Savage 10 ML-II: Back in the game!

[huntereasttn]

Hi all, I’m just getting back into the smokeless game, and am trying to “relearn” some things from my experience in the past.

A few basics:
Savage 10ML-II “mutt” (traded for ML with factory barrel bulged and replaced by a takeoff from Bowbender6 - Thank you again!!!). I replaced the cheap factory plastic trigger guard and a few screws, the limbsaver recoil pad is on its way (the 1/2” hard factory rubber recoil pad looked like a torture implement), as is the DNZ scope mount. I’m going to mount a Luepold VX3i from another rifle, and I should be set.

I installed the barrel last night, but the sight and thimble holes don’t time correctly when I “headspace” the bolt to touch the breech plug. Do I have this setup correctly? If it’s only aesthetic then I’ll live with it. I’m used to installing center Fire Savage barrels.

I have RL7 powder, but I’m going to pick up some 5744 if I can find it due to reduced recoil. I don’t need screaming velocities or the ensuing thump on the butt end for hunting deer in my area. I used to use 62gr of RL7 with a 325 FTX, but it was pretty stout in the recoil department. If I can’t find 5744 then I’ll start with RL7 at 59gr and see if it gives me decent groups. Bowbender6 gave me other RL7 data from this gun that I will likely end up at.

I’m looking at projectiles to try out in this gun, and will use what I have for now, but will likely go to 250s later on.
I currently have:
Orange MMPs
Black Crush Ribs
Short black MMPs
325 FTXs
300gr XTP Mags (I know, the mags don’t shoot as well in the Savage MLII, but it’s what I have)
RL7

I plan to start with the 325 FTXs and use them up, practicing with the 300 XTPs. I used to love the 300gr SST, but I’ll likely try the 250 FTXs and short black MMPs eventually. There’s a lot more to choose from in projectiles now than there were several years ago.

Sorry for the random musings, but I’m thrilled to be back in the smokeless game.

[cuda]

I use a Hornady .458 300gr in a BCR and 69gr of IM4198. I want to try the .451 290gr Barnes TEZ or the 250gr TEZ BCR with the same load.

[ET]

I installed the barrel last night, but the sight and thimble holes don’t time correctly when I “headspace” the bolt to touch the breech plug. Do I have this setup correctly?

I had the same problem when I head spaced my 10ML-II. I brought the barrel up so that sight holes aligned upright. Then shaved roughly .010" off the BP at the primer end. Everything works just fine. I shaved .002" at time until the bolt closed with a primer in the bolt.

[huntereasttn]

Sept 4, 2020 11:11:11 GMT -5 ET said:

I installed the barrel last night, but the sight and thimble holes don’t time correctly when I “headspace” the bolt to touch the breech plug. Do I have this setup correctly?

I had the same problem when I head spaced my 10ML-II. I brought the barrel up so that sight holes aligned upright. Then shaved roughly .010" off the BP at the primer end. Everything works just fine. I shaved .002" at time until the bolt closed with a primer in the bolt.

Thank you ET. I had considered doing this. Did you file it, stone it, or use a grinder?

[ET]

I have a mini lathe that simplified this chore. If you use a grinder with a sanding disk do it gently cause it can remove metal quickly. You will have to address any burrs in the primer pocket with a little sanding by hand. The one thing you won't experience is blowback with stronger loads after proper head spacing.
Glad to see another shooter back in the 50 fold.

[huntereasttn]

I don’t have a lathe, but I chucked it up in the drill press and lowered it onto a medium file. Went slowly and checked it often. Knocked off the burrs and now it’s good and medium-tight on my bolt close.

Thank you again, ET!

Waiting for the scope mount and recoil pad, then she’s going to the range! Hoping to find the 5744, but RL7 will do in the meantime. I may end up liking it well enough to stick with it.

[ET]

Sept 4, 2020 14:19:14 GMT -5 huntereasttn said:

I don’t have a lathe, but I chucked it up in the drill press and lowered it onto a medium file. Went slowly and checked it often. Knocked off the burrs and now it’s good and medium-tight on my bolt close.

Thank you again, ET!

Waiting for the scope mount and recoil pad, then she’s going to the range! Hoping to find the 5744, but RL7 will do in the meantime. I may end up liking it well enough to stick with it.

Nothing to thank. I'm impressed you came with the idea of drill press and file that I never would have thought of. Nicely done.

[peteo]

It is great you got it back together. My favorite .50 load is 66 grains IMR-4198, orange MMP and a .458 Rem jacketed HP 300 grain. Good luck and have fun.