For those just joining us today to read about the Savage Model 12 LRP Bolt Action Rifle, take a moment and look back at recent articles introducing the Savage Model 12 and the Leupold VX-3i Scope I am testing. This will aid in a full picture of the testing we are doing. This is a competitive target rifle that can shoot 600 to 1000 yards in a NRA competitive shoot… and win.

It was the first time that I took the Savage Model 12 Long Range Precision Rifle to the Nashua 600 yard range just a few days ago. It was with all the seriousness of a Competitive shooter that I came to shoot at Thursday practice.

Planning included significant research into the Rifle itself, the scope used, the bullet,powder, seating die and Cartridge Overall Length. Read earlier articles.

The day was very breezy with a shifting 11 to 12 o’clock wind that peaked at 20 mph and averaged around 10 mph. Yes some would say that was easy with wind blowing at me, the wind was blowing “mostly” at me but on occasion swirled right to left unpredictably. Temperature was about 60 degrees and humidity low. I was on time to shoot but was partnered with someone who was not shooting F class and was shooting first. That meant I was headed to the shooting pits to pull targets for him first and I got to shoot later. The target above represents 2 shooters, I have studied the target before I shot and confident of my shot groups. What appears evident is that shooting close to a bullseye is not a 10, it is a 9. I shot lots of 9’s with some in the 10 and one or 2 in the X ring. At 100 yard this rifle is sub-MOA all day long, so to have a 10 inch spread seems way off until you include wind. Matter of fact it was a very tight group but needed more skill to click left a 1/4 (1.5 inches) and maybe down 1/4 Minute to center over the 10 ring. Burning powder at the range will help that. What was so satisfying is the work I did with my rear sand bag height. It was as perfect as I could want. The crosshairs could be adjusted with a little rear pressure to hold steady on the X ring. Each shot was comfortable to shoot with light recoil due to the 12 pounds of the rifle and scope. I calculated a 15 minute correction from 100 yards to shoot 600 yards with my JBM Software. My first shot was a 9. Nice! I was very impressed with the Leupold VX3i 6.5×20 50mm scope. It is an improved version with an easily turned power dial. As I was in the Pit first I got to see what other shooters were doing. Honestly I did extremely well but there were a few hot shot shooters that I did not see shoot. Those folks are my real competition and my own best self. I was pleased with my partner and his speed of marking and putting up my target. I was done first of 12 shooters.

So at 100 yards I grouped sub MOA less than 1 inch at 100 yards. My best 3 shot group is less than 0.25 inches but my 600 yard range leader says I need more speed than 2600 fps to buck the wind so I may give some MOA accuracy to get some speed to the target. That is a work in progress. As you can see below the Savage is a BIG barreled Rifle and without the scope it is a hefty 11 pounds. Three pounds or more than a big game rifle. Its primary task is Competitive Shooting at long range such as F Class. The rifle can be used when hunting from a stand or blind with a monopod, bipod or tripod but there are better lighter rifles for that. See the Savage article on the Model 11/111 I took to North Carolina for deer hunting.

Lower right is sight in 3 rounds to get on an orange square. Upper left is group 1, lower left is group 2.  I realized at that moment that my cheek weld could be better and perhaps part of the problem. Then I shot three rounds for group number three at 0.235 inches. So the take away was that a good cheek weld with this scope was vital and it paid off.

Hunting rifles are not designed to shoot 20 rounds in 15 minutes and keep the barrel cool and on target for long range accuracy, they are designed to kill game in the first few shots. So if you have a hankering for competition like i do then it is a great rifle. I have two more competitions this summer with this rifle so we shall see what I can do. The competitive path will surely make me a better long range shot while hunting. More to come…

Good Shooting!

© 2016

My first shots with Savage Model 12 today. My best group 1/2 inch at 100 yds out of the box. Of course we will shoot even better as I get accustomed to the rifle. Today I used my Leupold VX-6 at 10 power. Bullets were Sierra 142 g HPBT with 40.7 g  H4350 powder and CCI BR-2 primers. Wind was swirling 5-10 mph mostly toward the shooter from 12 oclock or around there.

