Savage Model 110 BA in .338 Lapua
A lot of people have been drooling over the new .338 Lapua Savage rifle because it packs a lot of features into a rifle with an MSRP of just $2,267.
American Rifleman has published a review of the 110 BA which can be read on their website ...
Although the Model 110 BA is found in the Savage Arms law enforcement lineup, and was designed with military requirements in mind, not to mention it has the ability to withstand operational use by military and law enforcement communities, long-range shooting enthusiasts will surely find this rifle appealing. What’s more, the 110 BA’s $2,267 price puts it within the reach of many shooters. All this, along with Savage’s renowned accuracy and commitment to quality, gives you a remarkable rifle at an equally impressive price.
The American Rifleman review is very comprehensive so I will not bother covering the same ground, but I will make a few comments about the rifle which I have had the pleasure of shooting on two separate occasions.
Recoil is not too bad. The muzzle brake is efficient. The blast, on the other hand, is significant. Firing it at the enclosed private single lane at the NRA HQ Range was quite an experience ! Again, thanks to Ed Friedman, Tyler Kreis and Daniel McCullough for taking me shooting at NRA HQ.
The rifle is more accurate than I am at half a mile. To be quite honest, being more accurate than me is not hard!
When I blogged about the original Savage Model 10 BAS, which this rifle is based on, many people criticized Savage's decision to use an AR-15 stock and pistol grip. Personally I found the ergonomics of a free standing pistol grip to work just as well on a bolt action as it does on a tactical style automatic rifle.
I have only two criticism. Firstly, to be frank, it is ugly. Savage have gone with function over form. Secondly, few, if any, civilians are going to get any use from the side rails. They just add to the weight and cost of the rifle.
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .338 Lapua Magnum, .300 Win Mag |
| Capacity | .338 LM: 5+1 rounds, .300 Win Mag: 6+1 |
| Finish | Matte Black |
| Barrel | 26" heavy fluted |
| Rail | Scope rail mount 20 MOA elevation, side rails |
| Stock | Magpul PRS-G3 |
| Twist | 1:9 (.338), 1:10 (.300) |
| Overall Length | 50.5" |
| Weight | 15.75 lbs |
| Other Features | AccuTrigger, AccuStock |
| MSRP (Price) | $2267 |
| Availability | Unknown |
Can anyone tell me the torque setting for the wedge screw?
I just adjusted my trigger and would like to know.
BTW
Savage ROCKS!!!!
Thanks in advance,
Dennis
Wynn, it depends on how big the plate of steel is, as well as the color of it versus the background it is set against. I can see prairie dogs at 800 yds with a 24 power scope, and standing they are approximately 12″ tall by 3″ wide, and often times they are brown on brown (which makes hitting them at that range virtually impossible with a .223). If your goal is a sillouhette at a mile, 32 power with a .338 Lapua should be quite sufficient so long as you are capable of that shot. Just don’t overlook the Coriolis effect.
hello, I’m looking to purchase a Savage 110 BA but don’t know too much about it. I would also love to have a folding stock if there is one available but not important right now. I know a guy selling his 110 BA 338 LM with 300 rounds through the barrel. Forward with the question at hand, how many rounds can be fired through this barrel until it needs to be replaced? Also is a Nightforce is an NXS 8-32X56 NP R-2 capable to seeing something at 1 (one) mile out? That’s just my personal goal to hit a steel target at 1 mile. Thanks in advance.
Chuck…..I too have been a big fan of Savage Arms…..I bought my first one many years ago and have never had one problem with any of them…
they all shoot as straight as advertised and have proven to be quite durable……I have become very fond of my 110BA and am still working up loads…..
Matt…..Went to the range last week and tried the 300g SMK with 92g of H1000…….Measured 2772 fps with the Crony……at 100 yards was getting 3/4 inch groups…….I will try to go out to 530 yards soon….and will let you know the result…..530 yards is the longest range close to my home or I would try a longer distance…
It’s a Savage….what do you expect out of a cement but cement!!
The thing is a nice piece of custom work. I am 64 and all my life I looked at Savage and knocked them for looks. Didn’t appreciate them at all until the last 3 years. Just check out the national championships, competition shoots around the country. Some of these guys use “out of the box” rifles! Got my attention. I have sold/traded my Rems,Wins & Browns off, one by one…replaced them with Savage. User friendly, old and new ones. Shoot like I knew what I was doing.
In short, Savage has listened to the shooters feedback and have produced what they want from hunters to target people and have earned my respect.
Savage is a shooter’s weapon from Fun to Professional.
Thanks Bill for that book info. Nice to see its on par (even tho my results are slightly greater) with what the manual is showing.
Anxious to hear how they run for you in yours. Great grouping at that distance. Would be interested to know how the 92.0g of H1000 compares to your existing loads.
