New Project - Savage 16

[Teknys]

I used to have a Sako 85 in a 338 Fed. I sold the gun to a buddy who spun on a Hart 6MM barrel and wow is that a shooter. I see that Savage is now offering the 338Fed in some of thier models. I have lots of components and loaded ammo for it so I figured why not.
I ordered the 16 XP package. I want to learn to bed a stock. I figure this is a good place to start. If it doesn't work out I can purchase some bottom metal and get a Boyds, etc. I'm not so sure about the scope but I can give that away and put a Leupold, Vortex or the like. I like the stainless Savages. I have a Model 12 VLP and my son has a 16. Both are in 300WSM and they sure shoot well.
I don't know why I like that 338F so much. I've taken a few deer and a couple of elk with it. I just want a rifle in that caliber back in the safe again.

Looking forward to working with this gun.

 

[Dwh7271]

Probably a good call.
They make an accurate rifle.
On bedding.....there is no such thing as too much release agent. :grin: don't ask why I said that.
Really though, bedding isn't that difficult. Kind of fun actually.
The 338 Fed is an interesting cartridge.

 

[SJB358]

Congrats on a great caliber!

 

[Anonymous]

The local hook and bullet has had a NIB Ruger Hawkeye in .338FED for a couple of years.

It is a hard one to pass up... apparently brass and ammo is tough to find but that doesn't make it a less effective cartridge. .338 bullets are still common and necking up .308 brass isn't a chore...and I've got plenty of it.

 

[DrMike]

It is a fine cartridge. My 338 Fed has only taken one head of game, but it was a nice young moose on opening day a couple of years ago. The rifle does deliver a good thump on game, and does it without kicking the shooter from under his/her hat.

 

[sask boy]

That is a very interesting calibre :wink: not many shooters in this neck of the woods shoot it. I am looking forward to the range report with photos I hope.

Blessings,
Dan

 

[Teknys]

I couldn't deal with the scope. I put a Vortex Diamondback HP 2x8x32. This new model comes with the side focus on this lower magnification. First I've seen of this feature on low power scopes, there might be others?
I lapped a set of Warne rings. I was surprised how much one of the the rings needed.
I have some Fusion ammo for a base line and loaded 200gn BST and 180gn BT at diff charges of 2000-MR. If it would quit raining I'm going to slip out and shoot this today. You don't wait for rain very often here in this part of Idaho. :shock:

 

[SJB358]

Nice! Can't wait to see it. 338 Federal is a neat cartridge.

 

[truck driver]

I couldn't deal with the scope. I put a Vortex Diamondback HP 2x8x32. This new model comes with the side focus on this lower magnification. First I've seen of this feature on low power scopes, there might be others?
I lapped a set of Warne rings. I was surprised how much one of the the rings needed.
I have some Fusion ammo for a base line and loaded 200gn BST and 180gn BT at diff charges of MR-2000. If it would quit raining I'm going to slip out and shoot this today. You don't wait for rain very often here in this part of Idaho. :shock:

I have the 3-12X42 Diamndback HP with side focus and like it very much. Mine sits on my 35 Whelen and almost bought the 2-8X32 and I'm curious how it works out for you.

 

[Teknys]

I like the WIDE view thru the scope so far ..... in the yard. My intention with this gun is the brush / timber hunting. It's very light and I'm thinking this gun will let me know I'm pulling the trigger.

 

[DrMike]

The 338 Federal is not at all fussy about what it is fed. It is a mild-mannered cartridge that hits way above its weight range. You're going to enjoy this.

 

[truck driver]

How does it gather light? I only have one scope smaller than 40mm and it's a Luepold VXIII 1.5-5X22 that's on my M77 30-06 and I set it up as a mountain brush gun so I could keep both eyes open and track running game with out dual vision. Deer like to go from 0 to wide open when jumped from brush and thickets and this combo has been successful for me over the years and have been working with the 3-12 hoping to get the benefit of the extra 12 power and still be able to jump shoot with the 3 power setting but it may be too much magnification to keep both eyes open.

 

[Teknys]

I'm traveling this week so no pics.
The Savage 338F at 60 yards at a small pit shot factory Fusion into a ragged hole. It also shot 200 BST and 2000MR into one hole. These are quarter size holes not a little bug. Savage again right out of box.
The scope was very nice. I will spend more time checking it out next time. No buyers remorse.

 

[SJB358]

Nice, sounds like its ready for prime time.

 

[DrMike]

That sounds very encouraging, Teknys. You're definitely going to enjoy the rifle.

 

[FOTIS]

Chances are you will not have to tinker with the Savage to get it to shoot!

 

[Vince]

Chances are you will not have to tinker with the Savage to get it to shoot!

I agree.
My local Gunbender says they have the best barrel out of the box of all the factory rifles.

Vince

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