Uneven Rifling Wear or Bad Chambering?

[tobnpr]

You probably already know this, but...
Running heavy VLD's in a .260 short action requires an extended length mag, or you'll be single-loading.

I can't tell from your pic whether you have a DBM or internal mag; if it's DBM it may be AICS compatible (newer Savages are, IIRC older ones are not). I don't think there's a manuf of extended internal box mags for the .308 class cartridge for Savages (e.g. Wyatt's) but maybe someone else knows of one.

Not sure why you have concerns about removing and reinstalling a bedded mount, but IMO you're taking some risk by clamping a non-integral rail mount like that into the barrel vise with the receiver, I'd be very cautious and limit the clamping torque.

Good luck with it, let us know how it shoots.

JMO, YMMV.

 

[Anhur]

You probably already know this, but...
Running heavy VLD's in a .260 short action requires an extended length mag, or you'll be single-loading.

I can't tell from your pic whether you have a DBM or internal mag; if it's DBM it may be AICS compatible (newer Savages are, IIRC older ones are not). I don't think there's a manuf of extended internal box mags for the .308 class cartridge for Savages (e.g. Wyatt's) but maybe someone else knows of one.

Not sure why you have concerns about removing and reinstalling a bedded mount, but IMO you're taking some risk by clamping a non-integral rail mount like that into the barrel vise with the receiver, I'd be very cautious and limit the clamping torque.

Good luck with it, let us know how it shoots.

JMO, YMMV.

That seems like it is always an issue. I had the same problem with a .308 Savage I built. The only rounds I have loaded up with so far are a Nosler 130gr and a Hornady 140 ELD-M and they both fit in the mags with the Ogive 0.010" off the lands. I will probably end up putting this thing in a chassis at some point anyways and at that point I can switch to the AICS mags.
I didn't want to remove it and risk the bedding parting away. The vise I built doesn't actually contact the rail at all. There is a solid 0.020" or more around it. The pictures don't show that very well.
Also it seems to shoot much better. I took it out and ran through a few rounds to break in and clean the barrel. Most groups under 1/2" and this was with loads set up for the other barrel. So far so good.

 

[THEWHITEBEAN]

Correct me if I'm wrong but if the reamer is fixed and the barrel rotates around the reamer ( with a bushing to align in the bore )how can it produce a cut off center? I would think it would be oversize but not off center. Now if the groove are different depths which they can be even in button rifled barrels you will see what looks to be "off center" cuts in the throat area.

 

[Butch Lambert]

Correct me if I'm wrong but if the reamer is fixed and the barrel rotates around the reamer ( with a bushing to align in the bore )how can it produce a cut off center? I would think it would be oversize but not off center. Now if the groove are different depths which they can be even in button rifled barrels you will see what looks to be "off center" cuts in the throat area.

Bean, I don't think we know enough about the old barrel to make an honest opinion. Is it a factory hammerforged barrel or other. It also depends on what chambering method is used.
I understand your post and it is correct if it is a custom barrel and a floating reamer holder is used. We need more info to make a knowledgeable decision for him.
I believe he made the correct decision buying the Shilen barrel.