Savage Stealth in 338 Lapua Mag - First impressions

[CBryars2]

Range report and new stock test.

Since my primary scope is in the shop, mounted my back-up on my Stealth 338 Lapua and headed to my home range. Since indoors, folks shooting AR-15's nearby are really noisy, guess good practice at handling distractions. Guy arrived next to me shooting a .308 bolt action. I waited for him to mount his target (range has cables to move target out to distance. He inquired why, told him my muzzle blast would rip his target. He thought I was kidding. After I fired the 33, he realized I wasn't.

http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y437/cbryars2/Precision/338%20Stealth%2005-Dec-2016%200.625%20MOA%20100yd%203%20shot_zpsnzmpdkmy. jpg
Was having to sight-in backup scope and test Berger 300 OTM bullets. Not bad for my backup $200 BSA scope. It goes out of focus after first shot of string, so a little bit of a pain.

Also mounted the Luth MBA-3 on the 338. Swapped it back and forth between GL-Shock and the MBA-3. The MBA-3 wins on adjust ability. It does force a lower rear bag placement that what I was used to. The rear pad shiftability is really nice. Able to move & up down and right & left.
http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y437/cbryars2/Precision/Luth-AR-MBA-3-Left-450x450_zpsp6amue6i.jpg

http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y437/cbryars2/Precision/Luth-AR-MBA-3-Right-450x450_zpswtwrgttw.jpg

[CBryars2]

Quick update.
Primary scope is still in shop, so slowed me down shooting. Due to go to Talladega the 23rd Dec. Not sure if I will make it.

Bummer - The secondary scope cannot handle the 338 Lapua, recoil is making it go out of focus each shot. Will hold off shooting 338 until primary scope fixed.


The waiting is the worst part, check daily to see when they will ship scope back. Been 3 weeks, but in fairness, first 4 days were Thanksgiving, so really only on 2 weeks and 4 days.

[DenverDave]

How much? I found one locally for a little over $1300. How's the recoil? As much as I hate drake associates for screwing up my order on my cadex chassis, there chassis looks pretty good. Have you tried fast loading to check binding? Since selling my 50BMG, been wanting a 338 Lapua. Will have to decide.

I thought the chassis is a MTD LSS-XL made in conjunction with Savage and Drake. Not sure what the result of the Savage/Drake collaboration is aside from m-lok.

[CBryars2]

According to articles I read, the Savage chassis is a Drake (made for them by MDT). Drake is the maker of the unit tested by US Army sniper team - article on Drake site. The MDT regular LSS chassis is shorter based on info I looked at. They have a longer version that is set-up for fixed stock.

[bearcatrp]

Ended up buying a savage FCP instead of the stealth. Was listed in the classifieds here. Hope to have it in a week or so. Am curious though on the rail on the stealth. 0 moa or 20?

[CBryars2]

I called Savage, it is a 20 MOA on stealth. Had an FCP, good rifle. Swapped rail, not sure if it was the style or not 20 MOA reason for the swap. I could get about .7 - .8 MOA out of the FCP. Tried bedding stock to tighten it up. Sold soon after that so not sure if it made a big difference or not.

Sure you will enjoy it. Let us know how it shoots.

[bearcatrp]

Will do. did you try reloads or commercial ammo? How was the action on yours? Is the stealth better built in your opinion?

[CBryars2]

Good News \ Bad News


Good - Primary Scope just came in from repair (31 days including shipping both ways and Thanksgiving & Christmas), mounted it, hopefully go to range next Monday to sight back in.


Bad - Suppressor tax stamp arrived. Bummer - has wrong thread size, need 5/8 - 24 tpi, can't find one in stock.

[CBryars2]

Bearcatrp -

I used both factory and reloads - like reloads RL-22 84.6 using 285 Amax. Action had no issues. Personally I like stealth because of the chassis, rest is same barrel and action.

[Phranque]

Good - Primary Scope just came in from repair (31 days including shipping both ways and Thanksgiving & Christmas), mounted it, hopefully go to range next Monday to sight back in.

Not too hateful... I've got an ERS, so it's good to hear they took care of you.





Bad - Suppressor tax stamp arrived. Bummer - has wrong thread size, need 5/8 - 24 tpi, can't find one in stock.

Oooh, big bummer.... what'd you get?

[CBryars2]

Sig 338TI-QD - dealer got me a muzzle break attachment for 7.62 so I can at least use on 300WM & 6.5. 338 5/8-24 tpi backordered.

