Savage Long Action 300 WinMag Build Complete!

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01-09-2016, 01:39 AM
Russmerle

Savage Long Action 300 WinMag Build Complete!

I just finished my Savage 300 WinMag build and thought I'd post some pics! I started with a new 111 Trophy Hunter XP and ended up with something of a Savage Light-Franken Sniper... I'll leave off the total price to save you from a heart attack and me some embaresment... I actually sent out a Christmas list of links to the wife and in-laws for the parts since I've been sitting on it due to cost. Wifey bought the most expensive part; that being the chassis and mag. I bought the rifle itself, barrel and NF rail. The scope was swapped off another rifle since the Nikon that came with Hunter was a decent scope.

She comes in at around 14.2 lbs w/ scope & bipod. I haven't decided on what to do with the finish so I may leave it for the time being and just camo-wrap the barrel for now...

http://i.imgur.com/pwYpiFf.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/vAo3teV.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/f5xjVHv.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/QXByQ4x.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/qPEdF73.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/krSwVDA.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/VcvMRZb.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/Si53tdF.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/HAbQx5e.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/lh5fdZv.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/Q6KM5uw.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/4V52veJ.jpg
Targets! Manufacturer Sierra MatchKing GMM
http://i.imgur.com/Rj5gSKl.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/exXC3M0.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/A97KdA1.jpg

List O' Parts:
Savage LA
Shilen 26" 300 WinMag Bull Barrel (Northland Shooter Supply)
MDT LSS-XL Chassis & Mag
NF 20 MOA Steel Rail
1.5# Trigger Spring (Northland)
Precision Barrel Nut & Lug (Northland)
MagPul Stock, MagPul Grip & Milspec Buffer Tube
Leupold Mark IV 4-16x40 MilDot Scope & Shade
Leupold Steel Rings
Champion Pivot Bipod

It was a job researching parts, procedures and rifles trying to build my 300WM but I really enjoyed myself. The reciever wrench came from Northland and the headspace gauges and barrel wrenches came from midway. I did all of the work myself and came to the conclusion that Savage is the most user-friendly build you can do yourself. Head spacing and barrel replacement was fairly simple.

Thx for checking it out,

Russ
01-09-2016, 02:19 AM
drybean

Great Job, looks great
01-09-2016, 09:24 AM
GaCop

One fine looking rifle. I like that chassis system.
01-09-2016, 10:28 AM
JW

Great Job! rifle looks great
If you haven't already figured it out--there is no end to it
Jack
01-09-2016, 11:13 AM
LongRange

nice rifle let us know how it shoots!
01-09-2016, 12:12 PM
Londerko

Nice looking setup!
What do you plan on feeding it?
01-09-2016, 12:41 PM
Camar068

Awesome! I've been eyeballing that chassis for a long time. The only thing stopping me is I can build another AR or buy another rifle for the cost of it. Right now the suppressor for the 300 blackout is top priority. Help with the hog issues down in Georgia LOL.

LOL I gotta stop scrolling up.....I'm jealous and want one even more now.
01-09-2016, 09:11 PM
Russmerle

Quote:

Originally Posted by Londerko

Nice looking setup!
What do you plan on feeding it?

Thx! I have 180g Sierra Match King bullets and and Hodg H4831SC I might try...
01-09-2016, 11:07 PM
devildogandboy

good looking rig! get some pics of the targets.

Bruce
01-10-2016, 12:02 AM
scooterf79

Sweet looking rig! Cant wait to see how it shoots for ya.
Scooter
01-11-2016, 08:53 PM
6.5 GRENDEL

Nice looking rifle, good job.
01-13-2016, 10:36 PM
Russmerle

Thx guys. I ordered some Federal SMK GMM ammo to get a good idea how it shoots with premium manufacture loads. I also picked up an AICS mag. If weather holds up I'll hit the range w/ her for the first time on Friday. Happy shooting
01-18-2016, 03:25 AM
Russmerle

I had to file down the mount in order to move the scope back. Range day I just couldn't get comfortable behind the rifle. I started another thread but figured I'd keep the build picks here.

http://i.imgur.com/fhYDS4L.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/T6rFnHt.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/Wq9kig3.jpg

Rifle on first range day!
http://i.imgur.com/4V52veJ.jpg
01-18-2016, 08:52 AM
Lorenzo

Sweet rifle. How does it recoil being in that light chassis?
01-18-2016, 07:47 PM
Russmerle

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lorenzo

Sweet rifle. How does it recoil being in that light chassis?