The new Hornady® ELD-X™ (Extremely Low Drag eXpanding) bullet is designed for hunting performance at long ranges  and mushroom as low as 1800 fps (its design speed low end and still mushroom). At close range it  expands correctly and stays together says Hornady at almost point blank range too. A bullet for all practical ranges. I will be testing some in 6.5 Creedmoor 143 grain shortly for Match accuracy. Claim to fame Heat Shield™ Tip for Extremely Low Drag (BC G7 is 0.315). Check it out!! More to come…

http://www.hornady.com/store/6.5mm-.264-143-gr-ELD-X/

Button Rifling has, in the past, been seen as the best in producing highly accurate barrels. It is accomplished by forcing a button like device down a barrel to cut grooves or rifling.  It is not a volume process and the devil is in the Quality Control details including barrel lapping.

But today, Heavy Machine Hammer Forged barrels produce barrels just as accurate and in volume. Quality Control again is necessary to ensure a barrel will shoot well. Some companies are legendary in the button rifle barrel making process and hold a place in the hearts of Competitive shooters even today but again, no volume and higher cost.

Ruger and others makes hammer forged barrels that can shoot 1/2 inch groups or better out of the box based on my testing, so that means 1 inch groups at 200 yards. For hunting that is all you need unless you are target shooting in competition.

But more than that, the technology of hammer forging keeps getting better, so expect that hammer forging to advance and make button rifling less attractive but it will never disappear as button rifle barrel making and lapping is an art form and skill of a human metal smith. And a few of these metal smiths are near magicians in the art of barrel making.

In the end, as a hunter I am very happy with hammer forged barrels and their greatly reduced cost and quality bedding.

Good Shooting!

© Copyright 2016

I have never swapped out a barrel before but my son Jason has. So we will endeavor to see the new barrel and talk shop with Jason to take the barrel off a Savage 110 and put a new one on. And more…

Advanced Shooters – First and foremost, if you are going to hunt long range western game such as elk, deer, antelope beyond 300 yards then you must practice at long ranges beyond 300 yards. It can and is being done all the time by skilled folks with a math background. I have only shot game out to MPBR Max Point blank range of 300 yards and shot target to 600 yards. This exercise was good for me and good for the game I hunt.

Below is an exercise only for those that are advanced shooters and willing to practice at longer shots. Out west where you can sometimes see for a mile or more, necessitates having this skill to bring home the bacon. I need more training too if I consider this as an option.

Ethics are a constant in my mind and should be in yours as well. If you are prone to uncontrollable buck fever this article may not be for you. The exercise though has some value for those thinking they can just kill a deer at 500 yards without these skills are dreaming.

The recent long range competitive rifle match I participated in gave me confidence that all of the detail work in understanding my rifle, scope, and bullet speed can kill game at longer ranges than Max Point Blank Range which is usually 240 to 330 yards. The spoilers in this type of hunting is often wind, angle of shot, altitude, energy delivered e.g. (1000 ft-lb for deer) and bullet design speed (e.g. 2000 fps). If the wind theoretically blows your bullet off the 6 inch kill zone but you know the wind angle and speed then you can correct for it by creating a table for elevation, windage,and energy delivered and make that shot.

The tools you need are a chronograph, rangefinder, wind meter or wind knowledge and time at the range determining the best hunting bullet and powder to deliver the tightest variation in bullet velocities, Ballistic Software – I use JBM Ballistic software for free on-line trajectory calculation and to determine come-up clicks or minutes needed to hit the heart lung area of game (6 inches for deer, 8 inches for elk)  and also for windage adjustments.

 http://www.jbmballistics.com/ballistics/calculators/calculators.shtml

Laser rangefinders are a given in the above situation and must adjust for shot angle solutions as well in steep terrain. Leupold makes great rangefinders. I have tested the Leupold RX 1200i DNA and find it works well on distance and angle for bow or rifle with max range around 1000  or so yards. The steadier you hold to rangefinder, the more accurate it is.

On Bullets – I am a huge fan of Nosler AccuBond® and Nosler E-Tips® for hunting big game. I have killed moose and bison with the AccuBond and deer with the E-Tip. I am a fan of all gilding copper bullets but for long distance the AccuBond is one of my go-to bullets. Example: 6.5 Creedmoor 142 grain AccuBond Long Range is in the drop down menu for the bullet

Step 1 Velocity must be chronographed with the actual rifle and bullet. e.g. 2635 fps with RL-15 powder. I have the SHOOTING CHRONY F1 **MASTER** Chronograph – FPS – at $120 dollars.

