Convert a Savage 6 Norma BR into 6PPC?

[jb27]

Sorry if this is a stupid question, but I'm considering picking up a Savage Model 12 F-Class in 6 Norma BR. I was wondering if down the road If I wasn't happy with its performance, if I would be able to convert it over to a 6PPC by getting a new barrel? Would the action require major modification or replacement? Again, sorry if this is a dumb question. As you can tell, i'm new to this type of shooting.

Thanks

 

[Tim Singleton]

I'm sure some other guys will jump in with more experience than I.
But here goes. I have several savage rifles that I have rebarreled into 6br

The issue with converting to a ppc is the bolt head. The ppc case head diameter is .445 the 6br and others in this family are .473

So it's not as simple as swapping barrels as with other calibre.
That said Sharp Shooter Supply and other gun smiths do sell savage ppc bolt heads
http://www.sharpshootersupply.com/

There maybe some other mod that could be done to the bolt head so that the extractor would catch the ppc rim I'm not sure of that
Hopefully some others will comment

 

[Hammer47]

It is not a big trick to buy a 223 bolthead and have it enlarged for the 6PPC. As much as I like the ppc, I would not recommend it for 600 yard shooting. I find 300 to 400 is the max especially if the wind picks up. Inside 300 yds it is the undisputed king of accuracy in 6mm.

 

[boltfluter]

First of all NO question is a dumb question!!!!
Your action will need no modification to convert to a PPC(no expensive gunsmithing). You only have to replace the bolt head to a PPC bolt head. PTG sells them for $49 dollars and you can do it yourself. All you need is an allen wrench and a punch to change the bolt head.

For more info checkout the savageshooters web site

So Yes -- go ahead and get your rifle and if you decide to change it down the road it is no big deal you can make it into anything that you want because the Savage is so easy to modify

Right on the money. And the PT&G head is a huge step up in quality. Enjoy your PPC. ;D

Regards, Paul

www.boltfluting.com

 

[dansig]

I don't know if anyone else noticed that this is an F-class rifle..
I guess it's well over 13.5 pounds with scope.

So I would stick with 6BR, it can easily shoot .1-.2" groups and since it's probably to heavy for HV class benchrest then there is no point in ppc...

At 400m the 6BR outshoots the ppc and at further distances the ppc don't stand a chance...

 

[jb27]

Thanks for all your replies! That is exactly what I was hoping to hear!

I'm trying to decide between their Benchrest model and the F Class model. I don't intend to get into competition shooting, just punching holes in paper for my own enjoyment. The typical story of wanting to get as tight of groups as I can on a budget

Most of my shooting is 100-200 yds, so I really do think the PPC would be the ultimate in fulfilling my goals, I just can't see affording a 3k+ custom rifle in the near future. I know a lot of folks recommend picking up a used 6PPC but in my mind, there is a reason people get rid of their guns and I feel buying a used one could lead to disappointment.

I'll probably go with the Savage in 6BR and it'll probably satisfy me. Good to know that if it doesn't converting over to 6PPC is both doable and not a complete rebuild. Thanks again!!

 

[BoydAllen]

Just out of curiosity, what will your cost for one of the benchrest Savages be? The reason that I ask is that it may be that you could put together a parts rifle that had a better stock and barrel for pretty close to the same amount. The actions are sold by themselves, there are some good drop in barrels available, and with a little work, you could do a little bedding and finish work on one of Fred Moreo's stocks, and have a pretty fair rig, for what you have in mind. Just a thought....

 

[jb27]

Just out of curiosity, what will your cost for one of the benchrest Savages be? The reason that I ask is that it may be that you could put together a parts rifle that had a better stock and barrel for pretty close to the same amount. The actions are sold by themselves, there are some good drop in barrels available, and with a little work, you could do a little bedding and finish work on one of Fred Moreo's stocks, and have a pretty fair rig, for what you have in mind. Just a thought....

The Savage will cost me around $1230. I've never done any work on guns other than routine cleaning and mounting scopes. I've tinkered a little with upgrade kits for TC Encores, but that's about it. Would putting together a gun as you suggested be difficult? Do all of the pieces bolt together pretty cleanly or would there be some gunsmithing involved? I like the idea of building one, just not sure if my limited experience would make it feasible.

Thanks

 

[BoydAllen]

That would depend on your general level of mechanical skills. For that number, I think that you should consider a bolt together. I am sending a you PM.

 

[Tim Singleton]

I agree with Mr Allen
I have 3 savages I have put together starting with just the action then a laminate varmint stock per fit barrels from cbi and McGowen rifle basix triggers
I end up with 850 to 900 in them. They will out shoot my buddies factory model 12 f class 6br

The hand lapped barrels are worth the time to spend putting it together

 

[Tim Singleton]

great buy on the tools you need to put a savage together

http://forum.accurateshooter.com/index.php?topic=3803897.msg36164646#msg36164646

 

[jb27]

great buy on the tools you need to put a savage together

Thanks for the lead!

I had a good discussion yesterday with Mr. Allen. I think for the time being, I'm going to work a bit more with my technique and current setup. While i'm not doing that, I'm going to try to read/learn more about making my own 6PPC. I know there's a wealth of info on this and other forums to that end.