Model 14

Hello friends,
I was recently lucky enough to acquire a new Model 14 Classic in .308. I believe it is ready for deer but I would like to have it shooting a little better.
Brief background:
Out of box, I removed the stock and seated the recoil lug. Re-installed stock. I did not use one of the torque measuring tools, but I have one on the way.
I bore-sighted the rifle and went to the range with it.
The first dozen or so rounds were at 35 yards using my reloads. It took no time at all to get it in the bullseye.
Stretching it out to 100 is where the groups began to open up. First group was seven inches. Next group was 4 inches and they closed all the way to sub-inch that first trip to the range. That was about two months ago.
Since then, I have not been able to shoot sub-inch. The barrel has been thoroughly cleaned once, but very little was removed from it. Three swipes and the patches were coming out clean.
I have tried multiple reloads of different recipes and I have a good rest. The following are my last few targets, from just a few days ago. Hoping some of you can shed some light on what may be the issue. The rifle is ready for deer, but I'd love to see it shooting sub-inch regularly, which I think it should do with ease.

[img width=600 height=401]http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb255/jtleamer/title/setup2_resize.jpg[/img]

[img width=600 height=401]http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb255/jtleamer/title/DSC_0110_resize.jpg[/img]

[img width=600 height=401]http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb255/jtleamer/title/DSC_0111_resize.jpg[/img]

[img width=600 height=401]http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb255/jtleamer/title/DSC_0112_resize.jpg[/img]

[img width=600 height=401]http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb255/jtleamer/title/DSC_0113_resize.jpg[/img]

[img width=600 height=401]http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb255/jtleamer/title/DSC_0114_resize.jpg[/img]

[img width=600 height=401]http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb255/jtleamer/title/DSC_0115_resize.jpg[/img]

[img width=600 height=401]http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb255/jtleamer/title/DSC_0116_resize.jpg[/img]

Either your scope is loose or the barrel is not floating in the stock.Looks like it is rubbing forcing the shots off to the right.

I also think that the first thing to check would be that something is loose or rubbing since there is two really close shots and then a third "major flier" in most of your groups. I would make sure that the stock to action screws are nice and snug, and that the recoil lug stayed seated back when you tighten them. Then make sure the scope rings and bases are tight, and the barrel is floated like froggy said. I have also read of the tang causing problems and needing to be free floated as well, however I have never run into this problem. Lastly, I would make sure that the scope is good and not shifting your point of impact.

Ok, I will be checking the stock screws when my torque wrench arrives. I also will check to see if there are obvious signs of the bbl rubbing the stock but I did run a dollar bill under the bbl and it seems to be free floated. Can I not assume that Savage free-floats all bbls?

They try to free float all barrels but that is a wood stock and wood moves - especially when it gets hot etc. See if it is free floating after you start shooting it (a dollar is pretty thin - I use a business card or index card).

As others said - something loose will do that too (or bad scope).

I don't understand what you said about "seating" the recoil lug - what do you mean by that? Did you bed that area?

group's just like my 200 did before I got the barrel floated.

possum1,

did you float the bbl yourself? if so can you give me some pointers?

i found this, but not sure if it is a reliable fix:

http://www.centerfirecentral.com/art...inetunning.htm

Nothing to it. Take the barreled action out of the stock, I used a piece of hoe handle wrapped in sand paper and went to town. Any round piece of wood or dowel bigger than your barrel will work. I'm not real good at explaining thing's in word's. Someone will post and explain it better hopefully.

Possum got it right. Hoe handle, broom handle, I use deep well sockets (cause thats what I have)
Just go slow and check fit often.