Savage 10BATSK suitability

[Gunnie]

Folks,
will be moving to NSW for a year or so with work. This will free up my week-ends to get back into shooting sports. As such I am keen to gain some experience at long range work.
For this I currently own a Savage Model 10 Tac-Elite 24"bbl in 223Rem, Choate varminter stock and 8-32x44 scope. I plan on using a stock of Winchester factory loads which have 69gn BTHP pills.
I also have a Savage LE10-fp Tac Elite in 308W which I currently feed 168gn BTHP Noslers. This is the early model and only has a 20"bbl and is in the Savage black synthetic stock.
As such I am considering trading this rifle in with one of the new Savage Tac Elite 308's, specifically the BATSK model. This model has a 24"bbl and the new Accu-trigger, both assets that will improve ballistics and accuracy capability.
What I would like to know is if anyone owns one of these and what they think of it for the long range work, say from 300 - 800M?

Appreciate any help, advice you can profer. Cheers

[Woody_rod]

Although there is nothing wrong with your choices Gunnie, I would suggest going for something more appropriate for long range work from the Savage range.

The model 12 F/TR or 12 F Class rifles would be better suited to ranges over probably 500 yards. More appropriate stocks and most importantly, longer barrels.

[CodeBasher]

I oh so know where you're coming from.

To turn that puppy into a true all rounder you'd need to.

Get a smithy to make and fit a 28" or 30" 12/1-13/1 twist barrel. If you love your muzzle brake then get the smithy to include a removable one so you can take it off during comps where they are illegal.

You also want a single round "plug" made to replace the magazine during comps. Removable of course. Don't want to throw away repeating capability now do we.

Assuming it meets weight restrictions which it probably will you'll end up with a very unique BAT 10SK tuned and very capable of 1000yd F-class Standard work along along with hunting and everything else.

Note: the new barrel twist does mean it's quite tuned to 150-160gn projectiles rather than the really big 200gn'ers.

[Gunnie]

CB,

sounds like you've gone down this path or have considered it.

Wr: While I agree that if I was serious about the F-class aspect then I would buy something more diehard in the long range target line. Plus I'd be more inclined to look at a 6.5/284Norma. I'm looking at adaptability to several aspects of my shooting interests and requirements. Such a dedicated rifle would probably suit in a loose manner of speaking, but not be as versatile as I need it to be.

Primarily I want to expand on my base knowledge in long range work and then untilise these skills to better effect in CSR Sniper match. There is also a need for specialised shooting work of which I am involved. As such the BATSK is more suited than a single shot Model12 F/TR.

While it would be great to fully wring ballistic capability out of the 308W case by fitting a 28-30" tube, it is a cost that I don't want to face immediately after buying the rifle. That said though, when / if the opportunity avails itself, I will grab a longer bbl for the rifle. Most likely to suit the need, somehing in the 26-28" length.

I know I could consider the Remington specialist rifle, forget the model, with the 30" tube, but I don't have much of a passion for the brand, not to mention the price tags. Bit contradictory considering I have an early model 40XBR in 222Rem in the safe! Have also considered the CZ Model 750 308W, though again price comes into the equation.

OK, so back to the intent. So to use the BATSK in F-class I will need to have a single shot block made to fit in place of the magazine. I take it I can get this done through any GS? Any idea of costs?

Not too phased about the muzzle break. Am using 338LM and 50cal AI rifles with them and while they do soften the recoil, in a 308W I don't feel it's warranted. So I'll more likely look at some form of flash suppressor which will mainly work as a muzzle protector. Or possibly a moderator to help reduce muzzle jump. I understand such fittings would need to be removable for use on an F-Class range.

With the projectile weights, is it correct that Std class is limited to 155gn Plama Match pills and a set powder? Plus Open class allows for any other weight /style pill? I prefer the 165-170gn weight range for the 308W, specifically the 168gn BTHP style. So a 1-in10 twist tube, even in 28-30", would still be viable right?

I appreciate the advice and opinions proferred guys. It all helps in the learning and understanding process. Cheers

[10FPAT]

G'day Gunnie,
Iam a newbie at F Class & shoot standard with a Savage 10FP in a Factory HS Stock & a 24" barrel. With 155 grn projectiles & 2206H I'm getting 2900 + FPS & have shot it at all ranges from 300 to 1000.

