I think I'm in love...
 

with bolt action shooting.

I took out my first bolt action rifle, which is a Savage Axis XP in .308 today to Burro Canyon. It took 6 rounds to zero it. Once zero'd, I now understand the term "tack driver".

It really made me dislike the incomparable non-accuracy I get out of my AR's.

I shot 40 of my own reloads and it took about an hour to do with me taking my time, concentrating on my breathing, and learning how to shoot this rifle comfortably. I really think this has opened a door for me with a new obsession.

Now I have tons to learn....

Congrats! :clap: hopefully you're still loving it after the honeymoon phase hahaha

welcome to the addiction...

Wow, a convert, you might want to keep that on the down low because if you don't worship at the shrine of the AR-15, you are an outcast among all the CA liberal gun owners that love their BB sized projectile. The AR-15 is the most overrated gun in the world, and it was one of the greatest failures in weaponry by the US military.

Shoot one of my guns, then you'll need to again redefine the term "tack driver".

I picked up my axis in .308 a few weeks ago. Have to retweak my zero because I noticed the scope mounts were moveable by finger. oOPs!! Haha. My only complaint is how fast the barrel gets hot but then again I bought this rifle for hunting .

A little over the top, but I do enjoy shooting both. I agree that bolts are generally more accurate. The AR platform offers so much versatility with dedicated uppers and options. I am having a great time with my LR-308 precision build. So many options to code from. With that being said. My Swede Mauser is still my favorite rifle.

Welcome to the addiction! :)

I can't say "welcome" since I dont have my own yet (1 day and I'll have my last part needed to build out my custom rifle).

ill be on the same lines as you and I cant wait to join the bolt action club.

With that said, I can tack drive my ARs with my pet loads and doing my part as a marksman. Im getting 1/2MOA consistently in my LR-308

I got bit earlier this year. I agree that bolt action is very addicting. Shooting a bolt rifle has forced me to seriously refocus on shooting fundamentals...never a bad thing though. Welcome to what I like to call the "church of lead".

I like that :D

Took my wife out with her new Savage Axis yesterday too. Its so fun.

Waxer, did you do the DIY trigger job? Got any other modifications in store?

CONGRATULATIONS wait till you start hitting 600 yards to 1000 yards then it's a whole new world. I see larger calibers in your near future . lol.

Yes, I did the one where you cut a coil off to lower the pull weight and it's so much better.

600 yards just seems like a dream right now. I was having fun at 100 yards, but can't fathom how I'd do 600 yards on this scope. It's a cheap Bushnell 3x9x40. I had it maxed at 100 yards...

You can't do without either one,
bolt for that really accurate or long shot,
the semi when you may encounter multiple opponents-
yeah,
you're really screwed now:)
Ninask

If you are seeing drastic accuracy differences at 100 yards between a bolt gun and an AR then there is something wrong with your AR. I mean visually drastic, not technically drastic like the kind of tenths shaving that benchrest guys are doing.

Exactly. I build a 308 that will put them all in the same hole at 100 yards.

It's actually the opposite. 9x is more than adequate for 600 yards, it's at 100 yards on paper when I crank up the zoom. However, if it's one of those really cheap Bushnells that come with the rifle as a package, they usually have just a cross hair reticle with no hashmarks. If that's the case, toss the scope in the dumpster and buy a better scope.

AXIS(as are most savage products)
 

Simple, cheap and easy to modify at home.

Orly? Tell me more, but do so here so we don't derail this thread: http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...d.php?t=872919

It would be me that is the cause of that.... I just don't take my time at all. I'm having fun knowing there are 9 more rounds ready to go after I first the first shot. I end up going through ammo pretty quick....

It is one of the cheap ones that came with the rifle as a package, simple crosshair reticle, no hashmarks at all.. I'm not gonna throw it in the dumpster.. LOL But I will gift it to the wife while I purchase me a better one.

Any recommendations?

If it makes you feel better I can't shoot an AR off the bench at all. Not sure why. Bolt gun yes, AR slung up prone certainly, AR benched not at all.

For me I'm sure it's technique. With the Savage I have a Harris BRM 6-9 bi-pod and that makes a big difference. I just need to learn the proper technique with holding both.

Well went to Burro today and practiced some more. Shot at 100 yards with different load batches trying to find the best recipe, which I think I found. Below are 2 pictures of targets with pretty decent groupings at 100 yards.

The batch data is on the bottom left of the picture.

The bad news is after 118 rounds fired through this Savage Axis XP, the crappy Bushnell "Sharpshooter" 3-9x40 scope is DOA. The last shot I did with it was interesting because I went to follow up with the next shot and the reticle was cocked to the right and rotated about 15 degrees. The eye relief is non-existant, as there is no way to get rid of the black ring from being too far away. It's toast!!

My research shows it's just a cheap scope they throw on these things that can be purchased separately for around $30... So, I'm in the market for a new scope now. Anyone have any recommendations???

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-m...+100+yards.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-t...100+yards2.JPG

Next you will be http://www.6mmbr.com/index.html

And contemplating titanium ultra light builds.

Just stay away from .284 Win or anything Ackley Improved for the health of your wallet.

That 168 load looks pretty decent to me.

Not sure what you want to spend on a new scope?

I'm willing to spend up to $600 for a decent scope to continue to learn off of. Then I can always move it to the next rifle I plan on buying (Rem 700 5R).

I'm looking seriously at this scope.

I'd prefer MOA reticle and MOA turrets. FFP is also something I'm looking for.

Vortex Viper PST Rifle Scope 30mm Tube 6-24x 50mm Side Focus First Focal Illuminated EBR-1 MOA Reticle Matte

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/411...ck-to-top-link


Thoughts?

Very good choice. I have the PST 4-16 and 6-24.

Send me a PM and I'll tell you where to buy it for a lot less.

I got bit by the rifle bug myself last December. Definately did my part in supporting the firearms community. Hahaha get yourself some better glass and you will really have some fun. Training is a must as well.

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/a...3&d=1388983240

I love shooting my 7mm mag. Some how I lost 100rds or brass. Not happy about that.

Same here, of all my rifles, I enjoy shooting my bolt action the most.

The Viper is a great scope. For this gun though I'd go the 4-16. The higher power won't serve you too well on this gun IMO.

The Savage is a temp home for the new optic. I'm already purchasing for a future upgrade.

Look into the Bushnell 6-24x ffp g2. Very good scope for the money. A little more and you're in the dmr range.

What ammo are you shooting? Come over to caprc.com and there's a precision bolt match on the 19th at West End if you wanna check it out.

Thanks, I'll check out that scope. I'm shooting my own hand loads which consist of...

• Hornady Interlock 150gr .308
• Hornady Match 168gr .308
• IMR 4064
• Lapua Brass
• Winchester 9 1/2 Primers

I'll check out caprc.com as well...


Thanks

If you are looking to upgrade your Axis stock, Boyds has a number of fine options. The plastic factory stock leaves a lot to be desired (forearm flex, etc)

http://www.boydsgunstocks.com/search...d&searcht=Axis

Sell it and step up to something in 7mm. It will be even more fun. ;) Also If your AR15 wasn't a tack driver with hand loads you where doing something wrong or bought junk. :(

So much Tacticool but so much fail in these posts.

Nice rigs. Come on out to a LR practice or match sometimes.