Building a LW Storm .280 ai?

[jpdown]

I built a 280AI on a Savage LWH action 5 years ago. The LWH walnut stock is one of the lightest non-tupperware Savage stocks at around 26 to 28 oz. A 22” factory sporter barrel is going to be about 6 oz heavier than a Savage LW 20” barrel. I lucked into a new 23” SS FW barrel in 280AI (2 lbs, 2 oz). My pet 162 grain ELD-X loads provide velocities equal to those published on a box of 7mm RM Hornady Precision Hunter factory ammo. Harvested a nice WY mule deer at 325 yards any KY cow elk at 75 yards so far.

[Orezona]

What is the difference in weight between the LW action and the standard action?

[jpdown]

What is the difference in weight between the LW action and the standard action?

Around 1.5 to 2 oz. So buy a Savage Engage in 280AI and you will basically have what you are trying to build on a LW Storm platform. Or if you just “got to have” a SS 22” barrel, then get a 110 Storm in 280AI and part it out, since you can get full value for the SS standard action, metal bottom parts and Accufit-Accustock. Personally I’d just sell the SS standard action and put the LW Storm action in the Accufit-Accustock. I doubt the LW Storm tupperware stock is going to deliver the accuracy potential you want.

[Orezona]

Around 1.5 to 2 oz. So buy a Savage Engage in 280AI and you will basically have what you are trying to build on a LW Storm platform. Or if you just “got to have” a SS 22” barrel, then get a 110 Storm in 280AI and part it out, since you can get full value for the SS standard action, metal bottom parts and Accufit-Accustock. Personally I’d just sell the SS standard action and put the LW Storm action in the Accufit-Accustock. I doubt the LW Storm tupperware stock is going to deliver the accuracy potential you want.

Not "me guys", I posted a link to a $100 Accufit Accustock from a reputable business and offered my take-off Accustock for free. I think the OP has the wood version for his LW 270. But doesn't the wood stock have a plastic mag with plastic lock/release tab? I would put that action in one of the stocks I referenced, use Talley light weight one piece rings, and keep the scope at 3-15x42 or 44 and get a quality pre-fit barrel. Done.... And when I say "I", I mean if I was the OP. Me, "I", doesn't want to shoot a 6.5ish pound 280 AI running 2880 to 29somthing with a 150 - 160 grain bullet.

[Newtosavage]

Not "me guys", I posted a link to a $100 Accufit Accustock from a reputable business and offered my take-off Accustock for free. I think the OP has the wood version for his LW 270. But doesn't the wood stock have a plastic mag with plastic lock/release tab? I would put that action in one of the stocks I referenced, use Talley light weight one piece rings, and keep the scope at 3-15x42 or 44 and get a quality pre-fit barrel. Done.... And when I say "I", I mean if I was the OP. Me, "I", doesn't want to shoot a 6.5ish pound 280 AI running 2880 to 29somthing with a 150 - 160 grain bullet.

I wouldn't want to shoot a 6.5 lb. .280ai with 150-160's going 2880 with the wood stock. That's for sure. I've learned a walnut stock transfers recoil to the shoulder more than any other kind of stocks I've used. They're pretty, but I avoid them nowdays. I'm thinking of finding a good quality synthetic stock for my build. Maybe a MPI stock? Not sure yet. But it won't be wood.

Yesterday I lucked into a 116 (stainless) in 30-06 with the tupperware (non-accustock) stock and Axis style magazine. Even with the standard action, it still only weighs 6.25 lbs. I'm going to shoot it as an '06 for this season, and if I am not happy with it, all I have to do is pull the barrel and install a .280ai barrel, and voila!

I'm still on the lookout for a lightweight synthetic stock for a long action and bottom bolt release.

[Newtosavage]

Step 1 is almost complete... Ordered a Lightweight Storm in .270 yesterday. Next job is to find a .280ai barrel for it... I'd hate to have to order an Axis II SS just for the barrel, but it wouldn't be the first time if I do.

[want2ride]

Nice! I ordered a .270 LWH with the intent of using it for a lightweight 280ai build, and it shot so good i just decided to keep it as it was. So i bought another Savage lightweight hunter just like it. The kimber is sub MOA and most of the time sub 3/4. I was looking to make something like my kimber Classic select 280ai, but i wanted it to be better accuracy. No matter what i did, i just couldn't get the kimber to go better than 7/8 with hand loads. I figure since most of my savages are better than that it would be easy with an aftermarket barrel on a Savage LWH. After i got a 300 WSM ultralite i changed my thinking and kind of decided if i was to do another lightweight rifle it would be a 6.5 PRC Savage ultralite and the 280ai kimber and .270 LWH will go down the road... and then i picked up a kimber adirondak 7mm-08 because it was half price at Cabelas.
The moral of the story, roll with the punches, and keep your eyes open... but that things can get away from you in a hurry if you don't stick to the plan.
Seriously that is a good plan you have! I would go with a slim profile savage prefit in one of the big name aftermarket barrel makers and you will probably love life

[Newtosavage]

I built a 280AI on a Savage LWH action 5 years ago. The LWH walnut stock is one of the lightest non-tupperware Savage stocks at around 26 to 28 oz. A 22” factory sporter barrel is going to be about 6 oz heavier than a Savage LW 20” barrel. I lucked into a new 23” SS FW barrel in 280AI (2 lbs, 2 oz). My pet 162 grain ELD-X loads provide velocities equal to those published on a box of 7mm RM Hornady Precision Hunter factory ammo. Harvested a nice WY mule deer at 325 yards any KY cow elk at 75 yards so far.

That's fantastic! Yes, I've had two of those LWH walnut stocks now - one I ordered directly from the factory for $350 - and they really are incredibly light for a wood stock. Both of mine were 27 oz.