17 WSM round is based on the 0.27 nail-gun case used by builders worldwide. 17 HMR 20-gr equivalent is 2,450fps, so 550fps better for the WSM. 17 WSM round is capable of 3,000fps velocity for 400ft/lb energy from the 20-gr V-Max bullet. Quoted figures are one thing, shooting in the field is another and the only true way to test a new cartridge’s performance out in the field where terrain undulates and wind and rain make for a real-world test. 17 HMR as well as increase performance so that it would topple the HMR and to some extent, the. Field testsīallistics or ballistic advantage is where Winchester pitched its new baby as it wanted to elevate some of the troubling split case problems associated with the. It handles very well, the thumbhole design gives a sure grip and the extended and fore-end, ventilated for heat dispersal, also has a firm grip - very nice. A Boyd laminate thumbhole model, it has alternate layers of grey and black wood epoxied together for strength and to stop warping in inclement weather. The stock, on the other hand, is very good. Closing the bolt is strained and feels very delicate. The bolt does not rotate so when you push forward to load a cartridge the bolt handle can drop before it is in the action recess. It cocks the firing pin on closing and has two rear locking lugs, and is strange and awkward to operate. The actual bolt action or manipulation is equally unusual. The bolt handle resembles an engine from a Me 262 jet fighter with lozenge-shaped and hollow form. The bolt system, however, is very odd indeed. Safety-wise a silvered safety lever is sited in the tang so a thumb from the firing hand can simply and quietly pull back for on and forward for off. This model broke at a weight of 2.75lb and can be adjusted to suit your own needs. The excellent Accutrigger adorns most Savage rifles now and is synonymous with safety as well as a great light and predictable trigger-pull. Rear-locking lugs are a good idea but Savage needs to re-think the design as it is awkward It is a rotary type so it sits flush with the level of the stock and holds an impressive eight rounds with one in the chamber that’s nine shots on tap. The action comes with Weaver-type bases for a scope mount and the detachable magazine is handy and pretty standard now. It is free-floated along its length to enhance accuracy due to consistent barrel harmonics. Being a medium-weight semi-varmint/target profile, the Savage sits very well in the hand and balances the rifle nicely. The action and a barrel are stainless steel, with the barrel length not too long at 22in and screw cut for a 1/2in x 20 UNF thread. The B.Mag comes in six models and I prefer this Target version. Workingsįirst, let’s look through the workings of this new rifle and the cartridge that inspired it. I also shot into ballistic media to ascertain the cartridge’s performance and finally took it out to shoot some troublesome crows. I took the Savage to the shooting bench to give it a workout regarding reliability and accuracy, then tested it at extended ranges to see the ballistic limits. Though it is a traditional format of a bolt action with detachable magazine and laminate stock for sporting use, it uses a medium-heavy varmint/target barrel for better accuracy and has a completely new action design. Savage has introduced it in its new rifle, the B.Mag, which is a departure from its usual fare. When I say “new”, the Americans have had it since 2013 but as always we have to wait for it to arrive here. Savage is at it again with the advent of the new Winchester. This offers the British shooter a new cartridge in a reasonably priced rifle. Savage has also been a front-runner when it comes to taking up the mantle for newer cartridges that emerge on to the market such as the 6.5 Creedmoor, 17 HMR and. This is largely due to the efforts of importer Edgar Brothers, which offers the Savage range. I have tested many a Savage over the years and have seen them transform from a budget-priced yet reliable and accurate rifle from the US to a more respected and accepted gun in Britain today. Want to buy a single issue of Shooting Times, Sporting Gun?.Choosing the right bullets for deer stalking.British deer: A guide to identifying the six species found here and where to stalk them.Country hotels offering shooting facilities.
17 WSM SAVAGE RIFLE HOW TO
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