Savage Stealth in 338 Lapua Mag - First impressions

[CBryars2]

Call me crazy - but I took the plunge and picked up the 338 Lapua Savage Stealth. Like the 300 WM 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. 11.5 pounds, so a little heavier that the 300 WM.
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 Stealth 300 WM - works very well.

Mounted rail for bipod.

Tubbs Final to Finish for break-in.

If this shoots as well as it looks to be made, it will be a winner. Will be selling my Savage 110 FCP.

http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y437/cbryars2/Precision/IMG_20161026_192716_zps4bxkbagj.jpg

http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y437/cbryars2/Precision/IMG_20161026_192906_zpsrkypehr3.jpg

At the Range:

http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y437/cbryars2/Precision/IMG_20161031_180029_zpsqzusnkqg.jpg
Mounted with a Bushnell XLR 4.5-30 on Larue mount.

http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y437/cbryars2/Precision/IMG_20161031_180038_zpsrdy3we3r.jpg
GL Stock - as with 300 WM - Tames recoil more than 110 FCP in 338, so stock works as advertised.

So for bolt action completely switched to Savage Stealths.

[bearcatrp]

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.

[CBryars2]

I found it for 1299 at Academy Sports. Recoil is really tamed with muzzle break and GL Shock stock. Have 110 FCP with break and the Stealth recoil is more managable, no sharp pulse. Can stay on target during pulse so good for follow-up shot if needed.

Have not tried rapid fire yet, waiting to finish breaking in barrel. Got some ABM ammo in to try, I expect it to be the gold standard for me.

[CBryars2]

As promised test result using Tubb Final Finish #3 250gr pushed by RL-22 77gr powder. Measure .47 at 100 yds.


http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y437/cbryars2/Precision/100yd%205%20shot%2007%20Nov%202016%200.479%20MOA%2 0Target1_zpsivmosgwy.jpg

This rifle really shoots! Very happy with my new 338.

[bearcatrp]

Any chance you tried cycling through a full mag to see if any binding? No need to fire rounds, just fast cycling. One of the biggest complains I have with both of my 10T's is if I try to cycle fast, it binds up. Slow works great though. Am still considering selling my Creedmoor to fund a 338. Will have to test the waters to see if I get any bites.

[CBryars2]

Range trip tomorrow to work on loads. Also trying Berger on the Lapua and 300 WM.
Hope to sell my 2 old rifles, someone is scheduled to meet me at the range.
Will try and post results Tues or Wednesday.

bearcatrp - Will try fast cycling to see if any binds

[CBryars2]

Range Report - Not!

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

Bearcatrp - Did rapid cycling, no issues, good smooth bolt.

[bearcatrp]

Thanks. Am still considering one. What scope died on you?

[CBryars2]

A little reluctant to mention brand, wanted to give them the chance to make it right first. Major brand high-end scope.

[CBryars2]

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

[CBryars2]

Bipod mounting options.

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.

[Robinhood]

What scope died on you?


A little reluctant to mention brand, wanted to give them the chance to make it right first. Major brand high-end scope.

Looks like a Bushnell XLR 4.5-30 on Larue mount

[wicked251]

Nice rifle, cant wait to see the range report.

Sent from my SM-G900P using Tapatalk

[bearcatrp]

So did the scope just fall apart or what?

[CBryars2]

First noticed I lost zero at Talladega about 2-3 months ago, thought I had done something. John the RSO there (great guy really has helped me), reset my zero and I was able to continue. Repeated itself 2 times more, got to point I could not lower enough to sight in ant 100 on 338. It shot 3 rounds touching then jumped up 6 inches. Enough was enough, had reset zero multiple times by the manual. Also tried a box test at 100 yd was 1 moa right. The index mark on elevation also was moving.

The Scope was a Bushnell XRS ET45305GZ, so pretty high end scope. Almost got a viper PST 6-24 with the 2c reticle, but I like features on Bushnell. John also supported my choice so that made it solid in my mind.

All scopes from all manufacturers can have issues. Heard Bushnell takes excellent care of customers so I sent back Tuesday. Hoping to have it back in time to go to Talladega on 23 Dec. I will do my load development on 338 using my backup scope for now.

Anyone interested in Viper PST, Amazon had them for 914 (from memory) right now with 2C reticle.

[xdHammar]

CBryars2 - Why did you use the Tubb Final Finish? Did notice a problem in the factory barrel?

[CBryars2]

Yes I used Final Finish. I now use that to break in my rifles. Did my wifes RPR and my Stealth 6.5 Creedmoor (22" barrel) + others by regular method and consider the Final Finish a less expensive, faster approach. Based on .41 moa on Stealth 6.5 creedmoor (24" barrel) and 300 WM < .5 MOA results it has tested out for me. This is the 5th rifle I have used it on. On previous rifles I have seen it tighten up the groups considerably.

No issue with factory barrel, but at 2-5 bucks a shot, putting 100+ rounds to break in was not worth it. Just my opinion, no expert.

[bearcatrp]

Sent you a PM asking if the brake is pin welded or removable. I also emailed savage.

[CBryars2]

Bearcatrp - It is on std 5/8 24 tpi, not pinned. Easily removed to add a suppressor. All Stealth either have 5/8 24 tpi threaded with thread protector, or with 300WM & 338 - muzzle brake.

[bearcatrp]

Awesome. Thanks