Do keep us posted – thanks – Matt
I was at the range early last Thursday morning 6/4/2011 and using 300g Sierra MK’s, NECO moly coated, with IMR 4350 powder at 82g muzzle velocity of 2650 fps was able to shoot consistent 1 1/2 inch groups at 530 yards…..I just loaded the same bullet but used 92g of H1000 ……might be a couple of weeks before I check muzzle velocity……
Matt…..From the Sierra Load Manuel……max load for H1000 is 92.2 grains
muzzle velocity was 2750 fps….hope this helps…..
Jay – Thanks, thats great news too. Regarding 300g SMKs, that is all I have put thru my 110BA in 338LPM. They fit perfect in the magazine with a boat load of room to spare. I dont recall exactly without going downstairs with the caliper to measure (srry, clocking serious couch time right now) but from memory I believe I still have around .65-70″ left of space.
Using 300g SMKs, Lapua Headstamped brass trimmed to min spec length (forget off top of my head what that is) I use 92.0g of H-1000& Fed 215 Magnum primers (wanted GM primers but they were no where to be found at the time of my workups); My COAL is sitting at 3.680 which is .050″ off the lands. This is yeilding hole-in-hole groups at 100, sad to say I have not been farther with her yet. Muzzle velocity is chrono clocked at 2,766fps.
A few folks asked for some video of the Savage 110BA. I haven’t gone out with the explicit intent to take good shooting video but here are some clips I put together of the last outing. This was shooting at 100yards zeroing in a Hawke SIdewinder 30 – 1/2 Mildot scope which performed beautifully.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-f3_cUZFjs
Note the final cold barrel shot on the second target, was very pleased.
I use 300g Sierra Matchking Boat tail rounds sailing at 2,766fps/muzzle velocity. Started off at almost 5,100ft/lbs of energy & impacted the 18″ oak with around 4,800ft/lbs of energy. Thanks -
Matt,
Nice grouping, I think you will be impressed with the overall preformance of the Savage. At 300 yds cold bore I was still grouping well under 1″. My hat is off to the people at Savage for a high quality rifle that is still affordable.
Is anybody shooting 300 gr SMKs in their 110? I am interested to know how they fit in the magazine and what kind of powder, powder weight and if any headspace issues have arisen with these particular bullets.
Also took mine out to 1000 yds with factory ammo the other day. The Savage and Nightforce combo was exceptional at that range, I was consistently scoring hits on a 27″ gong at that range. Can’t wait to get some loads worked up and really test the performance at distance!
I finally got to the range with my 110BA. I decided to place my existing NF 12-42 x 56 NXS scope on top. It took me only 4 rounds to sight in at 100yds. I used Hornday 250 gr BTHP with 86.0 grains of H1000. COL and LOA were all trimmed to normal specs. After shooting 5 more rounds I was hitting 3/4″. I say not bad for the first time out. Next time I will move out to 200yds.
Matt…..
I was able to go to the range early Thursday morning….it was foggy and I sometimes had to wait a few minuets to see the targets at 100 yds…..with 79 grains of IMR 4350 I got an average fps of 2650 with the SMK’s 300g, Neco moly and 3.682 COAL…….only got to shoot 20 rounds and was getting hole touching 5 shot groups……..On the Sierra load manual…..there are many powders listed and H1000 is one of them….Sierra only shows two ratings….one is for most accurate powder and load…….the other is for best hunting load….If I remember correctly the IMR 4350 at 78.8g was listed as most accurate and the best hunting load was the VitaVori 560…..I am not in front of the load manual just now so I will look it up and confirm later…..Nest time I shoot I will use this load at 530 yards and let you know…..Thanks Bill
Took the Savage 110 BA to the Angeles Shooting Range on the 16th with hopes of running several different hand loads through the chrono. Sad to say the range was closed to the public starting at 1PM for some SWAT Officers so we only had a short time in the AM to do any shooting. We did manage to get one load through the chrono:
SCOPE: Nightforce NXS 2256
LOAD DATA
CASE: HSM 338LM (once fired)
C.O.A.L.: 3.8650 in
C.O.L: 2.7280 in
BULLET: Berger 300 gr Hybrid
PRIMER: Federal 215
POWDER: Vihtavouri 170, 79.4 gr
AVG VELOCITY FOR 5 RDS: 2306 FPS, Vihtavouri hand book, 2360 FPS
ACCURACY, PAPER TARGET: 100 yds, 5 shots touching 1/2 in cen to cen
ACCURACY, METAL RAMS: 200 yds, 5 shots, 5 hits
400 yds, 5 shots, 5 hits
600 yds, 5 shots, 5 hits
All in all not a bad day. The Competition Electronics ProChrono placed 12 ft in front of the bench worked as advertised.
