Converting Savage from 223 Rem to 6.5 Creedmoor.

[Mark611]

I have an old Savage model 12FLV in 223rem I want to re barrel it to 6.5 Creedmoor, can this be done first off? my plan is to build a custom rifle off this action and make a long-range shooter out of it, is it wort it, or should I just start off with a 6.5CR rifle? I plan to have the action blue printed and add all the good stuff like a good barrel Chassie system stock good trigger {ETC} your thoughts!

 

[Ned Ludd]

The 6.5 Creedmoor uses a different sized (larger) bolt face than the .223 Rem. So it can be done, but you'll need to buy the correct bolt. The 6.5 Creedmoor uses the same bolt face as a .308 Win (0.473").

 

[markT]

What will you hunt or shoot with the 6.5 CM? Just curious..

 

[STOMP442]

You will only need a new bolt face not a whole new bolt. You will probably also need a new magazine and follower but that's it. Easily done, and you should be able to find all of your parts over on gunshack.com.

 

[Eagle Six]

If your 223 is a descent shooter, I would probably look for a used donor rifle with a 308 size bolt, or go with a Cabela new FV in 6.5 CM. If you are going to shoot competition like F Class or PRS, you may want to rethink your caliber of choice.

 

[Mark611]

I do not hunt just punch paper! I plan to run an MDT Oryx stock, I thought the just changing the bolt head would be all that was needed? other than the barrel, my friends at Walnut creek armory in NC built me a pretty good rifle a few yrs. back in 308win off of a model 10 action, I have a Savage 110 in 6.5CR already, I don't really care for a 223rem in a bolt gun, I had fun with it but I have not shot this rifle in about 15yrs, so I want to do something with it!

 

[tikkaman308]

I had a Savage 110 tactical that was chambered in .223 in a long action. I bought a new bolt,put in a single shot follower and put a takeoff Savage 6.5 PRC barrel on it cerakoted it all in burnt bronze myself..Easy to do just takes a little time and money

 

[Mark611]

yes, this 223ren rifle shot very well with 69gn Nosler CC hand loads, 26''HB, just want to do something different with it, I have all the brass bullets {ETC} for loading the 6.5CR, just seems to make since to build another rifle in this caliber for me!

 

[Eagle Six]

yes, this 223ren rifle shot very well with 69gn Nosler CC hand loads, 26''HB, just want to do something different with it, I have all the brass bullets {ETC} for loading the 6.5CR, just seems to make since to build another rifle in this caliber for me!

I like that approach, doing what makes sense to you. Good Luck with the project.

 

[jpx2rk]

Get a single shot sled from Sharp Shooters supply, won't have to look for a follower, etc.,

 

[NZ_Fclass]

I have done this conversion - well, to 6mm SLR. I managed to find a bolt head from PTG, locally. Had TueFlite make and fit a barrel to the shoulder, not using the nut and shorten the bolt stop. Fitted a Timney trigger, Works fine as a single shot, as I have not changed the magazine, and likely won't. Easy job.

 

[J.d. Popkes]

If you can swing it, start with a new action. There’s plenty of reasons why.

Just my opinion based on my journey. I got a ton of use out of my savages, but most are gone now. This is the very much shortened explanation.

If you don’t want to spend the little extra, you can have a ton of fun with a savage. Just don’t put a nickel into one or you’re defeating the purpose.

 

[Mark611]

The other reasoning for wanting to use the Savage action 1 I already have it 2 I'm a southpaw shooter, LH actions are not cheap!

 

[Mark611]

I have a few questions, I'm piecing together my build parts, I need to know if the bolt handles between model 12 and the model 10 are the same? I'd like to add a Tactical style bolt handle, the 1 I have is an over sized that came on it, but it doesn't give me the same clearance as my 110T does, also is the spacing between the M12 and the M10 the same on the receivers for mounting the stocks?

 

[rjtfroggy]

If you go here you can find all things Savage.

Savage Shooters

SavageShooters.com - a community for individuals who have a passion for Savage Arms, Stevens Arms and Fox brands of firearms.

www.savageshooters.com

 

[Mark611]

Since I have posted this, I can tell you the bolt handles are not interchangeable, I found 1 I have off a model 10 FLCPK and it does not work correctly!

 

[Bill K]

A new bolt head, barrel and a single feed sled or new magazine for the 6.5 CM cartridge will do the trick for you. GunShack/savage parts have what you need. Have fun.

I do not hunt just punch paper! I plan to run an MDT Oryx stock, I thought the just changing the bolt head would be all that was needed? other than the barrel, my friends at Walnut creek armory in NC built me a pretty good rifle a few yrs. back in 308win off of a model 10 action, I have a Savage 110 in 6.5CR already, I don't really care for a 223rem in a bolt gun, I had fun with it but I have not shot this rifle in about 15yrs, so I want to do something with it!

 

[marazzi59]

So your thinking about customizing your Camaro to race Ferraris. I'm all for building out a Savage, I personally do the work myself which saves me the cost of paying others. Look at the cost of all options and do which ever one you feel most comfortable with. Building out the current 223 to 6.5 is doable. Bolt head, magazine and barrel should be it.

 

[Mark611]

I would like to build it myself, but I want to have the action and barrel melonited, and have the 20moa rail pinned and have the action blueprinted, I do not have the tools to do this,

 

[LVLAaron]

I would like to build it myself, but I want to have the action and barrel melonited, and have the 20moa rail pinned and have the action blueprinted, I do not have the tools to do this,

At that point, it's honestly not worth it. Spend that money on something like a Kelbly Atlas, Stiller Tac 30, ARC, etc.

Lots of good options out there for less than 1000 bucks... which is what you'll have into the savage by the time you're happy with it... and then you'll be frustrated with the trigger.