Like a mule... Prone position it really hurts with that Magpul stock. Bench shooting isn't as bad. I'm working on reducing felt recoil by adding a bit of weight to stock. Maybe put a buffer spring and weight in stock backwards.... To also reduce recoil.
01-19-2016, 06:20 PM
Russmerle

Should we move this to the build thread?
01-25-2016, 07:28 PM
yew plucker

Nice build! Lets see some targets...
01-25-2016, 07:43 PM
Russmerle

Quote:

Originally Posted by yew plucker

Nice build! Lets see some targets...

Thx plucker. I hope to get out this week but haven't been due to travel and snow. It's driving me nuts I want to shoot it!
01-25-2016, 08:41 PM
shagerott

Thank you for sharing your build Russ. I have been looking at that chassis and dream ( or drool over ) building the same configuration. Nice!
01-27-2016, 01:03 AM
Chrazy-Chris

Nice! A PRS stock would sure be nice on her so you don't have to use the ACE bandage. It would also add a little more weight for you. But the cost of the PRS is pretty dang steep so I don't blame you for going with the MOE. I've seen the Luth-AR stock referred to as a cheaper PRS alternate, but it looks lighter weight.

Nice rig! I hope to see some groups
01-27-2016, 12:45 PM
Russmerle

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chrazy-Chris

Nice! A PRS stock would sure be nice on her so you don't have to use the ACE bandage. It would also add a little more weight for you. But the cost of the PRS is pretty dang steep so I don't blame you for going with the MOE. I've seen the Luth-AR stock referred to as a cheaper PRS alternate, but it looks lighter weight.

Nice rig! I hope to see some groups

Thanks Chris! Oh how I would love to mount a PRS on her... I've seen some used PRS stocks for $175 but the ACE bandage has to work for now. I used some foam to build the cheek up, wrapped it with camo form and then added the ACE bandage to save my face. The Luthe was still a bit pricey and it does look a lot lighter
01-30-2016, 03:06 PM
Russmerle

These are all 3 shot groups at 100 yards from prone (bipod/rear bag) with manufacturer Sierra MatchKing Gold Medal Match. I was hoping for one ragged whole groups but I just couldn't settle down. I think she is capable of much more I just couldn't shoot it today. It was 28 degrees F but I don't think the weather was affecting me. Between flinching and bipod wiggle, I should be able to improve with a little more trigger time and a tighter front end!
http://i.imgur.com/NhEuCND.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/6APfQAM.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/d4c8DBX.jpg
01-30-2016, 03:09 PM
Russmerle

The orange target was my last group of the three and it is a 3 shot group... I hope to be able to put all three in the same whole when I'm done getting her and myself tweaked. And yes, I realize how pervy that sounds lol
02-02-2016, 12:08 AM
Russmerle

Swapped bolt handles too!
http://i.imgur.com/8ijrx0P.jpg
02-15-2016, 05:39 PM
thatguyshm

Hey hey, I'm doing the same thing, just with a 28" barrel and I have a PRS kicking around that will go on it. Been wondering though what the mag oal is. I got mine throated long for some bergers and was wondering just what their mag is capable of seating to. Nice looking rifle man. Mine should be together in a month or two. Sending it off to be timed next month.

Shm
02-17-2016, 01:38 PM
300whisper

Awesome rifle! I really like that stock and was considering it for my 110 in some kind of 6.5 round. I might pass on one though if recoil is an issue. I am also digging the one in the BC M40 stock as well. I might go that direction. Thanks for the ideas!!
02-17-2016, 10:40 PM
Hair_Boxers

What target scanning app?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russmerle

http://i.imgur.com/A97KdA1.jpg

What app are you running to scan your targets and return the data?