Next we will increase the load to 84.4 gr of Vihtavouri 170 powder (half way between min of 79.4 and max of 90.4 gr) per the Vihtavouri hand loading manual and repeat the exercise. The third session will consist of 90.4 gr of Vihtavouri 170 and then we will switch powders and start the process again. Purpose being to find the most accurate load for the Berger 300 gr Hybrid om the 110 BA. Trying to attain max velocity is not our intent.
Bill, thanks for the info. Curious to hear your further results. Interestingly enough I dont have the Sierra load book and have never seen it. Would like to see the excerpt for the 338LPM, 300g SMKs specifically, curious how mine rates on its scales.
When I did my measurements my max length just touching the rifling was 3.731 so I have just a hair more than 50 thousandths of an inch off-set from the lands. The reason I didn’t go with the 3.60even was to give a little more air space between powder & projectile base without compressing. At 92.0g of H1000 that would almost be a compressed load with no shake sound (technical term to listen if there is any gap between the powder and the projectile, lol).
I didn’t go further, even tho there was more cartridge space in the magazine, because I didn’t want to build up excessive pressure in an already high -pressure over-bored Magnum. There are two basic preferences when it comes to seating – jump or jamb the lands. I always have at least a .050″ gap as when the projectile is jammed into the lands it peaks at a greater start pressure. In my case I am already at red line max charge and this is of even greater importance with my loads.
These are actually the first and only COAL I have run thru my 110BA and it seems to love it. Two different nodes, one at 90.0g did a great grouping and then 92.0 got me cutting hole on hole at 100yards. I went with the 92.0 since it was slightly tighter but mainly because, hopefully someday, I will be able to reach out to that magic Mile and wanted all my loads to be the same.
Keep us posted -
Matt……
COL has been limited to 3.681……There is some distance from the o-give to the begining of the rifling…..I have measured this a couple of times but so far have not ventured past the maximum length shown for this cartridge in Sierra’s latest manual ….making them closer to the rifling will be one of the things I do next……
I loaded 50 rounds of 300 SMK’s, Neco moly plated, with 79g of IMR 4350 ….as my local store was out of H1000…..I may not have a chance to test them for two or three weeks…….Yest cheaper is better as the IMR was much cheaper than the VithVouri……Will keep you posted…..
hey guys its been a little bit and need to ask what is smallest size of the brass i can use .befor i start triming down and im using reloder 25 any one have some good load plans and were can i find the min. and max gr.so i can do my onw work ups you test out what some poeple are shooting and do some tweeks as needed with the rl25 any help is helpfull thank you
Well done Bill, thats pretty good but I will say at 100yards the Savage 110BA in 338LPM is capable of hole-touching groups. All depends on what you are looking to do. If you are smacking steel at distance that grouping would serve very well. Its just ~140fps slower than I get out of the H1000 but at the same time, you may find a little more life from the brass with the lower velocity- not certain there.
I can say the H1000 is very clean burning. Never used the VV powder as it was not avail when I started my load workups locally and it was also A LOT more expensive. I get 1lb of H1000 around 22 bucks here at a show and 25 in-store. The VV locally (tag on the shelf non in stock) was 35 per lb. If you choose to try the H1000 I hope you get good grouping as it would be cheaper than the VV to help save. What COAL are you sitting at? Keep us posted, interested to hear your workups.
Thanks again Matt……
I went to the range Thursday morning and shot a number of 1/2 inch five shot grops at 100 yards…..300 SMK’s, moly coated, 83.7 g of VV N560 with an average speed of 2640 fps…..Not sure what to try next as these shot well for me the week before at 530 yards…..My local gun store did not have any H1000….So I bought some more VV N560 and a jar of IMR 4350 to try…….may take me a week or two for results…Bill
Your welcome Bill, I hope it helps. I did find in my load workups that at 90.0g (all being H-1000) that I found a good node, was within 1/2″ center to center of each other. While that was good I still had loads up to 92.0 in 1/2g increments to test. On my initial workups I did not run them thru the chrono, I determined which was the best grouper then on subsequent outings I ran thru the chrono.
When it hit 92.0g they started cutting hole on hole. While the life of the brass I am sure the 90.0 would be better I wanted to reach the max of the LPM and the 92.0 fulfills. I trim the case EVERY time down to the min spec case length. While there is room to play I know the way I am pushing the loads they elongate quite a bit. I don’t want to have issues when the brass expands having not trimmed back far.
Keep us posted -
Matt…….
