Savage bolt head replacement

[fayettefatts]

Didn't want to hijack the PT&G bolt head thread so will ask here.

Can anyone tell me is it possible, on a Savage Precision Target action, to replace a standard bolt head with a magnum bolt head, without replacing any other parts? Also, is lug thickness an issue when going to the magnum bolthead?

 

[jonbearman]

I think you are ok,just measure the firing pin diameter and if it is .095 ,I think you are good.Recoil lug has nothing to do with it.

 

[fayettefatts]

Jon:

Thanks for the reply. I will measure the pin, but it's not that old and from what I have read, it should be the small pin. As for lug thickness, I am referring to bolt lug thickness. I've seen pictures of bolt heads with different lug thicknesses and don't know if it is because it is standard vs magnum or short action vs long action bolt heads.

 

[jamesh]

You will need to modify a Long action magnum bolt face to work with the short action and yes the lugs are longer on the long action bolt face than the short action bolt face.

You need to shorten the shank on the bolt face to make it work with the short action bolt. you will also need to adjust the firing pin length and also you may need to drill the bolt out to fit a larger firing pin or turn down the firing pin to fit the new bolt face.

James

 

[treeman]

You may be thinking of the baffle. it is on the bolt right behind the head. the one for 223 is longer on the bolt stop side so the bolt doesn't come back farther than the back of the cartridge in the magazine.. ptg sells bolt heads that are much better quality than factory and should be able to furnish what you need.

 

[fayettefatts]

Well I took some measurements and hope this will clarify what I want to do.

Currently shooting 6br and thinking of re barreling to 7mm SAUM. Current bolt is a short action, small firing pin (0.095") standard bolt face with 7/16" thick recoil lugs. Question is can I buy a bolt head with the same dimensions as the one I am currently using, but with a magnum face, so that it will work with the bolt and firing pin that I have now? I don't know if anyone makes such a thing.

 

[fayettefatts]

jamesh:

I really hope to avoid all that if possible! :-\

 

[jamesh]

Last I knew the short action magnum bolt heads were only available as control round feed. I hear that at one time the push feed short action magnum bolt head was available but I have never been able to find one.
The bolt lugs on the long action bolt heads are approximately .060" longer than the short action bolt heads as you can see in the below picture.

You may try calling Kevin Rahill, he may be able to fix you up.
Kevin's website:
http://www.stockadegunstocks.com/

James

 

[MrMajestic]

I have converted my .473 bolt faced PTA to a .532(Magnum). The firing pin will work but must be adjusted as the bolt lugs are longer. If you are ordering from PTG just tell them what you have and they will get you what you want. I did buy a LH(I have a RBLP PTA action), LA, push feed Magnum bolt head from Midway prior to PTG's offering and it worked great. I did have to shorten the shank because the PTA is a SA.

 

[medic727]

Last year I did EXACTLY what you're doing, 6br to 7SAUM. This season I've switched to a PT&G bolt head and bolt body. Last year it was factory bolt head and body. You can order a SA magnum bolt head from PT&G. Make SURE they send the SA magnum bolt head (1st time I recv'd a LA bolt head) with the heavier lugs. You WILL want to order a SA magnum firing pin.To get the SA non-magnum firing pin to work the adjustment is so far out that the pin stops right at where the threads start, rather than the adjustment collar taking the impact. You will also need the SA magnum front baffle. The firing pin and baffle are ~$30. The PT&G bolt body and bolt head really take the slop out of the action. When the sear releases the firing pin now there is NO movement at the rear of the bolt. If you didn't know the trigger was pulled you couldn't tell by seeing the bolt move. If you're planning on competing with the 7SAUM be prepared. I got a little less than 1000 rounds accurate life out of Criterion barrel. This isn't a knock on Criterion, comp loads eat barrels for breakfast.

Any ??? PM me.

 

[fayettefatts]

Good responses all! Guess there is no easy way out. Thank you guys for the information.

 

[normmatzen]

You might try Sharp Shooters Supply also.

 

[fayettefatts]

Funny thing. Midway lists a short action push feed magnum left hand complete bolt assembly, but not the bolt head alone. I would think a pushfeed bolt head could be used either right or left. Perhaps I will contact them and see if they can get that bolt assembly in right hand, or the bolt head alone.