Got to the range and I'm not sure if I'm happy with this one or not. Performed in typical Handi fashion shooting either 2" low or to the right or left from a hot bore. I believe the Nitex is shooting 2" high at 100 right now but I can't even feel sure about that. Started out sighting in at 25 yards with the Core-Lokts and then moved out to 100 where the Rems produced a 3/4" group from a warmed up bore. Then I went to the Nitrex. First shot was 3" low, adjusted the scope and the second shot was 1 1/2" low. Adjusted the scope again to where it should be and let the bore cool. Next shot was 3" high.
After this it was just crazy trying to get a group with the Nitrex and not being patient enough to let he bore cool all the way between shots, and pulling the occasional shot because
DANG
the .280 is a healthy round in the Handi! It was getting close to dark and my patience wasn't what it should have been with letting the barrel cool btween shots. Anyway, I know I shot 15 of the Nitrex ammo and never could print a decent group. I'll try another Core-Lokt from a cold bore one afternoon this week and see if I can get another 3 shot group. Shame the Nitrex isn't good in this one for the price I got it at, $12 a box. But I guess it's gonna like the 150 grain Core-Lokts best like so many other .280 Handis do. I have 5 Nitrex rounds left and I will try them again too and really be patient and see if I get a good group fom them also, I'd really like for them to work in this one. My shoulder sure knows I burnt some ammo today though.
The Savage was a breeze to sight in and printed two solid 5/8" groups at 100 yards. I'm pretty happy with that from a .17. I think with a little more time and a better trigger it will be a one hole shooter.