Thanks for the great reply…….The first time that I shot the 300g SMK’s was just last week and that was at 530 yards…..I am going to the range Thursday morning and will shoot at the 100 yard range and use the chronograph to make sure of my fps on these loads. The best groups I have seen at 100 yards were 5 shot groups at 3/4 inch….I will try your loads as it sounds better than mine…. I use the Hornady trimmer and yes I do seem to trim some of the brass on each re-load…..I neck size first and then run the brass through the complete re-size die……clean the primer pockets, chamfer the inside and outside of the neck and then measure the brass for length…..I then trim to length if necessary and
chamfer the the neck again…..Bill
Hey Bill – Although I understand the life of brass is reduces when performing full size vs just neck size, I always full size in all chamberings that I load. I found, at least in my rifle, that Hodgen H-1000 at 92.0g sitting at a COAL of 3.680 produced hole-in hole and touching groups at 100yards. This is using the SMK 300g exclusively. I havent moved to other projectiles since I found a great grouper. I am running Federal 215 primers (wanted the Gold Match but they were nowhere to be found when I was working up my loads). I chronoed various loads and in a 3 shot group my 1st two of the 3 shot group were EXACTLY the same velocity, the 3rd round was 3fps of from the initial two. I found this to be phenominal consistency.
I am pushing these 300grainers at 2,766fps which is pretty high so I am not sure what life I am going to get out of the brass as a result. The handful of rounds I have (only 25 sadly, so far) were once fired brass and have loaded and fired them twice. So they are now on their 4th loading. I would say out of the 25 I found probably 4 or so that had a slight lift stiffness at the very end of the lift. None did on my initial (which was 2nd load). Once lifted it extracts glass smooth so I dont consider this an issue but what it does tell me is that I am stretching the brass pretty good. This is also told by the amount I am trimming the brass every time. I use a Lee cutter which is a fixed min overall length sizer and it seems a good bit comes off each time I reload. If I remember I am going to take my digital caliper out and measure before firing then after to get an idea of the brass expansion. At least at these levels I would be totally amazed to get 10loads out of each but will keep track. My guess is more like 5-6.
I also, despite the many boos this may produce, perform a light factory crimp on ALL my factory loads. The 338LPM is no different. I bought a Lee Factory Crimp die just for this round. It does not require a crimp ring and it ensures uniform start pressures also placing less requirement for a consistent neck size to hold the projectile. This really helps in brass that has been fired quite a bit and wont hold as tight as it did when new.
At 3,500ft above sea level these loads are still supersonic at the magic mile and still has approximately 2.5x the energy of a 180g 40S&W at point blank range. Enough to ring a gong/plate at the 1,760yard mark. Hope this helps.
Matt…..
I had a lot of bolt sticking issues until I started to re-size with each new reload……..I wouldn’t call it a bolt sticking issue now ….but on maybe one in six rounds I get a little bolt drag…..but as you said it is not a problem. What powder and load are you finding works best? I am hoping to get 10 reloads at least from the Lapua brass before it is junk…does this sound realistic to you?
Hey Bill, Welcome… Sounds like you have a good grouping going on there. I am pushing my 300g SMKs to what I believe to be the true max/upper end of the envelope, at 2766fps. I am curious to see if you see any sticking issues on subsequent reloads even with Lapua brass at your current FPS rating. Even your FTP rating is at the upper end and I have noticed after 2 or 3 reloads I get 1 in every so many that have a little lift issue on the last 5% of so of bolt list. Its clear to me that the brass is expanding and after so many loads not contracting as much which is to be expected. I dont consider this a problem other than shortening the life of the ever so unrealistically-prices Lapua stamped brass. Well done, happy shooting!
I took the time to read every post listed above from the beginning and was rewarded with a wealth of information…….I have had my Savage BA110 since the end of last October and have probably run 300 rounds down the barrel by now. These were all my own loads assembled on my Dillon RL550B using Redding Competition dies carefully weighing each load twice…….I have only used Lapua brass and at first only neck sized…after some bolt sticking problems I now re-size all brass before reloading. I have tried 250 SMK’s, Berger 300g Hybrids and 300g SMK’s…..all have shot well. Powders used were mostly VihtaVuori …..Yesterday was the first time I was able to shoot the Savage past 100 yards….I set up at daylight at West End Gun Club in the Lytle Creed area of So. Cal…..The longest range there is 600 yards (530 yards measured with range finder) and after getting the scope to a good zero…..I was able to shoot 3″ groups consistently…..I used 300g SMK’s, Moly coated and 83.7 grains of VV N560…..2635 fps and 12 MOA dialed in on the NightForce NSX….I was shooting from my portable bench…..I think this was a good starting point and plan to do better with more load development. Does this info compare to what others have found?
Jeremy, When I searched last fall there was nothing in that low of a price range, apart from a report of Bass Pro incorrectly pricing and honoring a 1500+ mismark which they quickly corrected. I got mine for 1800shipped which was a great deal. If you really do find it, brand new, for 1400 dont hesitate. Good luck & Enjoy
I have heard of this rifle going for as little as $1400. secondly as i have the beginning stages of arthritis in wrists shoulders and elbows i find it more comfortable and i’m able to shoot tighter more consistent groups with a pistol grip than i am with a standard stock because of my wrist being in a more natural alignment, allowing me to focus on landing the shot. this rifle will soon be in my inventory in the .300 win mag caliber. saving my pennies now.
