I recently sold the only two savages that I owned, and I decided to remedy that when I had the opportunity to pick up a Savage 10 FCP chambered in 308 winchester (one of my favorite chamberings) last week. It has the new accustock and accutrigger.

This model does not feature the tactical stock. If not stalking, I’m sitting in a stand so a 9 lb rifle, though somewhat heavy is not too heavy. I did not want a 10 lb plus gun, I didn’t want a tactical stock and I didn’t want spend a grand plus, so I got the FCP.
Not a bad looking rifle. My gripe with Savage in the past has not been with the accuracy, but in eye appeal. This one appealed to me.





Some observations after a little fondling and an hour at the range:
The bolt release takes some getting used to as you have to pull the trigger , then while holding the trigger depressed you must push the bolt release in front of the trigger guard all the way down with the same hand while pulling the bolt out with the other hand. After doing it a dozen or so times I am becoming more competent with this.

I like the way the bolt fits and locks up in the receiver. Snug with some friction, no slop. I’ll probably take the receiver out of the stock in the future and do a little lapping, if I decide to make it part of my permanent collection.

I was pleasantly surprised at how short the chamber was cut. Most of the production rifles that I have owned have long cut chambers and you usually can’t set the bullet out to touch the lands. Jammed into the lands, the OAL’s using Stoney point modified gauge (measuring OAL, not off ogive) from short to long, all 150 grainers, Sierra Spitzer 2.775”, Nosler Partition 2.800”, Hornady Interlock 2.838”, Nosler Accubond, 2.872”.

This rifle has a detachable magazine that holds four rounds . It takes firm pressure to seat it, and it is best done by putting the rear of the magazine in first then pressing down on the front of the magazine until it locks into place. Maximum OAL for a round is a generous 3.030 “. Many times I find just the opposite, on short action rifles, that is the cartridge OAL is limited by the magazine.


I usually employ a 2.5 x 8 or a 3 x 9 on a 308, however I had a Weaver grand slam 4 x 14 laying loose, so I mounted that on the rifle. More magnification than I need, but it works good for target shooting.

My break-in procedure is as follows, 50 to 100 strokes with a bronze brush coated with a JB Bore paste/kroil mixture. That’s it.

Took it to the range yesterday. Didn’t have a chance to wring it out as I only had 45 minutes. Usually chrono all loads, but I shoot enough 308’s to know pretty much what they will do. My standard load is 46 gr. of RL-15. I’ve had excellent results with this load in about a dozen 308’s in Remington, Ruger, T/C, Weatherby, Kimber and now Savage. Usually shoot accubonds, ballistic tips and Sierra Spitzers in 150 grain configuration.

To start, I shot 4 rounds to get to zero with some old Peters factory 150’s.

Shots 5-7: 150 gr. Nosler ballistic tips over 45.5 gr. RL-15, Federal 210 M primers and 2.810”oal.



Shots 8-10: 150 gr. Sierra spitzers, 46 gr. RL-15, Fed.210m primers, 2.750” oal.



Shots 11-13: 150 gr. Nosler accubonds, 46 gr. RL-15, Fed 210m primers, 2.820 oal



Now whether this is a half minute rifle or not remains to be seen. I only fired three groups. The third group was the best. I stopped there. However it has been my experience after doing this with a hundred or so different rifles that when a particular rifle starts out this way, it usually is a shooter. I plan to do a little tweaking and try out some different OAL’s and load densities. Chances are this rifle will make a definite impression on the hogs I hunt.
GWB

Looks good. Unless you really enjoy if I would call a halt to load development and go hunting. Shoots good enough for anything except possibly prairie dogs.

GWB, you don't say what you are trying to accomplish, other than practicing to be a gun writer(!). If you are trying to wring out the last bit of accuracy from your rifle then I would disagree with Mike and say keep trying! The 308 is a very accurate cartridge. My Rem HB in 308 will shoot 5 rounds into one hole at 100 yards, with match bullets, so, if that is your aim, I would recommend Nosler match or SMK's. I have a Savage 110FP in 223 which is also extremely accurate, again, one hole 5 shot groups at 100 yards. So, while I am not familiar with the rifle you have, Savages have a reputation for extremely good accuracy. Again, it depends what you want to accomplish.
BTW I like the large bolt handle. How does the muzzle brake work?
Peter.