[CBryars2]

There was a question about difference between Drake Hunter\Stalker chassis (basis for Stealth) vs MDT LSS Chassis. Here is a good list by Frank on Snipers Hide - http://www.scout.com/military/sniper...talker-chassis (http://www.scout.com/military/snipers-hide/story/1491512-gear-review-hunter-stalker-chassis)

Snipers Hide -
Drake Associates has an exclusive agreement with MDT for the production of a modified chassis system that has DRAKE design influenced features “For Snipers by Snipers” TM (pending).
Special Ergonomics features have been added to the Drake Hunter Stalker LWSS (Light Weight Sniper System) Universal Chassis over original MDT LSS design as a very custom and exclusive product improvement
1 Hunter Stalker LWSS Universal chassis is also available in both SHORT and LONG Action - Remington 700 and Savage 10/110
2 Hunter Stalker Raked Magwell for distinctive look and special function - quick changes with minimal movement of chassis - streamlined with tracking channel for insert of mag.
3 Special Drake Military Division SNIPER logo engraving with Distinctive DRAKE - Bat wing TM design
4 CHASSIS is DELIVERED with one AICS Type Patterned magazine INCLUDED - so customer has this in hand when package arrives!
5 Special cuts around trigger guard to allow for correct fit of Ergo Grip that has finger groove ears above for index finger.
6 Special and enhanced and "EXTENDED XL" forend giving a longer forend for use when shooting in alternate position or shooting off packs allowing for proper hand placement
or more surface contact area (off pack)
7 Enlarged area forward of recoil lug for custom and enlarged OAL / DRAKE Quick Change Barrel (QCB) nut clearance
8 Exclusive Right hand Left Hand Chassis design (patent pending)
9 Additional holes in 3/9 oclock position for use with 6" Picitinny Rail assemblies that contain flush cup design
10 Optional 6 oclock position rail or bipod stud
11 Optional folder device/pivot for butt stock
12 Drake has selected the superior FAB defense GL-Shock Buttstock as a standard upgrade over the traditional Magpul CT

GL-Shock features:
• Reduces recoil and muzzle rise to allow faster, more accurate fire.
• 5 sling attachment points, including 2 QR attachment points.
• Storage compartment for batteries or parts.
• MIL-SPEC reinforced polymer composite, steel hardware, rubber buttpad.
• Fits any weapon that accepts M-4/AR15 style stocks.
• Patented system reduces recoil and muzzle rise.
• Auto-tensioner for no-rattle fit on both mil-spec and commercial tubes!
• Comfortable rubber butt pad provides traction on body armor.
• Streamlined shape will not snag on gear.
• Cheek riser is adjustable for optimal height for optics.
(NO ADDITIONAL Cheek pieces Need to be added)

[CBryars2]

Dealer got a Sig 7.62 5/8-24 Flash Hider in so I can use on the 338 to mount the Suppressor. The Sig 338 Muzzle Break will not fit on the 7.62 barrel mount, probably a safety feature to prevent a 7.62 muzzle break from being mounted on a 338 - that would ruin your day.

Will try and mount Sunday if I can get stock break off, if not a trip to gunsmith. Hope to test in a week or so.

[CBryars2]

Suppressor mounted and zeroed. Went to Talladega and had ok results, somewhat inconsistant (approx 1 moa at 200yd). RSO came over and we found the rail was a little loose. Did not have right tool to tighten in the deep set screw, so called it a day. Moral of the story - check your rails often - espescially before driving 150 miles each way.

Good news, no issues with the suppressor.

[CBryars2]

Also had a really bad jam in Talladega, entire unfired round stuck in barrel. After making sure safe, RSO and I tried cleaning rod, nothing worked. He called over this really neat guy who had some serious experience. He took a fired .17 hornet casing and slid it into barrel, then used a cleaning rod to push round out, no damage to barrel. He explained that the .17 casing slid over bullet and provided a solid and stable base allowing round to push out.

Needless to say I now keep a few fired .17 cases in my pack. Round on my workbench as a reminder to exercise greater care when reloading and not to force round to chamber.

Folks at Talladega are first rate in my book.

[Poolguy]

Vortex also has a very generous military law enforcement discount check their website

[CBryars2]

Test report. Went to Talladega and shot 25 rounds. All 10 ring. Tested ABM 300 from Bryan Lutz, good ammo. All rounds 10 ring. Suppressor worked well. Now that all issues cleared up, will proceed to stretch the range out next trip.

[CBryars2]

Results update. Another trip to Talladega and good results, got dope for 200, 300, 600 and wind to 10 mph. No issues and holding 10 ring. Scope and suppressor having no issues. Interestingly, suppressor has more felt recoil than Savaga break had. After 35 shots, shoulder felt it. Confidence in rifle growing, still favor the 300 WM a little. Need to work on loads, at 78gr RL-22 with a 300 OTM Berger.

[LoneWolf]

You will feel more recoil with a suppressor than a brake. Think of it as the Suppressor "slowing" down the recoil as that's how it reduces the sound. By slowing down the gasses.

A brake redirects the gasses in order to use them to reduce recoil. The felt result is less recoil from the shorter recoil path taken by the rifle when the gasses are redirected.

[CBryars2]

Pictures of 338 at Talladega with electronic target read-out. Shooting 300 Berger OTM with 78 gr RL-22 powder. Wind was 10 mph right to left




http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y437/cbryars2/IMG_20170609_140754_zpsyh6a1qvl.jpg (http://s1274.photobucket.com/user/cbryars2/media/IMG_20170609_140754_zpsyh6a1qvl.jpg.html)

http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y437/cbryars2/IMG_20170609_151614_zpshxmxifkf.jpg (http://s1274.photobucket.com/user/cbryars2/media/IMG_20170609_151614_zpshxmxifkf.jpg.html)