In regards to Scopes, something that is frequently overlooked but is almost as important as your choice of scope is MOUNTS!
I saw a fellow at our local range this past deer season came out to sight in his brand new Nikon Scope on his 12 guage Slug Gun only to have it fly off on his second shot and bust his eyelid wide open in front of his young son!
It turns out he had mounted a $200.00 shotgun scope on his slug gun with a pair of $5.00 Walmart Rings!
I personaly have my Leupold VariXIII mounted to my .50BMG with a pair of Barret Adjustable Rings (no longer made) as well as rings of equal quality on all my other rifles
A good pair of rings can make a break the performance of any scope.
Just a thought……
RemMax
Hey Matt; That B&B Sounds like a neat idea but I was just wondering if you had looked into insurance for something like that?
My Brother is a ammo vendor and went through hell trying to get insurance on his buisness and at that there was only 2 companies who would even talk to him about insuring any buisness related to the firearms industry.
Also have you thought about gun storage?
Again with regards to insurance I’m wondering if they would write a policy if you planned on letting guest store there own guns in there own rooms.
After all we all know how the antis look at gun owners and for them the thought of us even owning a firearm that can shoot a mile is enough to make them cringe.
Personaly I hope to see you get it set up and that you are close enough to me that with todays gas prices I can afford the trip to come stay there.
I was just wondering if you had looked into the insurance thing or not yet and if there was any companies out there willing to write the policy.
Good luck on the B&B and keep us posted if it comes to life.
RemMax
Everyone, thank you for the responses. Point in fact I do like NF line of scopes, but i also do have a Leupold scope on another .308. Still has anyone had any experience with the Vortex Razor 5-20 x 50mm? Again, Thank you for the responses.
Like many other things, it takes several components for the complete package. Optics are not everything and will not make a poor shooter a marksman. I have gone shoulder to shoulder with folks running S&B & NF & Leopold scopes of very high dollar and produced tighter groups with two different rifles all with optics 500bucks and less. Glass is good and shouldn’t be overlooked however there are other things that comprise the entire package.
Just because its a high dollar piece of gear I don’t believe it requires an equivalent cost scope. Again, there are many offerings there are less money and will get the same end result. I would be happy to put my foot forward and go toe-to-toe with others with optics 4-5times the cost. Good a good quality scope and spend the money of consumables to become proficient in its use. Regardless, shoot, shoot often & enjoy above all else.
Hey John – Considered the RV option but initially would set it up to be a 5-7 guest room large B&B that offers a dedicated cleaning area as well for the guests for their weapons. Could possibly expand the idea to include that.
Essentially as long as you are a guest at the B&B/Lodge you have full access to the range facility. It would take a while to expand to a larger entity but would prefer to keep it on the smaller side at any one time such as 2 guests per room. Essentially having no more than 10 to 15 folks at the Inn/range at any given time. A more private experience that is without time schedule. Food, nice sleeping quarters, and a unique range facility.
Many folks go on long trips for hunting expos, why not go for a long distance range outing? I think this would go well. Again this has been a thought for a while and trying to see what I can do to make it a reality.
Gotta good friend who’s an ex Seal.NOTHING less than Nightforce scopes held up in the field.Every other scope failed after 6 weeks in desert storm. Why would you scope such an awesome weapon with anything less than what it and you deserve.Step up people….or step away!
While I’ve never owned a Leupold scope I know several mrksmen that have, all have switched to Nightforce. All 3 of my friends that have owned Leupolds have shot the reticles out if them. One was on a 300 wby mag, that went twice. Once on the first scope, once on the replacement. Both within 10 rounds. Also Leupolds factory tolerances for psrralax adjustment are 2 MOA. When you’re shooting 1000+ yds that is a substantial amount. While I speak highly of NF, I will let their contracts and records speak for themselves!
Matt, Brian & Jay
The scope price vs capability topic is one I follow with great interest. After saving for what seems like a life time, I purchased a Savage 110 BA and mounted a Nightforce NXS 5.5-22×56 ($1632)and a Sako TRG-42, that we mounted a Leupold Mark 4 6.5-20X50 ERT/M1 ($1381) scope on. (both in 338 LM). To date we have put over 450 rounds through each rifle at distances out to 600 yds (Max at our local range) and have found both scopes to perform very well, edge to edge clarity is equal, definition at 600 yds is equal so to my “eye”. I can’t really tell the difference between scopes. I control both scopes with the Barrett BORS system so adjusting to 600 yards does not reach the extremes of either manufacturer’s published moa. Given my 600 yard max distance restriction, what other measurement criteria should I be looking at to really compare the two scopes??