At the moment I'm quite happy with my set up & do not intend to have a "proper" rifle built as the time I have to put into F class is limited & I need to learn a Lot more about reading wind & conditions before another rifle will make any difference!

If I wear the barrel out I might fit a 26" barrel but then I might not!

As far as getting a magazine block made up I don't think it against the rules to shoot with the mag in place just single load, I have Rem 700 .308 as well & it is fitted with ACIS 10 rnd mags, that will single load with the mag in place & I assume the Savage will as well.

My mate has the CZ 750 & while it is a nice rifle, the couple of things that let it down in my opinion are the stock is does not come with an Aluminium block like the HS type stock & the Mauser extractor makes it hard to single load.

So if you think the New Savage will do what you need for F calss & whatever else you want I say go fo it..

[CodeBasher]

If some pedantic type wants to make a scene then one might dig up some interpretation of some obscure ruling regarding use of a magazine even though they are only feeding one round.

Though at the Belmont shoot today I saw two magazine equipped rifles and no one complained at all so I suspect a factory Savage BAT (minus muzzle brake) will do just fine. You barrel is more tuned to heavier projectiles but even with the required 155gn PALMA rounds I believe your piece should shoot just fine up to 700Yds or a little more perhaps.

I have a 308 Barnard with 30" barrel which I've pimped to a very tactical feel. I'm planning to do something for my son early next year cobbling together a really special all round 223 for him. Hence all my research. When I eventually wear out the barrel on the trusty Barnard I'll sell that action and do the same in 308 for me.

[Barry T]

Hello gunnie,i have a savage fvss in a 308 1in 10 twist, 26 inch barrel, and use nosler 155's hpbt comps and shoot 300 to 1000. i am happy with the 26 inch barrel until it wears out then and only then will i rebarrel the rifle.i have added to the stock, but the barrel is savage factory.
happy shooting from barry t

[Gunnie]

Thanks for the feedback guys. At present I will commence the trade in and purchase trail once I get home from this deployment.
From there I'll make a start on the run in and load development processes.

Looks like there shouldn't be too much hassle on the firing line with one of the BATSK's. Am looking forward to the purchase.
Again, thanks for your advice and opinions.

[RDavies]

Gunnie, where abouts in NSW will you be? I know in my area, there is plenty of F class and the local club also has sniper advance shoots as well. As for magazine fed rifles, no problem. You can just pop a round on top of the mag, or into the mag, no worries, as long as you only load one at a time. I started with a Rem 700 VS 308. I would hunt with it one weekend, then target shoot the next with it.
One recommendation if money is an issue, is to buy a second hand rifle (or use your existing one)in what ever caliber with a shot out barrel, and screw in a suitable 2nd hand target barrel. That way you get a custom barrel, the right twist, and right length. With a hunting style stock, I would much rather a slower 13" twist than the 10" factory one. If you ask in the sales/wanted section of this forum, there are probably a few dozen target shooters who,s 30" barrel has 2000 rounds through it for sale. Cut 2" of it to give it a fresh chamber and you are set.

[Gunnie]

RD: I will be based out of Newcastle area. So any info on where the clubs are would be great.

Update: since getting home I've managed to do some more research and get my hands on a BATSK for a 'feel'. Whilst the rifle felt OK in hand and certainly has the looks, I'm now not so sure. So back to the drawing boards.
Spoke to a few more people and have decided to keep the Savage LE-110fp Tac Elite and just replace the stock as a first step. Have managed to score a Choate Sniper stock for $300 and this should help with the bedding and stock ridigity issues of the original setup. The one thing that pushed me more towards this course of action was a word of advice to stick with a good action/bbl setup that does shoot and put some thought to good glass. Was told to start looking at the Bushnell 6500 series and then up from there; Leupold Mk4's, NXS etc.
Bought some 155 Noslers to try and will work out some loads for them.
I like the feel of the Choate stocks as I really enjoy shooting my 223 version in a varminter stock.

So let's see where this evolution leads.....

[RDavies]

PM sent.
Basicly, if you will be based around Newcastle, you will have heaps of opportunities to use you rifles at long range at various rifle ranges. I will PM you details.