Step 2 Zero Scope at 100 yards and set elevation dial to zero as in my Leupold VX-6 and side focus to 100 yards.

Step 3 Use JBM ballistics to calculate come up clicks for given ranges and create a table for distance, minute correction for drop, wind deflection and energy, velocity limits. Set zero range in the software at the distance you want to shoot and then read the bullet MOA adjustment at 100 yards

Distance to game is approximately 400 yards by your rangefinder. Place 400 yards in the “zero range” of the software and hit calculate. At 100 yards where you actually zeroed the rifle will indicate on the software printout that you will need to adjust 7.7 minutes of up elevation to make that shot at 400 yards. Adjust the elevation dial to about 7.7 minutes and side focus to 400 yards See below.

The more complete your table is for range say in 25 yard increments than you can see more accurately your come-up adjustments in minutes. Let’s say your deer was 425 yards give or take then the table you will have in the field will indicate 8.5 minutes for 425 yards, Get it? That is 3 3/4 inches to adjust for that 25 yard difference.

Wind Meter – Kestrel 1000 or similar for under 100 bucks can help with wind. See the article below for more on wind values

http://snipersnest.tripod.com/index-5.html 

Cartridges and game kills at ranges beyond 300 yards include my favorites such as .270 Winchester,  7mm Rem. Mag, 300 Win Mag on up to .338. The .270 WSM seems popular for LR hunters and there is also a long range following for the 7mm STW (Shooting Times Western) that can reach out to nearly 700 yards with 1000 ft-lbs energy at a 2000 fps bullet speed. Recoil becomes an issue for these larger calibers. Lots to think about for sure, but if you want to go this route then, it can be done.

Otherwise your calculated Max Point Blank Range with JBM software  is a great solution where you just range your distant game, aim and shoot out to your MPBR of say 270 or so yards based on your rifle and be done with all the fuss.

Good Shooting!

© 2016

After having spent 23 years working for AT&T in manufacturing as a Chemist and later a line manager and Quality Engineer, I am encouraged by advances in American Rifle, Bullet and Cartridge Manufacturing and Optical Technology I have tested here at NH Rifleman. There are many other great American companies but here at NH Rifleman we have tested some of them and are proud of their American Manufacture.

Impressive is the word. In particular the ability to redesign from the ground up as evidenced by the Ruger American® Rifle and Savage® Manufacturing like its AccuTrigger®, AccuStock®. and Timney® and Hornady® innovations in cartridges, bullets and reloading. And Leupold Scope innovations in clarity, coatings and ruggedness, Binoculars, Laser Rangefinders, Spotting Scopes and so  much more. Nosler has been the go to company for my hunting bullets for years. Their cases bullets and now rifles are sought the world over.

Please take a moment to see how these American made products had their beginnings. It is a worthwhile read to understand these quintessential American manufacturing roots that began with hunting and shooting folks like you and me.

Hornady Manufacturing in Nebraska

Quote from website: “Ten bullets through one hole” was the philosophy of Joyce Hornady, the company’s founder. This great idea of accuracy and perfection has continued from the first bullet made more than sixty years ago, right through today.”

http://www.hornady.com/about-us/history

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Leupold and Stevens Manufacture in Oregon

It’s roots began making survey equipment and later more innovative Optics Products.

https://www.leupold.com/about-us/leupold-living-history/

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Nosler Bullets made in the USA

From the website: “In the fall of 1946, a stubborn, mud-caked Canadian moose failed to go down, despite a well placed shot from John Nosler’s 300 H&H. On the way home from that trip, John started thinking about a way to make a bullet that would perform well every time, no matter what the size of the game or the shot angle.” Read more below.

http://www.nosler.com/nosler-history/

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Sturm Ruger Manufacture in New Hampshire

Quote from website: “When Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. opened for business in 1949 with a meager $50,000 investment, the Company faced serious doubts from industry insiders. The “it can’t be done” remarks of the experts reflected the widespread view that the manufacture of guns had likely peaked, and was in a state of decline. There seemed to be few new ideas, and the apparent trend was that the large, established-name gunmakers would continue to dominate the market.” Read more below.

http://ruger.com/corporate/history.html

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Savage Arms is a Global enterprise and part of Vista Outdoors, Inc. and made in America, Canada, Mexico, Australia, Europe and Asia.