PS: Matt, will your B&B have parking spaces with hook ups for RV’s??
Hey Brian about your scope question the Nightforce NF 12x42x56 you are refering to is a decent BR scope but lacks the internal adjustment the Nightforce NXS series scopes have, If I recall correctly mine only has about 50moa total internal adjustment while the 5.5×22 NXS has 100MOA internal adjustment.
I bought my Nightforce because everyone kept harping on how I needed one to go on my Ferret50 in .50BMG, What a waste of money any Nightforce is in my humble opinion!
I have a Leupold VariXIII 6.5x20x50 MilDot mounted on my .50 that I wouldn’t trade for any off the Nightforces I have sat behind to date and thats been a few at various 1k matches, guys still sing the priase of the nightforce like no other scope out there can do what it does.
My Leupold has 120MOA internal adjustment so when the NXS’s run out of adjustment trying to reach the 1 mile (1760 yards) point I am still not out of adjustment yet
Also my Leupold cost me about $800 delivered from SWFA when I bought it a few years ago, at the same time NF scopes were selling for well over $1600 so in short for those like myself who collect gun and love high power long range shooting I can’t drop the Nightforce ransom for all my various 1000 yard rifles!
I am looking into buying a 110BA now, but regardless of what .338 Lapua Mag I decide on I will be mounting another of the Leupold VariXIII 6.5x20x50 Mildot sopes with side focus and 30mm tubes.
Of course this is just my opinion and I’m sure a lot of folks here will scream the NF praises again almost like they are paid to but then we all know NF is to cheap to pay anyone but themselves! (g)
I ended up mounting the NF 12x42x56 I bought on my Rem Sendero .300 Ultra Mag and while it is a decent bench rest scope it is definetely lacking in internal adjustment needed for long range shooting from 100 to 1000 yards like the .338 Lapua Mag round is so well designed for.
Just my opinion though, (for what it’s worth)
RemMax
I’m not a firm believer inthe expensive scope equals better scope theory. I’ve seen scopes priced over $5000 grand with no real significant improvement over a $300 dollar Tasco. If it works, it works regardless of price. I am also happy to report that the HSM ammo performs flawlessly in the Savage. Very disappointed with Hornady!
Jay – Nice to hear the accuracy. Those 285s intrigued me and I almost started my load workups with those but due to availability issues at the time I went with the SMK 300g. They have proved great in my 7mm Remington Mag and gave it a try int he Lapua. Glad I did. Regarding the Hornady brass, its disappointing but it seems with the heavier projectiles and higher velocity the case expansion is too significant. My first 40 shots were from Hornady brass and I thought I had a defective gun. Take a vernier caliper measurement before and after and the amount of expansion is unreal. Apparently the metallurgical composition of the case, specifically the webbing area, is very different in the Lapua stamps. Yet I still dont agree with 2.50 a pop for new Lapua stamp as you can buy 50BMG brass cheaper (and by a lot in once fired) yet there is more material that also requires sustaining higher pressure.
I would love to see if Nosler Custom brass could come out with a strong offering as the Lapua but it seems, at this in this application, the Lapua stamped brass is the way I will have to go.
Brian L- I know what you mean. I have a nice Nikon Buckmaster 6-18 on my CZ chambered in 308winchester. Its the BDC and works quite well but for longer work the reticle is a little thick. It is a GREAT scope, again daylight conditions mostly, however I haven’t shot past 500yards so I cannot give a first hand account at long distance. Gazing at various objects look good at farther distance but I would say unless its a fine plex the cross hairs would obscure the target at great distance.
I am very anxious to get my 110BA out to distances of 1000 yards & the Miracle Mile. I am actually doing some serious soul searching and considering in the upcoming years of opening a B&B with a 1 Mile Range facility out in the MidWest. This is more of a dream and may not come true but would be phenomenal to attract shooters from all around.
I have not shot the Tactical 30 at extreme distance yet, other than looking thru the scope at major distances which looked very detailed & clear. Extreme distance is what I am pushing my 300grain SMKs to achieve with a muzzle velocity of 2,766fps. I am sure it is reducing the case life but I believe, that is significant velocity out of a 300g projectile down the 1:9 twist; Keep us posted -
to anybody going to try for the magic mile .I posted a question about wondering if the rail on the savage 110ba actually had 20m.o.a. taper to it ,I an dealing with savge’s engineering department on this problem if you have the time you should check your scope shoot at 100yrd, zero your scope remember where your zero is then check how many single clicks from top to bottom then from bottom to top then split the diff. that will put you at ocular center if your 100yrd zero is + or – a couple of m.o.a. you do not have 20m.o.a taper . there is a problem per savage they are working with me just don’t know if wide spread or isolated problem if you check please write back curious to know if any body is having the same problem. and to matt talked to N.F. about my 5.5x22x56nxs the had the scope checked they fixed a problem and when sent in the scope was almost at ocular center witch should not be with a 20 m.o.a. taper. and savage agree’s
Matt,
I WAS shooting Hornadyy’s new 285 grain loads. They actually shot really well, under 1″ at 300 yds during break in, cleaning between rounds. Going to start reloading once I get her broke in.
