How many rounds go through a new rifle before you stop blaimng poor accuracy on "it's not broken in yet"?

I followed a break-in procedure I found here and have tried a couple of loads. I realize that there is much more testing to be done, but my New Model 114 in 300 WSM is showing little promise with as much as 2.5" 5-shot groups at 100 yards. I keep trying factory rifles because I keep telling myself I can't afford a custom, but I think I could have bought a couple of customs for the amount I've spent on factories trying to find a real shooter!

BTW range conditions were great and although I am no professional, I took another rifle with me on the last range trip and shot 4 5-shot groups with it...largest was .504" so it is not all me!!

I have little personal expierence with the WSM cartriges, but a friend of mine had a devil of a time getting his .270 WSM to shoot.

All three Savages I have owned were good shooters. My .308 is just over an inch at a 100 yards (and that might be do to my altering the stock two years ago), and both my .223's were great.

Check out savageshooters.com on the forum. There may be someone with more knowledge on the 114 that can help you.

I have the Savage Model 10 in 300WSM. I experienced similar issues. I tried factory loads and they were too hot for my rifle (they actually showed pressure signs) so I loaded some Hornady 180gr SST's with MagPro and no matter what I tried I had the same issues (2.5 inch groups) I also tried using 150gr Nosler Solid Bases and IMR4350 and got just under 1" groups. I am now starting to experiment with some factory 2nds 180gr Accubonds and IMR4350.

All I can suggest, as with my Savage 12 BVSS, is check your screws and see if they are tightened.. mine had a horrible habit of coming loose, and this was on a 223... I am sure the WSM will aggrevate the problem substantially...

Good luck..
cheers
seafire

BTH,
Are you shooting factory ammo?
If so have you tried different weights?
I had a 7 one time that absolutely hated 150grnrs but would group 175 under 1 1/2 at 200. Got it down to 1 1/4 consitant with 160s.


Smedley

I have a few recommendations for you. First of all check out shortmags.com for loading data. Second of all, how about letting us know what loads or ammo that you've tried. Have you adjusted the trigger?? My factory Savage .270 WSM shoots 3 shots into .2-.3 MOA with Magpro and Accubonds. Magpro powder was made for the short mag calibers. It was the only powder that I tried for my Savage, and it obviously worked.

Try something different. I load for my brother's 300 wsm in Winchester coyote. It shoots the 150 gr Hornady SST's very well. He wanted to try some bonded bullets so I bought some 150 Nosler Accubond. Tried different powders, primers, etc, but it did not like these bullets at all. Groups were around 1.5 to 2 MOA with the SST's going around .5 to .75 for 3 shot groups. I've loaded for several savages and they all shoot well, but my 223 required a lot of trial and error to find an acceptible load.

Like Bowhuntrri said, tell us what you are loading. I picked up a Sav model 11 in 270 WSM just to say I had played with one. I found it liked H4831SC and 130 gr Hornady InterBonds. After playing with the seating depth a bit mine will group under 1 inch at 200 yds. Thats good enough to take it hunting.

OK guys...sorry to be so long in responding. Here are the loads and results thus far:

(ALL GROUPS FIRED @ 100 yards)

65 gr. IMR 4350; 165 gr. Sierra HPBT=1.559"

68 gr. IMR 4350; 165 gr. Sierra HPBT=1.633" & 1.965" (2 groups)

63 gr. IMR 4350; 165 gr. Nosler Ballistic Tip = 1.18" velocity= 2864-2889

64 gr. IMR 4350; 165 gr. Nosler Ballistic Tip = 1.949" velocity= 2944-2950

65 gr. IMR 4350; 165 gr. Nosler Ballistic Tip = 1.2" velocity= 2972-3005

66 gr. IMR 4350; 165 gr. Nosler Ballistic Tip = 1.379 velocity= 3037-3062


Winchester Factory Load 180 gr. Accubonds Nickel Cases 2.678" (Too Hot!!)

I know...I was so disapointed that I thought they were all bad. Forgive me. After looking at the data, what do you guys suggest I try next? FWIW, all loads used the same primer (Rem 91/2M) and cases were neck sized. The trigger is set at just over 3 lb. according to my RCBS scale, though it does vary. I don't know if the scale is unreliable or if the trigger is malfunctioning??

I have also tried IMR 4831 with similar results.

I realize that 1' is a great group for hunting and 1 1/2 is ok, but I just want so much more. I don't expect this rifle to be 1/2 MOA every day...I'd just like to stay below an inch. Some custom builders have told me their rifles will do that.

quote:

Originally posted by Born to Hunt:

I'd just like to stay below an inch. Some custom builders have told me their rifles will do that.

Well, you have a factory gun. Not a custom. Factory norm, even for a savage is usually between 1 an 1.5 inches. Some of your loads achieve that. Have you let someone else try it?

My old rem 700 never managed better than 1.5" and yet every deer I ever shot at with it is dead.

You may need to check action screws, bedding and or just continue to work on load development. Some guns can be picky but with the right load they will amaze you. good luck.