Loading for Savage F/TR in F-Std

[Quinny]

I have ordered a Savage 12 F/TR and want to try and avoid wasting time and ammo on playing around with various combinations that just don't work. I spent a lot of time and lots of wasted shots doing load development on my Tikka, and I want to avoid that with the new rifle.

So, a quick question to the guys who are using Savage rifles - could anyone please give me an idea of what works in these rifles and what doesn't (projectile choice, powder loads etc)? I am particularly interested in seeing what the guys using the Savage target rifles with the 30" factory barrels are using, and also what sort of muzzle velocity you are getting.

I know that my rifle may not be the same as someone elses, but I figure that it may be a better starting point than starting completely from scratch.

[bartman007]

Hello Quinny,

Just to be sure, is the caliber that you are using 308?

If so, my current load which I find accurate for my barrel is as follows:

155gn Dyer projectiles
45.6gn 2208 powder
Federal 210 primers

I'd suggest trying a few loads around this value, as each barrel is different. I use a jump from the projectile to the lands anywhere from 20 to 50 thou, this is also important when working with different powder loads.

Try 45.2 with 5 rounds, then 45.5 with 5 rounds, then 45.8 with 5 rounds. Which ever groups the tightest, go with that.

Good luck.

Bartman

[Quinny]

Thanks for that. Yes, the calibre I am using is .308.

I currently have plenty of Dyers projectiles and brand new unfired Lapua brass, also using 2208 powder with CCI BR primers.

Initially, I planned on loading up 20 rounds at the lower end of the powder charge scale to do the sighting in. Then loading up 5 different powder charges in 0.5gn increments (start at 44.5gn up to 46.5gn) with 10 rounds of each - so that is 1 foul shot, 3x 3shot groups for each charge. Then see which one works best. Then work with that load for the future (fine tuning the powder charge and seating depth).

Should I do the same with the other projectiles available? Is there a better way of doing this?

[stu_bear2002]

Quinny, I am currently using the same components as you in my 26inch omark barrel.
My tightest accuracy load @ 100mt is 45gr of 2208.
FWIW the group size ATC is .119" or .104moa

[bartman007]

Quinny,

I'd be careful going up to 46.5 grains, as that is quite high. I too use Lapua cases, and Large primers, and a friend of mine has had issues when approaching 46 grains in that the primer pockets get loose.

I'd start looking for pressure signs when getting up around 45.8 grains.

Also, you don't want to damage a whole lot of cases by loosening the primer pockets do you? If you've got money to burn then what the hell

I also believe that depending on the primer type, you may get a hotter burn thus increasing pressure in the case at a lower powder load. I use standard not magnum primers, and 45.6 keeps me happy. Although I do have the option to go a tad hotter.

Good luck.

[Quinny]

46.5gn is only .5gn less than ADI's recommended max for 2208, so it is getting up there. I used 46.5 in the Tikka as that seemed to be where it was most accurate and consistent. I have loaded my Lapua cases 7 times so far with no issues with primers or stress signs on the brass. That said, I will be going with whatever is most accurate in the Savage, whether it is 45 or 46.5gn - I don't think I will be going above that. I figure that if I can get 10 loads out of a case then it has been worth it, especially considering the cost of Lapua brass at the moment, at 70c per case, it is cheaper than Remington, Winchester and Norma brass.

[Razer]

Quinny.
When posting loads it must be borne in mind that different chamberings create different pressures.
I have a Barnard with a M852 chamber and it has fired over 3000 rounds of 46grs of 2208, using 200 Lapua cases with no problems.
I also have a Barnard with a Palma 95 chamber and using Lapua brass it will not open the bolt at 46grs, 2208, and I have to down load it to 45.6grs.
I have a Mauser, re-barrelled, and I do not know what chamber it has. On extraction it will tear the rim off Lapua brass at 45.6grs 2208 so I can only use lighter[Rem] brass. As it has done only 300 rounds I will get it re-chambered to M852 as the previous barrel's chamber had no trouble with 46grs,2208.
The Tikka, being a sporting rifle has a larger chamber to cater for commercial sporting ammunition which has some rather differing brass dimensions. That is why, in all probability, you can get away with 46.5grs of 2208.
I have never loaded above 46grs shooting 155 grainers, not even with a Sako 75 varminter!
These are just my observations for what they are worth.