I was able to shoot my new Savage 10FCP HS 308 today. Rifle has had scope mount bedded, action has been skim bedded, bolt has been lapped. Scope is a Vortex PST FFP 6-24x50 MOA reticle.
I loaded 2 different bullets to perform ladder tests. #1 was a Berger 185 VLD Hunting bullet and #2 was with Sierra 168 SMk.
I used Alliant 2000MR beginning with 42.5gr and ending with 47gr at 0.5gr increments for the 185 VLD's.
The same load was used for the 168 SMK's except I loaded 12 rounds from 42.5gr to 48gr.
The 185 VLD showed no pressure signs at 47gr but I got a nice little group at 45.5gr to 46.5gr. I will load 10 more rounds up at 46gr, chrono and see how they group.
The 168 SMK's only began to show extractor marks at the 48gr mark. They seemed to group tightly at 45gr. Again I will load up 10 more at 45gr, chrono and see how they group.
Weather was overcast, 66F, wind 10-15mph at 45Deg from behind, elev. 5300', humid. 45%
All loaded ammo was checked for concentricity ( 0.001" to 0.003"). Lapua Brass, trimmed to min length, case mouths deburred. I did not uniform the primmer pockets or debur flash hole as it appeared this was not needed. I used CCI 200 primers.
I did load 20 rounds at 44gr to see how the rifle would group. I picked 44gr as I felt this was a safe powder level when I was loading the other ladder rounds last night.
I shot these 20 rounds before I did the ladder test. These were all shot at 100 yds.
I cleaned the barrel after each shot for the first 5 shots, then cleaned again after the next 5 shot and continued cleaning after each 5 shot group. I did not have enough loaded rounds to dirty the barrel after each cleaning so groups probably would have been tighter.
The largest 5 shot group for the 20 rounds was 0.70". The smallest 4 shot group was 0.22", I threw the 5th shot but the group was still under 0.50"
This is for a rifle with only 42 rounds shot threw it. I expect that groups will shrink as the barrel gets broken in and I get comfortable shooting this new toy.
I did order a JP muzzle brake and 100 Lapua 155gr Secenar today. These bullets look like they should shoot real good, and I am hoping the muzzle brake will permit me to see hits on target.
I have not weighed the rifle but it did not kick too bad, shoulder did not get sore and did not cause any flinching.
I'll post photos tomorrow.
I loaded 2 different bullets to perform ladder tests. #1 was a Berger 185 VLD Hunting bullet and #2 was with Sierra 168 SMk.
I used Alliant 2000MR beginning with 42.5gr and ending with 47gr at 0.5gr increments for the 185 VLD's.
The same load was used for the 168 SMK's except I loaded 12 rounds from 42.5gr to 48gr.
The 185 VLD showed no pressure signs at 47gr but I got a nice little group at 45.5gr to 46.5gr. I will load 10 more rounds up at 46gr, chrono and see how they group.
The 168 SMK's only began to show extractor marks at the 48gr mark. They seemed to group tightly at 45gr. Again I will load up 10 more at 45gr, chrono and see how they group.
Weather was overcast, 66F, wind 10-15mph at 45Deg from behind, elev. 5300', humid. 45%
All loaded ammo was checked for concentricity ( 0.001" to 0.003"). Lapua Brass, trimmed to min length, case mouths deburred. I did not uniform the primmer pockets or debur flash hole as it appeared this was not needed. I used CCI 200 primers.
I did load 20 rounds at 44gr to see how the rifle would group. I picked 44gr as I felt this was a safe powder level when I was loading the other ladder rounds last night.
I shot these 20 rounds before I did the ladder test. These were all shot at 100 yds.
I cleaned the barrel after each shot for the first 5 shots, then cleaned again after the next 5 shot and continued cleaning after each 5 shot group. I did not have enough loaded rounds to dirty the barrel after each cleaning so groups probably would have been tighter.
The largest 5 shot group for the 20 rounds was 0.70". The smallest 4 shot group was 0.22", I threw the 5th shot but the group was still under 0.50"
This is for a rifle with only 42 rounds shot threw it. I expect that groups will shrink as the barrel gets broken in and I get comfortable shooting this new toy.
I did order a JP muzzle brake and 100 Lapua 155gr Secenar today. These bullets look like they should shoot real good, and I am hoping the muzzle brake will permit me to see hits on target.
I have not weighed the rifle but it did not kick too bad, shoulder did not get sore and did not cause any flinching.
I'll post photos tomorrow.
Last edited:
