Shot out Savage 99E .308

[mpropst]

I have an old Savage 99E in .308 caliber and it sprays rounds all over the target. Is it possible to get a new barrel for it? How much would that normally run? and where would I ship it to get the barrel replaced? Or is boring it out to a slighter larger caliber a better option. Other than the rifling being about gone the rifle is in fantastic shape.
Thanks - Mike in WV

 

[Scooter22]

Are you sure it,s shot out or just really fouled up?

 

[troy fairweather]

Need more info, are you shooting from a bench and a good scope of free hand with sights. Is the barrel clean, 2" group of more wouldn't be out of the ordinary Especially if the rifle didn't like the ammo. You would need to be over 10k rounds to burn up a 308.

Best bet is having jes rebore it to a larger barrel,

 

[Col. Harrumph]

Are you sure it isn't a bad case of leading?

 

[mpropst]

Not really sure if it’s fouled up or not. Looks relatively clean but that could be deceiving I guess. If it is bad, can you suggest a place to get it re-bored to a larger caliber? Thx

 

[BBBBill]

can you suggest a place to get it re-bored to a larger caliber?

@mpropst

Home - Reboring by J E S

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www.35caliber.com

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www.oregunsmithingllc.com

Rebarreling, Reboring and Rechambering Rifles

Randy will be glad to rebarrel any rifle that has been shot out. He can also rebore, rerifle, and rechamber some barrels to new calibers providing there is enough wall thickness and the bolt face is compatible with the current caliber.

randyscustomrifles.com

 

[stringnut]

It could be rebored to 338 Federal , or, 358 Winchester.

I would do some serious cleaning before doing anything. Unless some sort of corrosive ammo is used it would be hard to burn out o 308.

Have you checked other basics? Is there an issue with the sighting system? They are not fantastically accurate rifles. The best one we ever had is my Wifes 250 Savage. It shoots around an 1.5 inches at 100 yards. The 300’s and 308 are all around 2.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

Since .308 99s use either a 1/10 or 1/12 twist rate- depending on who you ask- they are unlikely to optimally stabilize 150gr. (or lighter) bullets. 165-180s are your friends.

So ya, give the bore a good scrub, check for bulging or bends while at it, and try some heavier bullets. That said, I wasnt happy overall with either the grouping or brutal recoil of my .308 99, but my .243 was a sweet and accurate shooter.

Good luck, hope you get it sorted.

 

[Kp321]

Since .308 99s use either a 1/10 or 1/12 twist rate- depending on who you ask- they are unlikely to optimally stabilize 150gr. (or lighter) bullets. 165-180s are your friends.

I hate to correct someone with 12,000+ posts, but your thinking is backwards on twist rate. The heavier the bullet, the faster the twist needs to be for proper stabilization. Not saying you shouldn’t try other bullet weights.
I agree with the other suggestions. especially a thorough scrubbing with a good copper remover. And inspect the crown. Doesn’t take much of a ding to ruin accuracy.

 

[MarshallDodge]

Shooting out a 308 barrel would take at least 4-6 thousand rounds. I would clean the bore really well and have someone check it with a borescope. Also, have the crown checked at the same time.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

I hate to correct someone with 12,000+ posts, but your thinking is backwards on twist rate. The heavier the bullet, the faster the twist needs to be for proper stabilization. Not saying you shouldn’t try other bullet weights.
I agree with the other suggestions. especially a thorough scrubbing with a good copper remover. And inspect the crown. Doesn’t take much of a ding to ruin accuracy.

Nah, your right, I was probably ......

 

[NMexJim]

Shooting out a 308 barrel would take at least 4-6 thousand rounds. I would clean the bore really well and have someone check it with a borescope. Also, have the crown checked at the same time.

I agree w/ this post. Be sure you have a rifling problem before spending a ton of money. It could be that you just have throat erosion and just need rechambering and headspacing or set-back.

 

[codytrucker]

I would definitely use some spray foam copper fouling remover , and get a bore snake to clean it from breech to muzzle . Also sometimes the muzzle crowns on lever actions get damaged from using a steel rod to clean them from the muzzle end . Have you tried some other ammo ? may just need a different load .

Wyoming armory precision firearms in Cody Wyoming has done work on model 99 savages for me , I know they can be re-barreled , but it can get spendy ! I'm not sure if any of the barrel makers will re-barrel one , like Shaw , Pac-nor , McGowen or any others . Good luck !