New smokless savage problems

[KPH]

Took it to the range for the first time today. I could have gotten a better pattern with a shotgun. I had installed a Nikon scope 3-9x40 even torqued the screws to spec. I stared out at 25 yards now a 3 year old moron should do some good there but I was all over the target. I had weighed each charge of 43gr. of IMR sr4759 under 250gr. Hornady sst bullets. I don't think it is the jock on the stock for I have done this a few times. I have checked the breach plug it was tight even had the anti. seize still on it. Right now I am thinking of a bad scope witch is new. I plan on taking it off and trying the fixed sights or even swap it out with a known good one. Other than that I am lost. Am I missing anything???

 

[ratsnakeboogy]

Try backing off to 41gr of the SR4759 and knurling 5 bullets between two files. Just run them through the files a couple of times. My guess is sabot/bullet/barrel fit. The .50 can be finicky. Try this first, then we can delve further. How do the shot sabots look?

 

[Rubberduck270]

Make sure your scope is mounted solid and everything is tight. How long were you waiting between shots?

 

[Rubberduck270]

Also, take a few pics of the sabots and post them for us. Sabots will tell you a lot.

 

[Roost 1]

Check your front scope base make sure it's not touching barrel lug...
Also you need to wait at least 15 mins between shots and this means waiting before you load gun not just waiting between shots..

 

[KPH]

Try backing off to 41gr of the SR4759 and knurling 5 bullets between two files. Just run them through the files a couple of times. My guess is sabot/bullet/barrel fit. The .50 can be finicky. Try this first, then we can delve further. How do the shot sabots look?

Not sure what you mean by knurling. The sabot/bullet does fit loser than I would think it should.

 

[Rubberduck270]

What sabots are you using?

 

[KPH]

Make sure your scope is mounted solid and everything is tight. How long were you waiting between shots?

The scope is tight all screws where torqued to spec. Waited till had cool barrel maybe 5 to 10 min. had two other guns I could shoot.

 

[KPH]

Check your front scope base make sure it's not touching barrel lug...
Also you need to wait at least 15 mins between shots and this means waiting before you load gun not just waiting between shots..

Front of scope not touching. I had waited 5-10 min. had cool barrel before loading.

 

[KPH]

What sabots are you using? [/quote250 gr Hornady SST like the manual suggested with their suggested powder and load.

 

[Rubberduck270]

What sabot is the 250 gr SST in?

 

[fullstream]

If its the red sabot your gonna want to trash those. I used to use black mmp's with sst's.

 

[fullstream]

Also, take a few pics of the sabots and post them for us. Sabots will tell you a lot.

X2

 

[ratsnakeboogy]

Knurling is rolling the bullet between to large Rosie O'Donnell files. It increases the bullets diameter and also let's it "grab" the sabot. Not hard to do.

If you are using the Sabots supplied with the SST bullet that could be part of the problem. Find the sabots a few yards in front of where you shot and post a pic, that will get us on the right track.

Some Savages had a problem with the front base sitting on the recoil lug causing a issue with mounting scopes. Some also had a problem with the front base screw being to long and bottoming out on the barrel threads before tightening completely. It's hard to see, being it's only a few thousandths difference.

Find the spent sabots and we can go from there. I would also recommend harvestor sabots. I think I have an extra package you could have if we could meet in Oak Ridge one afternoon.

 

[ratsnakeboogy]

Scratch the meeting part, I thought I read Knoxville not Hendersonville.

You are close to Midsouth shooters supply though and they usually have Harvester short black sabots.

 

[KPH]

What sabot is the 250 gr SST in?

It is the red one that came on it.

 

[KPH]

If its the red sabot your gonna want to trash those. I used to use black mmp's with sst's.

It is the red ones

 

[KPH]

Knurling is rolling the bullet between to large Rosie O'Donnell files. It increases the bullets diameter and also let's it "grab" the sabot. Not hard to do.

If you are using the Sabots supplied with the SST bullet that could be part of the problem. Find the sabots a few yards in front of where you shot and post a pic, that will get us on the right track.

Some Savages had a problem with the front base sitting on the recoil lug causing a issue with mounting scopes. Some also had a problem with the front base screw being to long and bottoming out on the barrel threads before tightening completely. It's hard to see, being it's only a few thousandths difference.

Find the spent sabots and we can go from there. I would also recommend harvestor sabots. I think I have an extra package you could have if we could meet in Oak Ridge one afternoon.

OK I can handle the Knurling. I can't get a pic. as I am home and they are 20mi away. The one I did find had all the petals torn off except one and it was bent back. Will check that base tomorrow when I give it a cleaning.

 

[KPH]

Scratch the meeting part, I thought I read Knoxville not Hendersonville.

You are close to Midsouth shooters supply though and they usually have Harvester short black sabots.

Yea I thought when I read that but I sure do think you. I have some stuff ordered from Midsouth if I make another order I will look for them.

 

[Rubberduck270]

Ditch the red sabots. Luke at Arrowhead Sporting Goods is the go to guy for smokeless supplies. http://smokelessmz.com/

He sells sample packs of sabots and bullets. Very knowledgeable fella.

 

[Roost 1]

If I had some of the black mmp I would send you some....if someone can say if the black crush rib would help I can send you some of those..

 

[TN Larry]

Ditch the red sabots. Luke at Arrowhead Sporting Goods is the go to guy for smokeless supplies. http://smokelessmz.com/

He sells sample packs of sabots and bullets. Very knowledgeable fella.

X2. You can buy in qty of 10 until you figure out your load. As said above, ditch the sabots that came with the SSTs.

 

[KPH]

First, I would start with a load that works in 99% of savage ML's. Experiment after you get your confidence level up. Most I have seen, including regular ml's, like a 250XTP. I would try a 250XTP in a short black MMP sabot over 44 grains of 5744. If your gun is new, you should have gotten 4 sets of the above mentioned bullets and sabots with it. I haven't seen one yet that didn't like them.

Remember I used Savage's recommended load. The gun is new in the box ,no bullets came with it. I am not experimenting yet. I have been shooting for at over 50yrs if you count BB gun at least 60yrs. and do have confidence in what I am doing. I cleaned the gun today and rechecked the scope it is well mounted I had even torqued the scoped screws to specs. I will change powder and try again with the suggested sabots and bullets next week . I do want to think every one, this is why I came and asked. I will report back when I get a chance to try again. You would think a old retired man would have more time to do what he wants.

 

[mike243]

Mine came with 5 250g xtp,going to start with them then try the 240g from walmart,cheap cheap but seen a load for them,will keep trying till I find what it likes.no different than any other gun,good luck & us old folks can shoot lol

 

[fullstream]

Mine came with 5 250g xtp,going to start with them then try the 240g from walmart,cheap cheap but seen a load for them,will keep trying till I find what it likes.no different than any other gun,good luck & us old folks can shoot lol

I don't think you'll have any luck with the 240's I've not heard of anyone using them.