New Savage Model 10 Predator Max 1 Owner

[CA Desert Dog]

Hi guys. I just bought my first Savage. It's a new Model 10 Predator Max 1 with drop box mag, accu-stock & accu-trigger. The caliber is .223 and it sports a heavy barrel. It should be fine for coyote hunting and I am looking forward to picking it up after the "waiting" period here in Kaliforniastan.

Has anybody got any good loads they would like to share. I have some 40, 50, 52, 55, 60 and 70 grain bullets I can try and I am open to suggestions. I usually load with Varget or H335 for my .223 AR. I have no idea what the new rifle will like. :)

[Hylander]

Howdy and Congrates on the new Predator 8)
Ijust picked up the Predator without the Accu-Stock, Love it.
Here are a couple of great loads for the .223
These were shot from my new Predator.

Bullet: 40gr. V-Max seated to 2.200 OCL
Powder: 26.5 H-335
Primer: Fed GM205M
Case: Winchester 5 Times fired.
OCL: 2.200

[img width=449 height=450]http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b193/hylander7/Firearms/Modern/Savage%20Predator/PredatorTarget140V-Max.jpg[/img]

[img width=386 height=450]http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b193/hylander7/Firearms/Modern/Savage%20Predator/IMG_0060.jpg[/img]

Bullet: 55 V-Max
Powder: 25.5 Varget
Primer: CCI BR-4
Case Winchester 5 times fired
OCL: 2.250
A couple of cases were bad, this load usually shoots under .5 MOA

[img width=446 height=450]http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b193/hylander7/Firearms/Modern/Savage%20Predator/PredatorTarget155V-Max.jpg[/img]


Bullet: 50SPSX
Powder: 25.0 H-335
Primer: Fed Match
Case: Win 5 times fired
OCL 2.220

[img width=450 height=450]http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b193/hylander7/Firearms/Modern/Savage%20Predator/PredatorTarget150SPSX25H335WSR.jpg[/img]

[CA Desert Dog]

That is some sweet shooting Hylander. I am a died-in-the-wool predator hunter and a freak for accuracy. I just sold a custom .308 I owned and didn't really know how I wanted to parlay the funds. I already have a very accurate 223 AR and a tack driving 204 but the Savage Predator really caught my eye. It seemed to have so much going for it.

I really liked the drop magazine, accu-stock, accu-trigger and the Savage reputation for accuracy. I'll build some of your loads and give them a try. Thanks a lot. I appreciate your response.

[kohler]

What is a common sense weight limit to a deer rifle?

To owners of Model 10 Predator Max 1 24" barrel, what is your opinion of the gun weight for deer hunting when scoped?

The gun will be used for a bit of still hunting and stand hunting, never to see a bi pod or shooting matches. On-hand showroom models are unavailable within 60 miles for me to pick up. The Model 10 Max 1 tapers to a 0.73" barrel diameter. Is the Max 1 listed weight of 8.5 pounds accurate?

The competition is Savage's .260 rem Model 11 Long Range Hunter with a barrel tapering to 0.70". This model was comfortable to shoulder, as I recall from some months ago, this model is now showroom scarce.

The 2011 catalog lists the Model 11 at 1 oz less than the Model 10, even though the Model 11 adds a muzzle brake and cheekpiece. This leads me to think the Model 10 barrel must be a lot heavier. Other than the Model 11 cheekpiece, are the stocks on the Model 10 Max 1 and Model 11 LR Hunter dimensionally the same?

Savage Custom Shop said they would be pleased to build a stainless 24" 0.730" (Model 10) or a 24" 0.70" barrel (Model 11) without the Long Range Hunter muzzle brake. Before paying the premium for either model, I want to learn more about the Model 10.

I am fairly committed to the .260 rem. The .260 rem sounds likes a nice caliber for a middle age man and teenager alike. A Model 14 American Classic .308 in standard sporter barrel and 220F and .22 Savage youth are already in the inventory crowding out a Rem 700 .270 win.

In a year or two I envision adding a custom laminate stock to either model to fit my 14 year old already at 6' 2". My concern on the Model 10 24" barrel is if it starts heavy, any custom stock will make it burdensome as a walking gun. Generally I think a little extra weight for a big body future adult may help keep him steady, as long as he is willing to carry it into the woods.

Thanks for any thoughts.

[rks1949]

That is some sweet shooting Hylander. I am a died-in-the-wool predator hunter and a freak for accuracy. I just sold a custom .308 I owned and didn't really know how I wanted to parlay the funds. I already have a very accurate 223 AR and a tack driving 204 but the Savage Predator really caught my eye. It seemed to have so much going for it.

I really liked the drop magazine, accu-stock, accu-trigger and the Savage reputation for accuracy. I'll build some of your loads and give them a try. Thanks a lot. I appreciate your response.

My friend just picked one up in a 22-250cal. I shot it over the weekend and it will put 5 55gr. v-max bullets into a group you can cover with a dime @ 200yds! Needless to say I just ordered one in 243cal. ( really like to "thump the coyotes" ! LOL! The only 2 things I don't care for is the bolt release. It's akward to say the least,and you shouldn't have to remove the stock,to adjust the trigger. Other than that the gun is a winner. Ron

[rks1949]

Had another friend get a Max1 in 22-250 yesterday! :) If my 243 Max1 dosen't get here soon,I'm gonna start to have to join a 12 step program! ;D Ron

[rks1949]

The 243 is here finally! ;D Got to shoot it in last night at the range @ 100yds.These are the first 7 shot @ 100yds. zeroing the scope. It looks promising! Ron

[pigeonrace]

I just picked up a new one in .243 Winchester. One of the reasons that I decided on it was the Accustock. However, mine doesn't have the 3 Dimensional Bedding System. Apparently, Savage eliminated the steel block (wedge) and action screw that pulls the recoil lug rearward and secures the action from moving forward/backward. I am most concerned about receiving a new, unadvertised, changed model. If the bedding system was so great, how can Savage just eliminate one of the three action screws? I've heard that folks weren't following the directions for disassembling/reassembling the stock and fouling things up. I'm worried that Savage just took the simple approach and eliminated both the sore spot (the steel block wedge) and the benefit that it provided. If it wasn't necessary, it wouldn't have been there in the first place. Can anyone share their experiences with me or is the change so new that I am the first to experience it. I've checked the Savage web site and the video still talks about the 3 Dimension System not the new 2 Dimension System. It would be great to hear that this is an improvement, but ....... Thanks.