Accuracy Improvement Suggestions

[shaggy430]

I have a Savage 116 stainless 338 Win Mag and I’ve tried multiple loads in an attempt to find an accurate load. So far it seems to like 250 grain Speer Grand Slams the best but the best I’m getting is about 1.75” groups at 100 yards. The gun was actually given to me by my father and I suspect it was because he couldn’t get it to shoot tight groups either. So far I’ve tried combos of 225 Accubond, 225 Partitions, 250 Grand Slams, and 250 Partitions. I’ve also shot some 200 grain Hornady handloads from a friend and they were too hot with a split case. Most loads I’ve tinkered with were with IMR4350. It shoots factory 225 grain Core-Lokt into about 1.75”.

I’ve checked out the gun and put a new scope and rings so I don’t think it would be a scope issue.

Anyone have a pet load they’d be willing to share? I just bought a box of 210 Barnes TTSX to try as well. I’ve ordered a Lee Factory Crimp die to try as well.

 

[forty_caliber]

Have you tried using a comparator to adjust CBTO for your rifle?

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLX2aeFXzRrvcu1ZwFK4_MkiEsrLuX97n0

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[shaggy430]

Have you tried using a comparator to adjust CBTO for your rifle?

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLX2aeFXzRrvcu1ZwFK4_MkiEsrLuX97n0

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I assume you are referring to COAL? I'm setting the COAL at the manual recommended specs per each manufacturer of the bullet that I am using. I'm planning on taking the best load to Africa next year so I want to have a little wiggle room for changes in weather, humidity, etc.

 

[forty_caliber]

I assume you are referring to COAL? I'm setting the COAL at the manual recommended specs per each manufacturer of the bullet that I am using. I'm planning on taking the best load to Africa next year so I want to have a little wiggle room for changes in weather, humidity, etc.

Catridge Base To Ogive. Using a comparator, modified case, and gauge, it is possible to determine exactly where a given bullet meets the lands of your rifle. By using this figure, a custom COAL can be set for your rifle. This can help improve accuracy. Something I would definitely do if I was heading to Africa on the hunt of a lifetime. Checkout Sam's video series. He explains the process in great detail.

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[crestoncowboy]

Nothing wrong with seeking more accuracy. I wish you the best. That said, some guns wont do better than 2 MOA in anything close to stock form. I have some very valuable classic rifles that won't shoot close to 1.75 MOA.
Like you, I assume their inaccuracy is why they look new 75 or 100 years later.

 

[jmr40]

I pretty much ignore suggested COAL. I load 1 round as long as possible that will still fit in the magazine. If it hits the lands when chamber it I'll seat it slightly deeper until it doesn't. That is my COAL for the 1st batch that I take to the range. If they shoot great, then that is the length that I use. If not I may try seating the next batch a little shorter, but I almost always get the accuracy I'm looking for at that length. Using this method I can't possibly load them any longer unless I want a single shot. And most of the time you get good accuracy closer to the lands. I can't get any closer unless it is a single shot or I modify the magazine. And if I need to seat bullets differently I only have one direction to go.

 

[murf]

run a box of factory ammo through the gun and see what kind of group you get. use this as your baseline for further accuracy loading.

luck,

murf

 

[sage5907]

I probably can't help you because I don't have a 338 WM but I do shoot a 338-06. When I search for an accurate load I always try several powders to find the one that works best. Sometimes IMR 4350 works good but sometimes Reloader 17 will do even better. Alliant lists 66 grains for a velocity of 2664 with the 250 grain GS.

 

[horsey300]

Try the hot cors or pro hunters, I'm not sure what you plan on putting them into, but if there's a rifle that won't shoot em, time for a different barrel, I'd also suggest trying factory fusions or ssts, they shoot straight period, after that, h4831 may nor always get the velocity I like, but the groups with a flat base haven't let me down yet.
Eta, my only experience has been with my brother's .338 wm, (ruger) but it didn't care for the monometals as much. Good luck!

 

[BigBore45]

Float barrel. Bed action. Check barrel crown. Torque stock to action per specs. Try better glass. Tons of options. Its obviously not the ammo however.

 

[shaggy430]

Float barrel. Bed action. Check barrel crown. Torque stock to action per specs. Try better glass. Tons of options. Its obviously not the ammo however.

Why do you say it’s OBVIOUSLY not the ammo? The action is pillar bedded, the barrel is floated, and it has brand new glass. I’ve checked the other variables as well. I’m a pretty good bench rest shooter and am not recoil sensitive. The same day I shot several sub-MOA groups with another rifle.

 

[MihiT]

Check bedding.
Check free float.
Check headspace.
Check freebore.
Check crown.
Ladder test.

 

[Blue68f100]

If you don't find a load with that bullet try another. I would check the twist rate on the barrel, just to make sure it's what it suppose to be. I had one gun that would not shoot a particularity weight bullet, but would a heavy one. The twist rate should of worked with the lighter bullet, but did not. Just saying, may have to change weight class before things click.

 

[jmorris]

What kind of rest are you using?

 

[shaggy430]

What kind of rest are you using?

Sandbags

 

[jmorris]

Any chance recoil could be hurting your results?

 

[shaggy430]

Any chance recoil could be hurting your results?

No, I don’t believe so. It has a muzzle break and kicks less than a .270. I have good shooting technique and have been bench shooting for 20+ years. I’ve shot up to 1000 yards with specialized equipment on occasions in the past.

I’ve always read a lot of great things about Savage accuracy but neither myself nor my dad can get good groups with this gun. He’s a former Marine and a good shot as well.