The Savage 110 Long Range Hunter in .338 Lapua Magnum is a serious contender in the long-range shooting world. This isn't a rifle for casual plinking; it's built for precision and accuracy at extreme distances. This in-depth review explores its features, performance, and suitability for various applications. We'll cover everything from its build quality to its real-world effectiveness, helping you determine if this powerhouse is the right fit for you.
The Savage 110 Long Range Hunter: Built for Distance
The Savage 110 Long Range Hunter isn't just a name; it's a statement. This rifle embodies Savage's commitment to providing high-quality, accurate rifles at a competitive price point. The .338 Lapua Magnum cartridge, known for its exceptional ballistic performance, further emphasizes this rifle's dedication to long-range accuracy.
Key Features: A Closer Look
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Action: The heart of the rifle is its smooth, reliable bolt-action design. The AccuTrigger, a Savage hallmark, provides a crisp, adjustable trigger pull, crucial for consistent accuracy. The accuracy of the AccuTrigger is a key selling point, often praised by experienced shooters for its reliability and consistent performance.
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Barrel: The heavy, free-floating barrel is meticulously crafted for optimal accuracy and heat dissipation. The heavier profile helps to mitigate barrel whip and vibration, resulting in tighter groups at longer ranges. This is essential for maintaining consistent accuracy, especially during extended shooting sessions. The barrel length often varies depending on the specific model, but longer barrels generally provide increased velocity.
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Stock: The synthetic stock is designed for stability and adjustability. Many models feature an adjustable comb and length of pull, allowing shooters to customize the rifle's fit for optimal cheek weld and shooting posture. This is incredibly important for maintaining proper shooting form and maximizing accuracy.
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Accuracy: Savage guarantees sub-MOA (minute-of-angle) accuracy with this rifle. This means that at 100 yards, groups should consistently measure under one inch. This level of accuracy is a testament to the rifle's precision engineering and manufacturing process. In real-world testing, many shooters report even tighter groups, especially with high-quality ammunition.
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Caliber: The .338 Lapua Magnum is a powerful, long-range cartridge capable of reaching extreme distances. Its large, heavy bullet delivers substantial energy downrange, making it ideal for long-range hunting and precision shooting competitions. The increased recoil is a factor to consider, and proper shooting techniques and recoil mitigation strategies are crucial.
Performance on the Range: Real-World Results
Numerous online reviews and field tests consistently showcase the Savage 110 Long Range Hunter's impressive accuracy. While the manufacturer guarantees sub-MOA accuracy, many shooters report achieving even better results. This performance speaks volumes about the rifle's build quality and design. The heavy barrel's ability to resist heat helps to maintain accuracy even after multiple shots.
Ammunition Considerations: Fueling the Beast
The .338 Lapua Magnum is not cheap to shoot. However, the use of high-quality, match-grade ammunition is crucial for achieving the rifle's full potential. Experimenting with different loads can help shooters find the optimal ammunition for their specific rifle. Consistent and accurate load data is vital for maintaining long-range accuracy.
Applications: Where the Savage 110 LR Hunter Excels
The Savage 110 Long Range Hunter in .338 Lapua Magnum is a versatile rifle suitable for several applications:
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Long-Range Hunting: The .338 Lapua Magnum's power and accuracy make it ideal for taking large game at extreme distances. Ethical and responsible long-range hunting requires precise shot placement, and this rifle delivers the accuracy needed for clean kills.
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Precision Rifle Competitions: Its accuracy and adjustability make it a strong competitor in long-range shooting matches. The rifle's consistent performance and user-friendly features are attractive to competitive shooters.
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Law Enforcement/Military: In select applications, the rifle's power and reach make it a useful tool for long-range precision work.
Potential Drawbacks: Considering the Trade-offs
While the Savage 110 Long Range Hunter offers many advantages, it's important to acknowledge some drawbacks:
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Recoil: The .338 Lapua Magnum is a powerful cartridge with substantial recoil. Shooters need to be prepared for significant recoil and employ proper shooting techniques to mitigate its impact.
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Cost: The rifle itself is relatively expensive compared to many other hunting rifles. Furthermore, the ammunition is also significantly more expensive than that of other calibers.
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Weight: The rifle is quite heavy, making it less suitable for extended hiking or backpacking hunts.
Conclusion: Is it Right for You?
The Savage 110 Long Range Hunter in .338 Lapua Magnum is a high-performance rifle ideal for serious long-range shooters. Its accuracy, adjustability, and powerful caliber make it a capable tool for hunting, competition, or specialized applications. However, its recoil, cost, and weight should be considered. If you need extreme range and precision, and are prepared for the investment, this rifle delivers exceptional performance. However, for casual shooting or hunting at shorter ranges, other calibers might be a better fit.