Savage 308 to 223

[jsthntn247]

I've got a friend looking to build a 223 for F/TR. I also know a fella looking to sale his Savage 12 F/Tr in .308. What and how much would it take to convert the 308 to .223, my buddy already has a Brux barrel. I'm trying to convince him on this particular Savage because it has been timed, trued, bolt lift kit and knob added, bolt bushed...etc but if it's going to take allot of money to convert it, it might not be worth it.

 

[Laurie]

It's solely a barrel and bolt-head change in the Savage 12 series rifles. A new bolt would be needed for most rifles, but the Savage uses a 'floating' pinned-on bolt-head. Strip the bolt, remove the head and replace using the extractor and ejector parts from the original. (It may also require a different extractor blade for the smaller cartridge, but knowing how Savage has worked on standardising components between models, I suspect both 308 and 223 bolt-heads use identical parts.)

So the bolt bit of the conversion is very cheap - just the bolt-head body and its smaller components if it's desired to fit an all-new assembly. If wanted, an improved CNC-machined bolt-head can be bought from PT&G at extra cost - that's what I would do if I lived in the US and was doing this job.

Barrel change is as per usual gunsmithing done work cost-wise depending on spec and make, although it can be done much cheaper than the usual gunsmith replacement work as a DIY switch using a pre-threaded and chambered match-spec barrel from companies like PAC-Nor. This requires a Savage barrel-nut wrench and go-gauge to remove the old barrel and to set headspace up on the replacement plus retightening the securing / locking nut.

All these issues and spare parts supply / costs can be found with a bit of research on the Savage Shooters Forum.

Incidentally, I believe that Berger Bullets used a Savage precision series rifle for its loads testing work involved in the production of its new Reloading Manual because of the relative ease and low cost of barrel / calibre changes.

http://www.savageshooters.com/forum.php

 

[MGYSGT]

Easy Peasy. If I can do it, anybody can. I cheaped out and bought my bolt head, extractor and ball at MidWay. The nut in the rear of the bolt is tight, but not impossible. I laid the parts out on the bench in the order I took the off. I bought a Criterion barrel and a friend had a go/nogo gauge. My original gun was a 6BR and now it's a .223

Tom

 

[NorCalMikie]

This particular Savage has been trued and timed?
Part of this process includes truing the face of the bolt head. Might consider picking up another bolt head to fit the new caliber and having it "trued" before you swap parts. Other than that, it's a real easy caliber change. Might also include a mag change? Keep that in mind before you start swapping parts.