Savage Stealth in 300 Win Mag - First impressions

[CBryars2]

Picked up my Savage Stealth in 300 Win Mag Sunday. It is a considerably different from my Stealth 6.5 on several points evident after a complete once over. Cleaned and lubed with following first impressions:

1. Ran ammo through chamber, with no feed issues.
2. Accurate Mag - no MDT Mag so no issues like those seen on 6.5.
3. Fit and finish was excellent.
4. One piece mono-chassis, balance is a little front heavy with empty mag.
5. One piece rail that has 2 levels for night vision.
6. 11 pounds, so a little heavier that the 6.5.
7. Same stock. going to try it out more and if no go going to try a Luth MBA3 to retain collapsing stock.
8. Threaded 5/8-24 with installed muzzle break, same as my 110 338 Lapua and that one work very well.

Still need rail for bipod (mine requires rail mount).

Tubbs Fit to Finish planned for range trip, will be a week as bipod mount on order.

If this shoots as well as it looks to be made, it will be a winner. Will be selling my Rem 700p. Pictures to follow.

[bearcatrp]

What did it cost? Have been looking at the 338 Lapua myself but would need to sell either my 10T 308 or mine 10T 6.5 to fund it. Don't forget range report.

[CBryars2]

Got it for 1199 from Academy Sports. They run 1189 - 1279 on Gunbroker. Loading rounds tomorrow. Rail for Bipod due Friday. Also David Tubbs Fit to Finish due Friday, will load up first couple sets to test Monday. Checked seating depth tonight, so ready to load.

[CBryars2]

Bi-pod rail came in, mounted and works great. Loaded 30 rounds fit to finish lapping rounds #1-#3. Going to range Monday for a test.

[RC20]

Got it for 1199 from Academy Sports. They run 1189 - 1279 on Gunbroker. Loading rounds tomorrow. Rail for Bipod due Friday. Also David Tubbs Fit to Finish due Friday, will load up first couple sets to test Monday. Checked seating depth tonight, so ready to load.

GB can be pretty silly. Add in FFL and freight and ................

[CBryars2]

Promised some pictures. Not the best, taken on workbench while cleaning and prepping for range.
Bolt side of Savage 300 WM Stealth
http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y437/cbryars2/Precision/IMG_20161026_201028resize_zpsftk3xed3.jpg

Opposite side
http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y437/cbryars2/Precision/IMG_20161026_200733resize_zpssf8inoxx.jpg

Close up of rail, made for scope and night vision, nice touch
http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y437/cbryars2/Precision/IMG_20161026_201051resize_zpsqhvudere.jpg

Off to range tomorrow, will shoot 5 factory rounds then 10 Final Finish #1 rounds. Finally for tomorrow will finish up with Final Finish #2. Will then clean fully and prep next set of Final Finish #3 - #5 to finish up breaking in the barrel.

So far this is a great feeling rifle.

[CBryars2]

Gun broker is not my first choice. Having said that - knock on wood - have had no issues purchasing through GB. I add price plus shipping plus FFL fee and compare to local prices. GB has some good deals, and on this rifle, local was about same. So bought local.

[bearcatrp]

Was just at my local FFL today picking up primers. Low and behold they have both 338 and 300 WM. 1300 for the 338, which I want. May put up my creedmoor to fund it. Decisions decisions.

[CBryars2]

Range report

Will post pictures tomorrow hopefully. Feeds incredibly, no minor hang-ups like in my Stealth 6.5. Test fired and sighted scope with 4 Hornady White tail rounds. The 20 - 10 each of Tubb Final Finsh #1 & #2. Not worrying MOA until Final Finish 5 then I'll get some groups. Just shooting for break-in they were 2 ish MOA at 100yds. Light load 64 grs RL-22.
Biggest first impressions:


The rifle has much lower recoil. Has Savage muzzle break and the GL-Recoil stock (std from factory) really tamed the rifle much less recoil than my 700P 300WM.
Feeding was flawless and smooth, better than my Stealth 6.5 as mentioned above.
Feel - outstanding. Solid on bi-pod and same feel as my 6.5, so one of my main goals met - common feel between platforms.


Very pleased so far, if accuracy tests out, it will be a winner.

[CBryars2]

As promised, range pictures
http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y437/cbryars2/Precision/IMG_20161031_185622_zpsnnaejupr.jpg

http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y437/cbryars2/Precision/IMG_20161031_185635_zpskf7vogkd.jpg

The muzzle break and GL Shock stock really tame the recoil.

