Savage PTA with PT&G 338 LM boltface?

[Lee in Texas]

I ordered the boltface, but now my firing pin is too short. Is the PT&G boltface compatible with the Target Action bolt? FWIW, I called Savage and was told that the PTA is a model 10. I just read in a thread here that it's a model 12. I did ask PT&G and Midway. Neither could give me an answer. Kind of a bummer.

 

[oldduc]

I ordered the boltface, but now my firing pin is too short. Is the PT&G boltface compatible with the Target Action bolt? FWIW, I called Savage and was told that the PTA is a model 10. I just read in a thread here that it's a model 12. I did ask PT&G and Midway. Neither could give me an answer. Kind of a bummer.

You might try asking someone over at http://www.savageshooters.com/forum.php. There's a few smart guys on there.

 

[Ggmac]

The 338 Lapua mag bolt head is longer ( it's lugs are actually longer , for pressure I guess ) so it requires you to replace it ( firing pin )or sometimes it could be adjusted to work .

 

[Lee in Texas]

Who sells a firing pin that would work? It's really frustrating to call these companies to ask a question and get someone who can only read what is in the catalog or website; no technical knowledge of the product at all. The Midway call was 31 minutes long.
I tried to call Sharpshooter Supply, but their voicemail says to send a e-mail. I did, so now I'm just waiting.

 

[nmkid]

Why not contact one of the gunsmiths on this forum. Have them do the bushing work and work on the firing pin. Gre-Tan did a fine job for me.

 

[jonkeil243]

Lee ,
You might try these guys in San Antonio. https://www.gunshack.com/savage-parts They have assisted in a few projects

 

[Mark W]

@Grimstod on this forum knows a thing or two about Savage bolts and you won’t get better service anywhere! It would definitely be worth reaching out and asking his opinion.

 

[Lee in Texas]

Well...that makes a lot of sense. I'll contact a gunsmith.

Thanks

 

[Whit holman]

I think it has already been said that the firing pin is adjustable in length
There are videos out there that show how
Look at the savage forum

 

[Skunce]

I have a magnum bolt head for my target action and the firing pin assembly is longer than the standard bolt head pin assembly because the magnum bolt lugs are longer. I have two complete firing pin assemblies and keep them with the correct bolt head. I bought mine from Sharpshooter Supply.

 

[Concha]

Lee, You can shorten the firing pin stop nut and take some off of the nose of the bolt and it might possibly work. You can make that work with no issues what so ever. You will probably end up compressing the spring a little extra by extending the firing pin for the required .035" - .045" protrusion. Add a bolt lift kit, it requires shortening the Bolt Assembly Screw(BAS). Around 3/16" will work but measure it all out before you cut. I took a little extra off the screw for a total of 1/4" and still maintained the firing pin travel. with a little softer lift.

 

[Lee in Texas]

I'm no gunsmith. Can you show me what the firing pin stop nut looks like? Is this what another poster mentioned when he said to shorten the shank of the new boltface?

Thanks. Lee

 

[Concha]

Th stop is the part on the spring assembly that bottoms out on the rear of the bolt head when in the fired position. That is why it is called a stop. This stop can be rotated 1/4 turns to adjust the firing pin protrusion. Each 1/4 turn is like .009". What may help if you took your bolt apart and looked at it.

Either way getting up to speed is your responsibility. Don't be lazy, it will not serve you well on this endeavor. Become a member at Savage Shooters and you will get help over there.

Are you planning on shooting a 338 lapua out of a short action?

 

[Concha]

No one knows what the dimensions of your bolt head are. You ordered it and spec'ed it out. Can get the nose length and the lug length. These dimension will determine if you want to modify. If you do not have a lath or a mill you might as well buy the right parts. Otherwise you need to make up the lengths that are different from you old bolt face. Lay them side by side and see hat is different.

From my perspective you have bought parts without knowing what you needed or where you are going next. I am not meaning to beat you up but you are taking on a smith type job with no indication that you have that ability. Desire is a good thing but help us help you.

 

[tobnpr]

You might try asking someone over at http://www.savageshooters.com/forum.php. There's a few smart guys on there.

He did...
My answer's the same here, it's not safe to build a .338 Lapua Mag on a standard action (not to mention a short). Savage uses a different action for them with beefed up lugs/receiver abutments, and they don't sell them as bare receivers.

Do some research, and the make the call if you think it's a good idea to ignite that primer in a standard action up against your forehead..

 

[Lee in Texas]

Yep. I made some phone calls today and got nowhere. I'll look into standard magnum or just stick with .473 boltface.

 

[Grimstod]

No one knows what the dimensions of your bolt head are. You ordered it and spec'ed it out. Can get the nose length and the lug length. These dimension will determine if you want to modify. If you do not have a lath or a mill you might as well buy the right parts. Otherwise you need to make up the lengths that are different from you old bolt face. Lay them side by side and see hat is different.

From my perspective you have bought parts without knowing what you needed or where you are going next. I am not meaning to beat you up but you are taking on a smith type job with no indication that you have that ability. Desire is a good thing but help us help you.

I do not recommend the PTG bolt head. It has to many problems. A regular savage bolt head that has been bushed is much better.

 

[vargetman]

It is not safe to use a Modal 12 action with a 338 Mag. Is the barrel a small shank or should be. It will come apart at least expand and break the barrel nut if you are lucky. The 338 Mag should be in a Target action with a large shank barrel or not at all. If i were you I would go another route and not shoot the 338. tobnpr is giving you some really good advice. If you can get hold of Fred Moreo at Sharp Shooters Supply he will tell you the same thing.

 

[Lee in Texas]

I found out that Savage sells a "standard" magnum boltface for the PTA. I'll get that ordered through a gunsmith. I wish I could get a boltface for a 6.5x68, but it looks like that is also not in the cards.

I'll look for a custom action for 338LM.

 

[Shawnba67]

I found out that Savage sells a "standard" magnum boltface for the PTA. I'll get that ordered through a gunsmith. I wish I could get a boltface for a 6.5x68, but it looks like that is also not in the cards.

I'll look for a custom action for 338LM.

You could have a standard bolt openened up for the 6.5 rim. it would be a simple machining operation. Reworking the extractor might get tricky, but Id bet its also straightforward.
I also bet the 6.5 will work with the reg mag bolt head.