Any help appreciated I am out of ideas

[mnhntr]

I bought a Savage 10 predator in .260 rem and I could not get this thing to shoot. I tried 5 different bullets, seating depths, brass, and ran half a dozen ladders trying to find a solution. It was sent back to Savage after I scoped the barrel and found horrible tool chatter marks throughout the rifling and some small pitting marks at the muzzle end. It was sent back to me with the same barrel, which ticked me off, a form showing they had headspace checked it and test fired it at 100yds. The target they sent me was shot with Federal 120gr Nosler BT ammo and the 3rd group was .8 in. I took the rifle out a few more times and it would not shoot anything better than 1.5in groups. I checked and rechecked the scope the mount and rings and everything else it could be. I then started thinking I would try to duplicate the ammo they used because I am not spending $40 a box of 20 rounds when I can reload for way less. I loaded some 123gr AMAX at the min oal which is .080 off the lands and it worked. I got a 5rd group at 100yds that looked like a clover leaf, all touching. I also loaded some 140gr AMAX the same way and they did not group well.
So I guess I am at a loss of ideas to try to get the heavy bullets to shoot. Its a 1-8 twist which should work with bullets up to 160gr. I thought about putting a new barrel on it. I thought about running some Tubb's bullets through it. I am happy it shoots the 123gr bullets but I really want to be able to run the 140 or 142s at 1000yds as they have a much better BC.

 

[wayno1]

With all respect if you're thinking about putting anew bbl on the rifle, I'd spring for the expensive ammo first. A LOT cheaper.
Once you know you match the factory, you'll have more confidence in the rifle.
Else I'd pursue a refund from Savage or another rifle. Pitting on the crown is not a good thing..

 

[mnhntr]

With all respect if you're thinking about putting anew bbl on the rifle, I'd spring for the expensive ammo first. A LOT cheaper.
Once you know you match the factory, you'll have more confidence in the rifle.
Else I'd pursue a refund from Savage or another rifle. Pitting on the crown is not a good thing..

Savage wont do anything because it is with in their specs and they apparently do not own a bore scope. The pitting is in the rifling right at the muzzle.

 

[wayno1]

Am reposting a post from jrob. Hope he doesn't mind: Hope it helps you out. jrob has about 1000+ posts.


jrob

Re: .260 Remington bullet and twist recommendations.

There does not seem to be a unanimous school of thought on 6.5mm barrel twists for the heavier projectiles. Both 8 and 8.5 are very common with little performance difference between the two. If you see yourself dabbling with lighter bullets, go 8.5.

I would stick with the 139-142 gr bullets. They will give you the best wind performance to 1000+.

I have shot Bergers and Lapua and I am now shooting the Hornady 140 BTHP. The Berger 140 VLD is king in the wind and the Lapua 139 is an incredibly acurate bullet with little concern for distance to the lands, but the Hornady, at almost 1/2 the cost, is *nearly* as accurate as the Lapua.

John

 

[mnhntr]

thanks for the post

 

[Infinity]

OP, I like your direction of having a reputable smith chamber and put a new barrel on her. I've struggled with rifles like that in the past and, at least to me, it isn't worth it. Best of luck with whatever you decide.