Savage Model 16 Lightweight Hunter

This will be my all-weather stalking rifle. Tim and I had an excellent time still hunting in the rain. We didn't see anything, but it is a sound strategy. I will be able to carry something lightweight without having to worry about the effects of rain. It has a skeletonized reciver and a narrow 20" barrel.

Handloading: 7mm-08

Caliber:	7mm-08 Remington
Barrel:	20" stainless steel, unknown twist
Action:	bolt-action, stainless steel, 4 round detachable magazine
Stock:	black synthetic
Trigger:	adjustable Accutrigger
Scope:	Redfield Revolution 2-7x33mm
Weight:	5.65 lbs without scope

I purchased this rifle in 2017.

Optics

I will mount a Redfield Revolution 2-7x33mm scope on this. I love the 2-7x33mm Leupold scope on my other lightweight rifle, and this should be very similar.

Ammunition

To get this rifle ready quickly for hunting this year, I think I will try some factory ammunition. So far, I have tried:

HSM 140 gr. Sierra GameKing: 1.777"
Federal Premium 140 gr. Nosler Partition: 2.596"
Hornady Superformance 139 gr. SST: 2.063"

Try:
Barnes VOR-TX 120 gr. T-TSX ...
Nosler Custom 140 gr. AccuBond ...
Federal Premium 140 gr. Nosler AccuBond ...
Federal Premium 140 gr. Barnes TSX ...
HSM 165 gr. Sierra GameChanger ...
Hornady American Whitetail 139 gr. InterLock JSP ...
Browning 144 gr. BXR ...
Hornady Precision Hunter 150 gr. ELD-X

Eventually, I will try to develop a basic hunting load with a bullet around 140 grains. I'm trying the 139 grain InterLock BTSP first, and if that doesn't pan out, I may try the 140 grain GameKing or Pro-Hunter next.

Status

Tests of factory ammunition have been disappointing. Initial testing of handloads using the Sierra 120 gr. Pro-Hunter have given me hope of an accurate load.