I have a Savage Model 110 E. 30-06

My uncle gave me this gun last year. He gave me various reload rounds. 165's and 180 mags. They were shooting a bit wild. With in 3 - 4 inches at 100 yards on a gun rest.

I figured it was the reloads. So I bought some Federal shure shok 165 sprg. soft points. Still the same results. I know I can buy 150 and 180s.

Any thoughts?

If it has a scope you better check the mounts and bases.and see if they are tight. I never saw a Savage shoot that poorly given you had a very solid rest and the barrel was clean and not to hot. I would check that out and check the stock to barrel fit before I worried about different loads. Something besides the loads at are work here.

I agree with James B, concerning your checking for loose mounts and/or rings. Also of primary importance is to have the mounting bolts for the action torqued down tight. Loose screws/bolts are the main reason for too large groups. Certainly making sure that the bore has been cleaned out very well and free from copper fouling is important too. Some products like CR10, that can really cut copper fouling should be used. Be sure to not leave the bore dry if you are going to store the rifle and lube to prevent rust after cleaning with any strong product like CR10. Dry the bore with clean patches before taking two or three fouling shots, before again checking for tightness of groups.
Have to ask: If you test other rifles in the same manner, are you getting better groups with them? If not, are you resting the forestock on a pad that is not hard enough to cause the rifle to bounce upon firing. A hard surface against the forestock will open up groups. Then be certain not to rest the barrel on the pad, but rest the forestock on the pad. Same goes for the buttstock, which should be in a solid, padded "V" rest, in order to have the entire rifle stablized when firing for test, from the bench.

I have the Savage squared away. Plan Jane gun but can drive nails with it. What a joy to shoot!!!!

I plan on refinishing the stock this year and would love any feedback on a good process?

Is it a wooden stock or the synthetic? I have one with the synthetic in 30-06 and will shoot about one-inch at 100 yards. If the stock is wood, check for unwanted pressure between the barrel and stock. I use the 150 gr Hornady SP in reloads.

After check the mounting screws for the scope and rifle, clean the rifle and check the rifling are crisp and brite. Check the stock and see if someone tried to bed or free-float the barrel. After you get done with that try higher price ammmo to see what the groups are doing. You may have to takeit to a gunsmith to check it for headspace. Just a few rambling thoughts. Let me know how it comes around.

You guys do realize that this is a 5 year old thread.