I have a little project going on w/ a Savage Model 16 Weather Warrior in 300 WSM. The rifle is a little light and I am looking at some inexpensive options to add weight.



I will be pillar bedding the rifle but, I am thinking about a few diff. weight options:



1. Lead-shot/Epoxy bedding the entire length. Mixing #9 lead shot w/ epoxy and bedding the entire front section (hollow)under the barrel. I have seen it done but, I was alittle skeptical.



2. Filling the hollow butt end of the stock w/ a silicone filler.



3. Both 1&2



Do any of you have experience w/ these options and there outcome?



Do any of you have any other suggestions?



I know there are far better ways to gain a little weight but, I am just thinking of solving the problem w/ some inexpensive materials on-hand.



Any info would be much Appreciated.



Thanks and God Bless,



Reloader

where do you want the weight?
woofer

I want it well balanced and I realize it may take a little of both to do that.

Reloader

Personally, I like the weight when I am shooting off a bench, but not permanent. When shooting off the bench I put a strap around the butt of the gun that is attached to my sandbags, it effectively adds about 20#, but won't effect the handling or field weight.

I think you like the light weight about 3/4 of the way up the mountain, and you won't notice recoil when you have game in the scope.

I recommend using 2 stocks. Put a nice custom synthetic or laminated stock on it that fits you and modify the old Savage stock to add weight. The custom stock can be heavier too, if you want a bit more weight in the field.

As you have noted, there is plenty of space inside the factory stock...just be sure that whatever you use will anchor to the stock and is fairly solid. You could even inject bathroom calking an add a lot of weight. Remember that the heavy and the light rifle will shoot to a different point of impact.

The bipods on my rifles add some weight and it improves the balance for offhand shooting.

Thanks Guys,

Savage99,

I haven't ever went the bipod route. I have always used shooting sticks or the good ole' fashioned "free hand" shot.

What kind of Bipods do you have?

Do you find it fairly easy to shoot free-handed while they are on the rifle?

Reloader

Reloader,

I have two Harris bipods. One is a very old two piece that was the long one in the 70's. That ones on a M70 varminter and it adds weight which is not really wanted. However I sit with the rifle a lot and its ready as it rests with the bipod extended.

The other is a new three piece that's the long length. It's on a 7mm WSM some of the time. This is a much improved design.

The big news is that I shoot groups with those bipods on and they are my most accurate sporters!

It's no big deal to get one. They will fit any rifle with a swivel stud. You can reattach the sling to the bipod.

Thanks for the replies guys.

I worked on the stock last night and I now have the desired weight I wanted.

When I started the rifle and scope went close to 7 lbs. I mixed some lead shot w/ epoxy and filled three hollow spots in the fore-end of the stock for about .3-.4 lbs of added weight. I then put approx. .2-.3 lbs of epoxy/lead in the butt of the stock. I compressed cloth material in the hollow butt end until it was packed full to take out that hollow noise and to add another few ounces to it.

After I added the weight, I reinforced a the pillars alittle more w/ epoxy (There was a couple of empty spaces). Then I sanded the whole stock for a better appearance. The factory syn. stock had alot of mold marks that had to go plus, I think the dull look from the fine grit sand paper added to the appearance. After the little project was done I reassembled and she came in about 1 lb heavier. I think it was just the edge I was looking for. It is balanced much better now and it didn't cost much to do these minor mods. Sure beats buying an expensive after market stock.

Thanks for your replies,

Reloader