First time Savage Build, questions and progress

[Dave Hoback]

First, use Dykem or bluing of some sort for the bolt lugs. Then you can see where the Bolt & Receiver lugs surfaces are making contact. Then get or make some lapping compound and lap the lugs surfaces. I used several kinds of Silicone Carbide medium & Vaseline to make varying course to find lapping pastes. It works quite well. This happens normally over time. (A couple Thous. rounds), but doing it by hand works quite well.

Here’s a tutorial. (But don’t use the Dremel. I didn’t & don’t recommend it. That’s the point of varying level compounds.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtBNkA5tMvw

[Rocketvapor]

Thanks.
Will watch the video and go SLOW :)
Using blueing the bolthead doesn't scratch and feels better.
Nice smooth wear pattern. It was only nicks on the leading edge.
Maybe handling dings?

The PTG bolthead won't be needed until the Shilen barrel shows up.
Picked the better looking (new) of the larger boltheads for the 243 barrel, cut about 3-4 loops off the ejector spring, already has the larger extractor ball, and had the wife go through disassembly and assembly of the bolt. I'll probably be the one doing maintenance but it's nice to know stuff and she seemed interested.
She's a retired Marine and likes guns :)

Gonna wait for the stock to headspace the temporary barrel.

[Rocketvapor]

USPS delivered a second used barrel today (from a member here).
26", Model 12, 243, SS Fluted 1:9.25. Looks to be in good shape.
Once the stock comes in I'll assemble so the wife has something to practice with.
Once we get to the range and shoot it I'll decide on spending money on brass, bullets, dies, etc.
Have some 100gr SP that ought to do OK @ 100 just to try it out.

[Rocketvapor]

Busy finishing up a load out for a 600yd match this Saturday 22 Nosler/22 Nosgar.
But have been shopping around for bullets/brass for the temporary .243 barrel (26" varmint, 1:9.25).

Looks like the Berger 87gr HPBT will work in the 9.25, maybe out to 600yds.
I figure 2/3 hundred of these and another 100 cases should last until the real barrel comes in.
Of course, still waiting on the stock.
Looks like I will stay with LRP brass, only have about 1500 WLR primers, and save the SRP for the 22N and 223.
Haven't been shooting the bigger guns for a while and not what I would want for 60+ rounds anyway.
Will likely have to stay away from heavy loads with the WLR.
I have several powders that are listed in data books (and online), IMR4350, IMR6064, IMR4328SSC, Reloader 17, and the newer SB 6.5.
First range trip, 100yds, will be with 100gr SP factory rounds, but want to try something out to 600.
Shopping Grafs, Powder Valley, Midway, etc.

Just to go bang, I have these;

Hopefully they won't go sideways out to 100 yds :)
Any thoughts on the 87gr Berger HPBT? or maybe the 95gr Berger HPBT? in a 1:9.25?
Playing with a ballistic calculator, not much chance of getting good results with this barrel @ 600 yds.
Best bet is a temporary bolt gun for Flo. Back to waiting for the real barrel

[Rocketvapor]

Received my Shileen barrel today, way ahead of expected.
Wrapped and padded and in a triangle tube.
Was worried a little as the UPS site listed package weight as 1.8 pounds.

Will clean, measure, borescope and mount to receiver soon.
Didn't get to mount the .243 barrel as the stock is still a week or so out.
This just might make it as a Christmas present for the wife.

[Dave Hoback]

LOL! Oh this new revolution of borescoping before ever firing a single round! Especially when the vast majority of of shooters have no clue what they are looking at in the steel, and freak out upon seeing any difference at all.

I’m not pointing this at you specifically Rocketvapor. You are merely the effect of this new era, not the cause. Good luck with everything.

[charlie b]

If I had a borescope it would be important to me to use it on a new barrel just to establish the baseline. Then periodically after a certain number of rounds through the barrel.