Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Savage Collectors 99F accuracy

What size groups are typical or acceptable out of a 99F 308 Winchester. Also what grain bullet seems to get the best accuracy. It sure didn't like Winchester 180 grain Power Points.

I've done the routine---Lock-tite the base screws, tighten up all the rings, forearm is solid.

I've got a FX II 4x scope on it.

I got about a 6" group with Federal's 180. It may like 150's, I'm trying that next.

I'm thinking about a 2" to 4" group @ 100 yards is the norm. Is that right?

Don't own one, but it should shoot a LOT better than that....

Shooting from the bench you need to put the receiver bottom on the front bag.

Check the condition of the rifling at the muzzle.

Try 150's. Or the 30-30 170's if you prefer heavier bullets.

My F 308 does no worse than 2 inches at 100 off the bench. Wish I could do that off my hind legs.

When you say "forearm is Solid" do you mean the forearm screw is tight? If so, that is likely your issue.

Every 99 I've ever handloaded for will shoot 1" @100 with something, if scope, some better. Maybe not factory ammo, don't shoot it.

Out of all the factory ammo I tried in my .308 F, probably eight different rounds, never could get better results than this..

Remington

F210, WW, 308 Win, Savage 99 F, AA 2520 43 Gr, 165 Nosler BT, 3 @.61" at 100 yards, Sight in load, 3 X Weaver

I never shot it for groups again quit while I was ahead.

I have an EG in .308, and it is a lot better than that! That said, Winchester ammo worked the worst, Federal Premium, the best. Remington core lokt do very well too. 3 shots with Fed 150 Nosler BT, 3/4", Winchester 150, 4". Same day. I sure would check the scope before I blamed the rifle though. Short of a known good scope switch, I don't know how you would do that.

The screw holding the forearm is "snug"--it's over not over tight.
I had the sandbags under the forearm--just like I do when I shoot my bolt action rifles. I'll move them to under the receiver. If that doesn't work, I'll change out the scope.

The bore looks good & clean.

The forearm is often the culprit on poor shooting guns. This can be determined by removing it and then shooting groups with the receiver rested on the bags.

Yep.Forearm can cause some serious frustration.Took mine off and it would put them in the same hole,with it on 2" shooter all day long.

My 99F .308 is about a 1.5" shooter with right ammo ONCE THE BARREL IS FOULED. The rem 150 gr psp corelokts express ammo works well. It does not like boat tail bullets (only tried a couple though, then quit fooling with them). Haven't used any 180gr stuff for a long time, but IIRC groups were a little looser. I use either remington 150 gr or federal fusion 165 gr loads for hunting.

Seems like you should be able to do much better than 4" groups.

Bob. I'd recommend a loose forearm screw with an "o" ring between barrel and wood at the stud. Usually works wonders.

Thanks----It's shooting a little over an 1". I put an "O" ring on the forearm stud as suggested. I also put the sandbags under the receiver. This was with Federal Blue Box 180 grain ammo. I'll shoot it again with the rest of the box and try some "Corelokts". Right now I'm happy. I like 180 grain bullets for elk. Bob

...and another happy customer!

Good luck on the next hunt.