[CBryars2]

Asked about recoil on Snipers Hide Forum - Very managable - Below from 'Hide

Asked about the GL Shock stock. I had only used these on 300 blackout and was happy with them. The cheek riser is not my favorite (see Savage Stealth 6.5 first impressions for my favorite), but wanted to give it a chance. Now after using, I am willing to give it more time and add a pad cover to see if it helps with my cheek wield.
It along with muzzle break really do work. Compared to my Remington 700p in 300WM and my Savage FCP in 338 the recoil is definitely less and not as sharp an initial pulse.
So far good choice for 300 WM.

[CBryars2]

As promised Stealth 300WM Load Test.


http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y437/cbryars2/Precision/100yd%20300WM%20Stealth%20%203%20groups%203%20shot %2009%20Nov%202016%20.338%20MOA%20Target1_zpsn323n nvx.jpg

http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y437/cbryars2/Precision/100yd%20300%20WM%20Stealth%202%20groups%203%20shot %2009%20Nov%202016%20.444%20MOA%20Target1_zps8hnri c9z.jpg

Results:
64gr - 0.426MOA
66gr - 0.870MOA
68gr - 0.444MOA
70gr - 0.338MOA
72gr - 0.688MOA

70gr seems winner so far, will work 68 - 72 in smaller increments to see if it can get better.
This rifle shoots great, very happy. At .338 is on par with my wifes RPR in 6.5. My best to date is a .2-.3 at 200 yds using my Stealth 6.5

[CBryars2]

Range Report - Not!

My scope packed it in. Having to send back for warranty work (lifetime luckily). So nothing really to report.

[CBryars2]

Put my old cheapie scope on. 6-24 200 buck special, sighted in with Hornady 150 Whitetail - that round is hot. Scope has pretty bad eye relief and the recoil messed with focus (blurry after first shot).

Loaded 5 rounds of Berger 185 OTM with RL-22 74 gr (med load). Test results below.
http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y437/cbryars2/Precision/100yd%20300WM%20Stealth%205%20shot%2016%20Nov%2020 16%20.799%20MOA%20old%20scope_zpsypnrpabt.jpg

.79 5 shot group , .54 4 shot if flyer removed. Not too bad for the scope I was using. Going to take 300 WM to Talladega Friday. Probably wont go past 200-300 with this scope.

This rifle shoots!

[CBryars2]

Talladega range report - Really good day

Had only so-so expectations using my old 200 scope. Was in for a pleasant surprise. Began 200 yd with good groups, so moved out to 300. Rifle was doing well and Berger 185 OTMs were grouping well. So with 10 rounds left, what the hay, out to 600.
http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y437/cbryars2/Precision/18%20Nov%2016%20300WN%20600yd%204%20shot%20.382%20 MOA%20Capture_zpsqyzzoqs8.jpg
600 YD, first shot sighter, 4 for group - Berger 185 OTM, RL-22 74gr

http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y437/cbryars2/Precision/18%20Nov%2016%20300WN%20600yd%204%20shot%20.537%20 MOA%20capture_zpsgruv3xbd.jpg
5 shot, pulled 1, 4 shot .537, 5 shot with pull .846.

Turned out to be a real good day. Full disclosure, the wind had dropped down, when we started about 10 mph, dropping down to 3-5.

Scope was not too good, lost focus on first shot, had to readjust. Eye relief about 1-1.5" closer to glass than my primary scope. It is on its way to warranty service.

[CBryars2]

Called Savage and they confirmed rail is 20 MOA on the Stealth 338 and 300WM. Good News!

[CBryars2]

Asked on another forum about bipod mounts.

For Harris type sling attach, the rifle comes with an appropriate stud.

If you have a rail mount what I recommend might be a more secure choice. MDT makes a rail that fits the Chassis. I removed the front sling stud from chassis and mounted the rail where is was. Brownells has part# 100-009-791WB MDT 5.0 Rail with QD Sling Point Mfr Part: 102215BLK. It works perfectly and is very snug.

[CBryars2]

Monarch Reloading is selling MBA-3 Luth stocks. Picked up one to test on the 300WM. I am beginning to like the FAB stock the stealth comes with, but cheek peice is a little narrow. If Luth ends up not giving result I am looking for, may try to get the 338 cheek rest for the 300WM. It is longer and wider.

[CBryars2]

MBA-3 stock arrived really fast. Mounted, has lots of nice features. Will post photo in next day or so.

[s3silver]

Thank you for sharing your initial field tests. Looks like Savage did good on this one. I want one now!