Matt thank you for the info. Since writing my comment I have been looking at less priced scopes. I’ve been looking at the Nikon line, but research has shown that the optics get fuzzy and they have chromatic aberrations. So I’m face with a choice of getting a scope, at long distances, that will have issues or spending the big buck and getting clear optics. They sure don’t make it easy.
Regarding Optics (try not to boo me) – I have a Hawke SideWinder Tactical 30 on mine, the 6.5-20 1/2MildDot and it has been PHENOMINAL. Its designed for high powered spring air rifles and was skeptical to say the least at the claims of shockproof on all caliburs. After speaking to several tech/engineers as well as a no-bull rep I decided to go with it under a 10day return regardless. I could not be happier. The image is so crystal clear edge to edge and across all zoom levels I was estatic. Cant really comment on dusk/low light usage as thats not when I generally shoot the Lapua anyway.
I am so glad I took the chance – scope and rings brought be to just under 500bucks. It has been rock solid, the recital is awesome and has been 100%repeatable. There are a lot of higher end scopes out there and also for exponentially the cost. There are however other options that wont break the bank that you look side by side thru and there is certainly a point of diminishing returns which is very disproportionate to the money spent. I have looked thru many a multi-thousand dollar optic. Compared to this one in normal daylight conditions I cannot see but the smallest of variances, some I liked slightly more most I actually didn’t. If I would go to a much higher power that would force me into a different market/category of cost. But this has been magnificent on my 338 LPM. So much I am considering replacing a nice Nikon on my CZ 308 Target Rifle. Regardless of optics… Shoot often & enjoy….
Jay – Good luck, I am sure you are going to find the issue is with the Hornady brass. I have 2 boxes sitting as I thought I was doing a good thing and accepted paying 1.50 per for new brass in 338 LPM. I have never fired a factory load thru mine only hand loads. But what I did notice while working up on the Hornady that just past what I would consider 50-60% load workups the brass started sticking. Again my experience is only with 300g projectiles so running 250s may be very different within the same charges but it was very disappointing and now have a bunch of paperweights, some once fired and most new Hornady that in my application I cannot use.
I don’t know who makes the brass for HSM other than its their own head stamp. When I used to have a 50BMG (sigh….) I bought a lot of HSM and it was great ammo. However I never reloaded so I cannot attest to the brass other than it fires once and ejected fine. Hope this helps -
Matt-
The brass is stamped Hornady. From what I’ve compared to my chrony results the loads aren’t loaded hot at all, actually quite tame. I’ve talked to a few other people that have been having the same problem with Hornady ammo in other calibers as well. A friend of mine bought a Christensen Arms in .300 Ultra Mag and is having the same problem with his Hornady ammo. I just ordered a box of shells from Hunting Shack, I will definately update how those rounds do.
I’ve got a Nightforce NXS 5.5-22X56 on mine with the NPR2 reticle. I love it, there are pricier scopes out there but I don’t see any reason to spend more. If you order from SportOptic its free shipping and no sales tax also, gotta love that kind of deal. I’m giving serious thought to putting NF on all my other long distance rifles now.
So I have to make this big decission as to what scope I place on my 110BA. I have a NF 12-42 x 56 NXS on my .308 F Class rifle, so I can either move that to my 110BA OR I was thinking of the Vortex Razor. Any thoughts? My plans are to shoot out to 1000yds.
Jay – What headstamp is the brass from the factory loads? If they are hot loads and its Hornady brass that would be the culprit. Changeover to Laupua stamped brass and verify that your lift issues are gone. This will give you an idea if you have a problem with your chamber or its the ammo.
I have been reloading and found that the Lapua stamped brass is the only way to go when pushing the Lapua Mag to its true potential. At least using 300g rounds at 2,766fps Lapua stamped brass is the only option.
Hope this helps – Matt
I have a Savage 110 BA in .338 Lapua. I have been having problems with mine ejecting spent rounds from the chamber. It acts as if they are over pressuring, but since I’m shooting factory ammo I don’t believe that’s the case. Just wondering if anyone else was having the same issue.
Thanks Hank for the info. Not sure if I am going to go the route of that accessory but will keep that info on hand if I do.
