I just received my Christmas present, a Savage 116 FCSS 300 WM, and could not wait to get started on some loads. However, I made a dummy bullet to measure to COAL and found it to be 3.545 with the 180 gr Barnes TTSX. (I place the bullet on an empty case, close the bolt, measure distance to barrel tip, then remove the bullet and measure. The difference between these two points is 3.545, .205 longer than book COAL).

Do these of relatively deep throats?

I am a little hesitant to burn money on developing loads on this gun.

Is this normal, or should I send it back to Savage?

Thanks