Model 11 308 sight-in issues

[bdz65]

I just got a new model 11 in 308 for Christmas and took it to the range for the first time today. I removed a new Leupold VX2 from my Savage model 111 270 and installed on the 308, using Warne bases and rings. I bore sighted the gun by looking through the barrel at a target about 30 yards away and then adjusted the scope for the same point of impact. I was a little surprised that I needed about 60 clicks of "UP" to get the gun bore sighted.

After I fired the first shot I knew something was not right, I missed an 8"x11" sheet of paper at 50 yards. I have used this bore sight-in technique at least a dozen times and is does not fail to get with-in few inches at 50 yards.

After several failed attempts to get on paper, even having another experienced individual at the range try I was still striking out. In desperation I move to 15 yards and fired a shot offhand. To my surprise the bullet landed 6" low and 4" right of my aim.

Before we blame the scope, this same scope shoots 1.375" groups at 200 yards on my 270.

I am looking for ideas here, I did not want to believe it was the gun, I also have a model 11 223 along with the model 111 270 and they both shoot great. But this 308 is really something else, I do not have enough scope adjustment to get the gun on paper at 50 yards. The big issue is the point of impact at 50 yards is more than 8" away from the bore sight. It seems to me like I have some sort of barrel issue, could it be bent?

I will be calling Savage first thing Monday morning!!!
HELP!!!

[foxx]

It sounds like you know what you are doing.

I expect Savage will take it back, and, after confirming what you say is true will replace the barrel or entire rifle.

[bdz65]

Yes, I believe Savage will make it right.

The irony here is my nephew also got a model 11 308 hunter package gun for Christmas, I decided to get the model 11 non-package gun and then add a higher end scope and mounts. Based on my other Savages I was expecting a lot. My nephews package gun shoots great, my more expensive non-package gun is a piece of crap! Not sure why I decided to pay more money.

I should also add, I started out shooting 42 grains and 43 grains of H4895 and Sierra 150 grain pro hunters. My nephew is shooting the same bullet with a light load of Varget. Even with his load my gun has the same issue.

I removed the scope tonight and went over everything, just seems like I must have a barrel issue.

[foxx]

well, you paid more for a better rifle. You just happened to get a bad barrel, presumably. No reflection on the company or the model.

[Robinhood]

When changing scopes from one rifle to another rifle it might be necessary to find optical center by either centering the turrets or by rolling the scope and adjusting the crosshairs to maintain the same POA. . Good luck

[bdz65]

Robinhood,
I understand what you mean by "find optical center", but not sure what you mean by "roll the scope and adjust crosshairs to maintain the same point of impact". What choice do you have when using non-adjustable mounts, such as the Warnes? When bore sighting, the only way I know to get the cross hairs to move to the bore sight point of aim is to use the turrets. I am always anxious to learn new things, but my method of bore sighting has worked dozens of times, usually I get close enough to begin shooting @ 100 yards. In this case though I cannot get on an 8"x11" piece of paper at 50 yards.

Again my issue is the point of bullet impact, at 50 yards is at least 6" low and 5" right of the bore sight point of muzzle aim. This is far from normal and would use more turret adjustment than the VX2 has, to get on target at 50 yards. I put the VX2 back on my 270, placed the scope at optical center and got a good bore sight. I am sure a few clicks will have the 270 back on target at 100 yards. With the same scope on the 308 I only had 13 clicks of up adjustment remaining and was still hitting several inches low at 50 yards. And again the actual point of impact was 6" or more lower than the bore sight point of aim. I tried 3 different loads with 2 different powders with the same crazy results.

[bdz65]

I called Savage Customer Service. I did not even get to fully describe my problem before the technician was emailing me a form to return the gun. I attempted to finish describing the issue and was told they will not take notes until they have my firearm. I was instructed to type up a note of my issues and get the gun to a UPS pick-up center.

[FW Conch]

Sounds like you " got one of those". You're the second poster this month, with what sounds like the same problem. Savage wanted that one back back also, no questions asked. Would be nice to know what the problem turns out to be, however we may never know? It's good that Savage is addressing the problems.

[bdz65]

This is very frustrating, but at least Savage so far has been quick to do something about it. Hopefully in about a month I can come on here an brag about how well sight-in went and how well my 308 is shooting. I guess this will give me time to get a Monarch 3-12x42!

[bdz65]

Well I put the VX2 back on my 270. I took the gun to the range on Sunday, bore sighted it at 50 yards. The first shot was a couple of inches high. Clicked the scope down, second shot was in the bull. Moved to 100 yards, made 2 slight scope adjustments with 3 shots then fired two shots into a .625" group. This is how bore sighting has always worked for me!

With the 308 I didn't hit an 8.5" x 11" sheet of paper from 50 yards, after 10 shots and all sorts of scope adjusting.

[foxx]

So you're sending it to Savage for them to evaluate?

[bdz65]

Already there!!

[bdz65]

Well I called Savage today to check-up on my 308. I was told the gunsmith looked at my gun and has decided to replace it. I was asked to be patient as the replacement process can take a while, but I would be receiving a new gun.

[foxx]

Good.

[bdz65]

Yes, it kinda hard waiting. Meanwhile I am doing some load development with my 223 and H4895 and playing with my chronograph.

[FW Conch]

That is very good news ! :-)

[bdz65]

Called Savage last week to check up on status. I was told my new gun was in production and should expect another couple of weeks.

[savatage]

Good job Savage. Has to be frustrating , but a new gun takes the pain away. Let us know next range trip.

[bdz65]

Well going on 13 weeks now and still no gun. May be time to call and check up again.

[Robinhood]

Unreasonable