Quote from Website: “The Savage Arms Company was organized in 1894 by Arthur Savage in Utica, New York. A native of Jamaica, Arthur led a romantic life, having been schooled in England and the United States. In his thirties, he explored the interior of Australia and was held captive for a year by Aborigines. Later, he became the owner of the largest cattle ranch in Australia.” Read more below

http://www.savagearms.com/history/

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Timney Triggers Made in USA

Quote from website: “Established in 1946 by Allen Timney, Timney Triggers was founded on the need for easy-to-install, single-stage triggers for shooting enthusiasts sporterizing military rifles in the post-WWII era. Allen built triggers for bolt-action rifles such as Mausers, Springfields and Enfields and Timney quickly became known as the aftermarket trigger company for bolt-action rifles.” Read more below.

http://www.timneytriggers.com/page/about-us/

In Saturday’s Nashua shoot, The AR-15 with a Colt chrome lined barrel took the heat of 15 shots and left the barrel cooler than I thought. I was significantly impressed.

There were those at the shoot that, somewhat understandably, looked down on my so called long range rig with 16 inch barrel and others that could not believe it could shoot that well. It was set up with a Sinclair Single Shot Magazine follower seen  below inside the top of this magazine where the cartridge is cradled.

For what my rifle is and does as an AR, it is terrific with Leupold VX-6 3-18 44mm scope the epitome of superior rifle scopes,

the crisp Timney 2 stage drop-in trigger

and superior Nosler Custom Cases that are hand tailored and weighed for match grade shooting.

and superior Competition bullets

can hold its own.

Of Larger  Calibers – But all said, the caliber of .223 with a short barrel has definite long range velocity limits that are much more restrictive than say the 6mm or 6.5mm cartridges for long range both in ballistics and in bullet weight,velocity and light recoil. So If I remain shooting in these matches, a faster and heavier bullet such as the 6mm, 6.5mm or .308 are better choices. That is why a Savage model 12 Long Range Precision Rifle is coming to NH Rifleman for testing.

It is 2 pound heavier than most hunting rifles (11 pounds) but can be carried in the field if the need arises perhaps but testing will answer that question. The aforementioned bullet calibers are great hunting rounds and home protection rounds too with a rifle that can be easily handled.

The Superior and versatile AR – But here is where none of the so called High Power Match Rifles can touch the AR-15; In semi-auto the AR-15 can place accurate bullets down range at a target in volume out past 600 yards. The rounds that I loaded were capable of loading into a magazine and fired in semi-auto mode.

From a self defense/home defense perspective the AR models shine like a bright star with an aim point device for short range to 100 yards or a Scope out to more than 600 yards. The scope below has a sun shield added to prevent glare.

So if volume of rounds at the target was part of the competition, the AR will beat the pants off the rest hands down and can be carried easily in the field.  Some Long Range rigs in F Class are so heavy that the cannot be effectively carried in the field or used for any other purpose.

From a Hunting Perspective – I believe, it is the ability of an accurate rifle to be mobile and light enough to carry that places it among real rifles that are versatile and have hunting and home protection use that delight me most. Below is a Ruger® Hawkeye® Predator Rifle in bolt action that I tested recently in Stainless with 6.5 Creedmoor. This rifle is just fantastic as a bolt action and geared for all weather long range or short range hunting and target. It comes in other calibers like the 308 Winchester and in a few varmint calibers too.

This past fall I hunted with a Savage 11/111 Long Range Hunter in 7mm Rem Magnum and took a small buck at 300 yards.  See the back article on this hunt!

It was Sub MOA accurate, but I did not need the muzzle brake and the steel took more care to prevent rust that I liked.

The Ruger American I tested in .243 Winchester took my by storm with its sub-moa accuracy and price. See back articles on this rifle. I own one and love it.

Another winner the Savage Predator. See back articles too.

From a hunting and long range perspective the traditional bolt action rifle is still superior. easy to carry and can handle any cartridge for serious target or long range hunting. Both Ruger and Savage do a fine job with accurate rifles.

Good Shooting!

© 2016