go. In my opinion, the SC is better because it allows you to get more powder in the case, the long cut 4831 won't allow you to obtain a sufficient case capacity. Some folks shoot the long cut 4831 in their .260's with great success, but they don't mind a velocity in the 27's. I want it north of 2799.

My buddy owned an LRP in 6.5CM. He didn't do a damn thing to that rifle, and it was a laser. If I were in your shoes, I'd think about bedding it and dropping a DBM in that stock. That would be it...nothing real serious. Keep us updated on how she shoots.

 

[Sherrick5]

Got it tonight from the Smith, the Harrel brake works well, the 4 ports are actually almost at a 35-45 degree angle instead of straight sided tactical, no ports on top but with the way it's set up all 8 ports do both sides and top, kick with it is less than my non brake'd .223 axis...

Trigger works fine.. it's set up under #1 but not sure just how light, dealt fine with how I cranked the bolt, no trips...

Stock is the newer style of the two, with the vertical style grip rather than the "standard" rifle style.

I asked someone else to order me the one piece base since he got free shipping and instead of EGW they got the one piece millett base... dunno how well it works, but for right now It will do...

I also ordered the SWFA SS 16x42 + rings, waiting for that.. I'm guessing should be wednesday or thursday...

Since don't have a scope I went into going into round 1 of my pressure tests...
CCI large rifle primers, non BR, lapua brass
first test was going by Lapua's recommendation for the 123gr scenars of 2.795 COAL, tomorrow will be .010" off lands which seems to be 2.835"

Varget at 36 37 38 39gr with no pressure signs, 39.5 showing slight cratering, cases inside were the most dirty of the 3 different loads but exhaust wasn't bad.

Superperformance at 45 46 47 48 49 gr, all 5 loads showed no pressure signs, cases were the cleanest of the 3, looking forward to how this shoots.

H4831SC at 44 45 46 47 48gr, except for the 44, all the others had varying degrees of compression, showing slight cratering on the 48, very thick exhaust... almost like not all the powder was burning... probably will save this for heavier bullets

Hoping by the end of the week I'll have pics of it and targets/groupings ect which will be at 150 yards

 

[Sherrick5]

Tomorrow(Friday) heading out to Rayner's in Ohio to finally get to fully use everything. Scope (SWFA 16x42) finally came in this morning, so far I'm really impressed with it. This thing loves 39.1-39.3 Varget with the 123gr scenars, chrono'd at 2935-45. With a flat base it's zeroing at 150yds with about 16-17 Mils still left for adjustment, should be enough for about 1400 yards if what my charts are right in what they are telling me.

The Butler Creek caps that came with it, surprised my by quite a bit, snaps perfect, actually feels sturdy for being rubber/plastic...

The experiment with the superperformance failed horribly though, sure it's not showing pressure and chronoing at 3100-3200fps but it's giving me a 3-5 MOA spread... or a 1 MOA spread with a 4-6 MOA Flyer