Much appreciated -
Matt,
Even if you get a monopod, when you put it on it acts like a additional handle to hold when you put the stock up into your arm. In that aspect it may aid your position. I know I use my bipod legs alot when I am carrying the rifle or looking for a handhold. I understand the human error in the shooting of the rifle. I just find that if you can purchase somthing that helps with your accuracy, Why not? Nothing says you have to use it for every trip out. Either way – depending on your setup wants, The guys at accushot reccomended the bt12 or bt13 depending on needs.
http://www.site-secure.biz/accushot/catalog/index.php?cPath=21&osCsid=f1873cde03379185871df35475216b13
They also have the rails you will need to mount onto the prs2 in hand.
Jason – Welcome & congrats on the pending acquisition. I have a Hawke Sidewinder Tactical 30 on mine sitting on top of medium height Burris Tactical rings. – http://swfa.com/Burris-Xtreme-Tacitcal-30mm-Rings-C651.aspx – These fit the scope I bought perfectly without any lapping. They are also VERY heavy duty and secure. There is just enough room to get another 6mms of bell housing in (3mm closer to the rifle). At this point it would be very close once you put on a butler creek flip open cap, if thats your preference. Low rings will be a no-go. Mediums, at least with the ones I bought would JUST fit very close and highs of course would give a ton of room to pitch a tent and camp under. Hope this helps -
Hi everyone; I have a 110 ba on lay away and should have it by the end of the month. I already have the scope (Bushnell Elite 6500 Tactical 4.5-30X50) and i need to know what height the rings need to be in order to clear the 50mm objective lens. I want to go with weaver tactical rings. If anyone has any info/personal experience with lapped scope rings I would also like to hear about them. I already know what the procedure is and what it is supposed to do; I am just curious about pros/cons if any. Thanks.
Thanks Hank for the clarification. Nice to see the 110BA has the accuracy. Regarding the monopod, I have never done that but I am teetering towards putting on on my 110BA. Are you buying a precut/specific rail or just a universal rail that has a hole and slot that will work? I am considering doing the rail and pod but I often place my hand right under the and lock into my shoulder and by putting a pod in there I wont be able to do that anymore. Not sure if I will like that or not. I have always felt, no offense intended to anyone – this is merely my opinion, that true shooting is only resting on a bag or bipod on the front end.
When locking into a shooting rest, pods, etc. all there seems to me is technical skill in dealing with drops & windage as the human element it almost all taken out. Its for this reason I lean towards the purist thoughts and havent had any kind of rear rest. But like anything else, times change and I may actually try that for the first time ever… Still unsure.
Maybe I should have said — Matt, I was dialing in. If you look in the bullet holes you can see my shot count.
“”That shot group was with my savage 110ba – but “”
I can almost cloverleaf the hole in the paper with the barret at 600 yards. I contribute most of it to the lack of my body adding to the equasion. The monopod on the 98B makes it almost a shooting machine. I haven’t chrono’d any of this last lot, but a majority of what I did before was averaging 2834 fps and a little higher depending on lot. Most of my drops are being pulled from a calculator I downloaded on my phone called shooter. Works very well. After calling magpul, they pointed me toward the accushot monopod, I think it was the 12 or the 13 , either way still have to put the rail on using the two screws and mounting the monopod at that angle the PRS2 has. Not fun.
Matt, The pics I put up are from my 110BA(the one pic is of my 110BA rifle, the other is a picture of my shot group at 600 yards with the 110ba). My friend has the 98b. I like using it for reference to compare the savage to.
HANK- Well done, nice shooting there. I didn’t realize until reading the last post that you are behind a Barrette and not a Savage 110BA. Do you have a 110BA?
Does anyone else have any experience with the Vortex Razor?
Matt, I was dialing in. If you look in the bullet holes you can see my shot count. I can almost cloverleaf the hole in the paper with the barret at 600 yards. I contribute most of it to the lack of my body adding to the equasion. The monopod on the 98B makes it almost a shooting machine. I haven’t chrono’d any of this last lot, but a majority of what I did before was averaging 2834 fps and a little higher depending on lot. Most of my drops are being pulled from a calculator I downloaded on my phone called shooter. Works very well. After calling magpul, they pointed me toward the accushot monopod, I think it was the 12 or the 13 , either way still have to put the rail on using the two screws and mounting the monopod at that angle the PRS2 has. Not fun.
Hank – hit send too fast on that last one. Wanted to ask – What mono pod are you going to put on the 110BA and are you attaching a rail first with the two threaded inserts or is what your getting made for those mountings directly? Thanks -
Very Nice Hank – Were you adjusting your scope for elevation to zero in at 600 or was this keeping the scope settings the same? While you definitely have a good round there, the 1:9 Twist begs for the 300g length. Have you chrono’d your rounds and performed any drop chart calcs? Thanks for sharing.