Savage B Mag Question

[H4350]

I am in the market for a varmint rimfire. Originally I was sold on a Savage 17 hmr, but the B mag 17 WSM has sparked my interest. Hornady also released that they will stark making ammo for this which is a huge plus in my book.

Does anyone own a stainless steel Savage B Mag? I heard the newer ones with slower twist barrels are more accurate.

Also, has anyone tried to suppress the B Mag? I am interested in using this as a suppressed squirrel and rabbit rig from 100-200 yard away.

[RP12]

The newer ones are "faster" twist rates at 1 in 8. The older ones are 1 in 9.

[H4350]

The newer ones are "faster" twist rates at 1 in 8. The older ones are 1 in 9.


I apologize, I mixed them up. I heard the 1 in 8 twist is more accurate.

[RP12]

It sounds like your chances of getting a shooter are a lot greater with the 1 in 8 twist, from what folks have posted.

[Lonewulf]

got my B-mag back from Savage ( HB Stainless) with the new 1:8 twist but have not had a chance to shoot it yet :( dam weather on the weekends
and having a JOB sucks LOL

[syvairgunner]

I did the $50 upgrade to the 1:8 Twist Heavy Barrel B-Mag and could not be happier. Switched out to a Boyd's stock, DIP Industries scope mount, Glades bolt, Sims Vibration Labs Barrel De-Resonator and Harris Bi Pod. This sounds like a lot of add-ons to make the rifle shoot well but to me it has been worth it. The rifle shoots fairly consistently <1" groups at 100 yards off of a bench using 25 grain rounds. In the field shooting squirrels shots out to 150 yards are not out of the question. My longest shot (took two rounds) is 235 yards on a ground squirrel. There are a few more choices in the marked now but the 17 WSM is a great round for varmits.

[RP12]

syvairgunner, how long ago did you do the upgrade ? I just tried and they flat out refused.

[syvairgunner]

I sent in my light barrel over a year ago and received my 1:8 sshb about seven months ago so I'm unaware of what Savages policy is today. I had/have both the 1:9 and 1:8 twist rifles, light barrel in 1:9 and heavy barrels in both 1:9 & 1:8 the 1:8 shooting 25 grain Winchester has been the most accurate at all yardage I shoot at, 5-200+ yards. You never know when a squirrel will pop up, shot shots are the hardest.
Hope this is helpful.

[MoToad]

I have the stainless heavy barrel with 1:9 twist and I am not complaining. Tack drivin at 100 yds and 2" spread at 200. I'm lovin it!;)

[billt]

So... Am I correct in assuming the increase in twist rate has solved a lot of the original accuracy issues with this rifle? Does anyone know if they got the velocity of the ammunition to be more consistent? I know some of the early Winchester Ammunition in this caliber had a lot of shot to shot variation in velocity.

[MoToad]

If you get the package with the scope, that could be the problem. The scope is the bottom of the line. I upgraded and have no complaints.