My new Savage 111 .30-06

[Phantom Captain]

I hate that it's too cold to really go out and do an afternoon of shooting so in the meantime I have to entertain myself in other ways.

I picked up a new Savage 111 .30-06 and I totally love it. Synthetic stock, blued barrel, long action. I'm really excited to start doing some longer range shooting and am surprised it took me so long to pick up a modern bolt gun with a scope. I have a bunch of different firearms, black powder, handguns, milsurps, AKs and their variations plus an AR but the big hole in my collection was a modern bolt gun.

I did get it to the range a week ago before snow hit and was able to put 40 rounds of really crappy old (like 15 years old) ammo through it and started to get it zeroed with the crappy $30 scope that came on it. Had some decent two inch groups at 100 yards but then it started to open up. Probably the barrel was warming up and I was shooting a bit quick as it was a bit cold and I only had an hour. I just wanted to put some lead downrange more than anything since it's brand new and figured I'd get more time to really sit down with it in the future.

Well that gave me a two new projects! I just received my Weaver Grand Slam 3x10 40mm mildot mil/mil scope and new Warne base mounts and rings!

I've also worked up some hand loads and really can't wait to get out and try everything out and see what combination this rifle really likes! I am using IMR 4350 powder, CCI primers, Winchester brass and two different bullets. Both are Hornady Match BTHPs. One is 178 grain the other is 168 grain. I've worked up 5 different powder increments for each.

Super looking forward to trying them out. This rifle will be used primarily for target shooting and then also hunting. I really like the mildot scope and how they work too. I hope this set up works really well.

I'll post pics as soon as I get the new scope mounted. I did run into a snag. I had to order the extended base front mount as my scope was just a hair too short through the middle to work on the regular bases. No biggie, I should have the replacement in a couple days!

 

[LoonWulf]

I ended up just installing a full length rail on my 110, made it easier swaping scopes around as im want to do. Hope you injoy your rifle , find a good load for it. My 1903 likes the 168s and 180s over H4350, or superformance.

 

[elano]

How was the recoil on it?

 

[Phantom Captain]

Thanks LoonWulf!

I thought about going with a single rail but thought it would interfere and kinda wanted the extra room for loading. Wound up going the individual base route. I can always switch out in the future if I want too. I'll be interested to see how these handloads go in my 03 as well. These are the first modern handloads I've done as all my previous experience comes with loading black powder .45-70 and .45 Colt cartridges. Must admit I can see myself getting hooked on modern as I really enjoyed taking the time to work out loads, weigh them out, etc! I'm already eyeing .45 ACP dies and 8mm Mauser dies, hehehe.

elano,

Recoil wasn't too bad at all. I'm pretty used to .30-06, I have a Garand and an 03, also used to shooting other WWII rifles so I knew how it would generally feel.

I have to say, this Savage has a huge, soft recoil buttpad on it that really does it's job. It absorbs a bunch of it! I shot the 40 rounds in an hour, and granted I had on a winter jacket, but the recoil was not bad at all! I was surprised how gentle the pad made it feel. I really like it! I'm a big fan of .30-06 for it's agelessness and versatility. Plus I can use reloads in both the Garand and 03 now (yes, I know I have to work out a pure Garand round though). So many things you can do with it and like I said this rifle will be used primarily for target shooting but I will hunt with it too so the .30-06 really fit the bill for me.

 

[Haxby]

'06, 4350, Weaver Grand Slam, Warne. Good stuff.
If the new bases don't work for you, take a look at the Burris XT bases.

 

[Phantom Captain]

Ok here it is as promised! I love this rifle.

Dressed her up a bit already with the simple bipod and Blackhawk cheek rest and shell holder.

The scope, as stated above, is a Weaver Grand Slam 3x10 40mm, mildot reticle and mil/mil adjusted turrets. Mounts are Warne as are the rings. I had to get the extended base front mount since the main body of this scope is a touch short, only 5.5".

Of course since the first time out the weather has been horrible and I'm just dying to get out, get it zeroed and then start testing my handloads to see what this one really likes.

 

[talldragon]

Phantom Captain, that is a really sweet looking rifle .
Makes me want to take mine out to play (I can't, raining hard here :banghead.

Enjoy that Savage 111 .

Just curious, what is your trigger pull set to?

 

[Phantom Captain]

It's still set at what it came from the factory at. most likely the upper end between 5-6 lbs. I was thinking once I have it zeroed and figure out what load it likes best I may lighten it a bit but I'm really pleased with the accutrigger in general. Even where it's at right now is really nice.

 

[whetrock]

Look's great, I think you may have a real tack driver on your hands that should make an excellent long range and hunting rifle.

 

[LoonWulf]

very nice set up