How has the accuracy been?
02-18-2016, 12:54 AM
Russmerle

Quote:

Originally Posted by thatguyshm

Hey hey, I'm doing the same thing, just with a 28" barrel and I have a PRS kicking around that will go on it. Been wondering though what the mag oal is. I got mine throated long for some bergers and was wondering just what their mag is capable of seating to. Nice looking rifle man. Mine should be together in a month or two. Sending it off to be timed next month.

Shm

Thanks man. The chassis I have accepts 3.715" mag's only... So that is what I ordered and they look as though you can push close to that OAL. What length are you trying to push? AI makes mag's in a few different lengths.
02-18-2016, 01:03 AM
Russmerle

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hair_Boxers

What app are you running to scan your targets and return the data?

How has the accuracy been?

The app is Ballistic: Standard Edition by Peak Studios LLC... So far it has been working out well and seems to be pretty accurate. The only thing to keep in mind is you have to set a length reference by an object in the photo. So if you have 1" squares on your target in photo then you would set scale to 1" and Stretch the scale marker from side to side of the 1" square. Once the scale is set you can line up impact markers on your bullet holes and it does the rest for you.

seems confusing at first but it's easy to figure out once you try it. I just use of for keeping and charting targets and plotting trajectory charts (does environment, ballistic data, etc)... Boxers, I'm looking forward to your build pics!
02-18-2016, 07:55 AM
thatguyshm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russmerle

Thanks man. The chassis I have accepts 3.715" mag's only... So that is what I ordered and they look as though you can push close to that OAL. What length are you trying to push? AI makes mag's in a few different lengths.

I'm not sure what I'll run for length yet. Quick call to MDT yesterday and they said it looked like 3.606" internal, so it should work out. I tried emailing alpha mags to see what their external size was and never heard back.

All I'm doing now is trying to figure out a better recoil pad for the PRS. Thanks for looking for me.

Shm
02-18-2016, 12:25 PM
Hair_Boxers

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russmerle

The app is Ballistic: Standard Edition by Peak Studios LLC... So far it has been working out well and seems to be pretty accurate. The only thing to keep in mind is you have to set a length reference by an object in the photo. So if you have 1" squares on your target in photo then you would set scale to 1" and Stretch the scale marker from side to side of the 1" square. Once the scale is set you can line up impact markers on your bullet holes and it does the rest for you.

seems confusing at first but it's easy to figure out once you try it. I just use of for keeping and charting targets and plotting trajectory charts (does environment, ballistic data, etc)... Boxers, I'm looking forward to your build pics!

Thanks. Looks really, really nice. Unfortunately, they are only iOS and I am an Android. There do appear to be a couple options out there for Android but nothing where you can use your target and take a photo like this.
02-18-2016, 01:23 PM
psharon97

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/678...-7-8-x-4-14-oz

you might could install this in the stock to help with recoil. I've heard good things about adding a tube of mercury before.
03-03-2016, 01:00 AM
Russmerle

Quote:

Originally Posted by thatguyshm

I'm not sure what I'll run for length yet. Quick call to MDT yesterday and they said it looked like 3.606" internal, so it should work out. I tried emailing alpha mags to see what their external size was and never heard back.

All I'm doing now is trying to figure out a better recoil pad for the PRS. Thanks for looking for me.

Shm

I hate to do this on here because MDT did right by me... However, the mag they sent me was slightly out of spec and caused cycling issues. They gave me a couple options like replacing my mag free of charge or sending me different length mag release levers to sure up the mag when it's inserted in the mag well. I opted for the mag release levers so I had the hardware for future use and bought a new mag from AI. I will mod the MDT mag so it works... But I would go with AICS themselves. The AI mag I have seems a bit better than the MDT mag. Regardless, the chassis is amazing, MDT customer service is top notch and they really treated me well. Not to mention, they worked with Savage and that other company to modify their LSS chassis for the Savage Stealth rifle they tested with the military. They're good peoples.