Well, after getting this rifle about 6 months ago and not having time to get the barrel properly broken in and matched with the right scope, load, etc.. I got it all finished! I decided to drop the coin on this rifle due to the great reviews I was seeing in F&S, Outdoor life, Rifle magazine, etc. Not having owned a Savage before either, I was intrigued by all the claims for accuracy. I always saw savages as cheap... as that is how they felt in my hands. AND even though I am a big fan now... there are still some aspects they do super cheap.. but more on that later.
I chose the 6.5x284 as I wanted something for deer and under... something I could drop a Muley or something I could develop a load for predators as well. After trying everything from Noslers to Barnes to Bergers... I found some pretty consistent results...
1. This rifle is freaky accurate. Worst group on got with mid loads from 120-140 grain bullets was 1.25". Best group I got was 0.297". All handloads.
2. some components are cheap.. the hinged floor plate (plastic, not easy to open), recoil pad (while nice and soft it pulls away from the stock easily and I doubt it would last more than 5 years in the field) and synthetic stock (it can peal if put in a rougher gun scabbard).
3. The important components are done REALLY well. Accustock is solid, action is smooth and functional, Accutriger is freaking awesome as is the adjustable on-off muzzle brake. Finally the Karsten cheek peice is cool, even though I dont need it for my scope.
Here is a couple pics of the what the rifle looks like and a pic of my results...
