ORIGINAL: scott26
with my Savage 116 in 7mm-08. Shooting just 50 yards with Rem core lokts 140 grain the first 2 groups is always 3 - 4 inches. After that my groups tighten up to 2 inches roughly at 100yds.
Question is is that normal for most factory ammo or should I try a different type? Please excuse the simplicity of my math but if my rifle is say three inches right at 50 yards is it not 6 inches off at 100yds and 12 inches off at 200? First shot on a cold mornings hunt will of course be through that cold barrel. Still trying to learn some basics so any input you may have is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Scott
I'd start with different ammo., & see if that does it.
I bought a Savage 11F in 7mm-08 this Summer, & it hasn't shot any better than 3" with
any ammo. I've tried so far. This includes Remington 120 grain and 140 grain CoreLokts, Federal 140 grain Accubonds and 140 grain NP's, Winchester 140 grain Powerpoints, and Hornady 139 grain Interlocks.
Most of the groups were actually at 4" to 5". I'd love to be able to blame the shooter, but I would let the barrel cool on that rifle while I shot another, and I'd get thumbnail-sized groups with that one.
I just ordered some Federal 150 grain Speer HotCor's, to see if that shows any improvement. If they don't shoot any better, I'll be sending it back to Massachusetts to see what they can do with it.
Good Luck,
FC