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Gunsmithing Changing Savage rifle caliber

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Sergeant
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Minuteman
Mar 26, 2012
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My dad has a Savage 12FV in 223. Shooting is something that we do together and since I don't have any interest in a 223 it's not getting used. I am very interested in getting a rifle in 260 Remington or even another 6.5 caliber at some point. Is it possible to turn that 12FV into a 6.5 something? I tried to search this out, but I'm getting nowhere. Thanks.
 
Re: Changing Savage rifle caliber

New bolt head and barrel....

Seek out Northland Shooting Supply, he has just about everything you would need to do the job.
 
Re: Changing Savage rifle caliber

And changing this stuff out requires minimal tools/effort. I've done it and there are video's on youtube about how to do it. You can change the bolt head out with no tools what so ever. All you really need for the barrel is a vise, headspace guage, and the lock nut wrench. All of these things can be found on Midway for a descent price. I just built a savage 10 action chambered in 6.5x47. Easy Peazy.
 
Re: Changing Savage rifle caliber

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Savage 10fp</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You can change the bolt head out with no tools what so ever.</div></div>

Not quite true - you'll need a flathead screwdriver or hex wrench for the bolt assembly screw, unless you plan on removing that with your teeth
smile.gif
 
Re: Changing Savage rifle caliber

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Savage 10fp</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You can change the bolt head out with no tools what so ever.</div></div>

I'd like to see that done on a bone-stock unmolested savage rifle.
 
Re: Changing Savage rifle caliber

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 2156SMK</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Savage 10fp</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You can change the bolt head out with no tools what so ever.</div></div>

I'd like to see that done on a bone-stock unmolested savage rifle. </div></div>

Point taken...but it's no exaggeration that you need only an allen key and 2 minutes to swap boltheads on a Savage - if the new head has its own ejector and extractor. If not, you'll need a punch, a small hammer, and another 2 minutes. Either way, a trained monkey can do the job, so most folks here are qualified.
 
Re: Changing Savage rifle caliber

Sounds like everyone is in agreement that this can be done. I knew that I could change a 308 to a 260, but I wasn't sure about going up in caliber from a 223 to a 260. It doesn't matter that I'm dealing with a varmint rifle? Or that I'm changing it into a caliber that it is not offered in?
 
Re: Changing Savage rifle caliber

Doesn't really matter as long as the figure out which bolt head the caliber you want needs. You can get 4 sizes of bolt heads for savage short actions and possibly 5 for a long action. This covers 223 size, PPC size, 308 size, WSM/MAG size for shorts and add a Lapua size for long but I am thinking the Lapua may be on a dedicated action that doesn't have anything in common with most savage actions. The barrel and caliber you get will determine which bolt head you need to acquire.
 
Re: Changing Savage rifle caliber

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: turbo54</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Either way, a trained monkey can do the job, so most folks here are qualified.</div></div>

You overestimate my level of training, but despite that flawed assumption, your estimate is still about right - changing out the bolt head is maybe a 5-minute job if you start with the tools and beverage of choice at your work station. If not, add a couple more minutes.
 
Re: Changing Savage rifle caliber

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ArmchairElite</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Will I have any problems with the Magazine?


</div></div>

I used to have an old 110 repeater in 223 remington. Came from the factory like that. Was odd seeing such a large action with such a small case in it. The point is Magazines are trivial, you just need to figure out which one you need and go for it. Again Northland shooter supply will be your friend as he most likely has it laying around.
 
Re: Changing Savage rifle caliber

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Poke</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ArmchairElite</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Will I have any problems with the Magazine?


</div></div>

I used to have an old 110 repeater in 223 remington. Came from the factory like that. Was odd seeing such a large action with such a small case in it. The point is Magazines are trivial, you just need to figure out which one you need and go for it. Again Northland shooter supply will be your friend as he most likely has it laying around. </div></div>I hear alot of positive things about Jim. It's to bad they don't have a website. I will track him down pretty soon. First I need to make up my mind on a few things. I don't want to ask him for help until I know what it is I need help with. I may just decide to change the caliber in my rifle instead of my dad's. If I decide to change the caliber in my rifle I might just decide to go with a 7mm-08 instead. I have an HS Precision 308. It shoots good, but the barrel collects copper really fast. I've always wanted a 7mm and that looks like a pretty easy swap. I'm still kicking around my options.
 
Re: Changing Savage rifle caliber

I just finished a Savage 10FP 7-08, using a 26" CBI 708 prefit from Northland. I'm seeing 2775fps with 162amax with NO excessive pressure.

Run the numbers, and compare a 162amax (.6xx BC) @ 2775 with a 175smk (.5 BC) @ 2700. The difference is staggering.
 
Re: Changing Savage rifle caliber

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: turbo54</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I just finished a Savage 10FP 7-08, using a 26" CBI 708 prefit from Northland. I'm seeing 2775fps with 162amax with NO excessive pressure.

Run the numbers, and compare a 162amax (.6xx BC) @ 2775 with a 175smk (.5 BC) @ 2700. The difference is staggering. </div></div>Oh I know. That's why I always wanted a 7mm. I'm also looking at the 284. The 284 and the 7-08 are the same length, but the 284 is slightly wider and holds a bit more(3.93cc vs 3.32cc). I'm seriously considering changing my 308 to a 7mm in some form.
 
Re: Changing Savage rifle caliber

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: turbo54</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I just finished a Savage 10FP 7-08, using a 26" CBI 708 prefit from Northland. I'm seeing 2775fps with 162amax with NO excessive pressure.

Run the numbers, and compare a 162amax (.6xx BC) @ 2775 with a 175smk (.5 BC) @ 2700. The difference is staggering. </div></div>How much did that CBI prefit cost you?
 
Re: Changing Savage rifle caliber

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ArmchairElite</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The downside is no Lapua brass </div></div>

Well.....

You can neck up Lapua 260, or neck down Lapua 308. Both are easily done, though I recommend a slight neck-turn when necking the 308 down.

The CBI barrel was $275 + shipping.
 
Re: Changing Savage rifle caliber

CBI 26" varmint contour prefits currently start at $280 from NSS.

You can find Jim Briggs/Northland Shooter Supply contact info via a Google search or on SavageShooters. Jim is bad about responding to email so call him; if you have to leave a message but he WILL call you back.
 
Re: Changing Savage rifle caliber

semi off topic but related, can a pencil barrel be replaced with a bull barrel just as easily (same caliber .308 sporter to .308 bull)?

probably would need a larger barrel nut, but other than that anything else?
 
Re: Changing Savage rifle caliber

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ArmchairElite</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: turbo54</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I just finished a Savage 10FP 7-08, using a 26" CBI 708 prefit from Northland. I'm seeing 2775fps with 162amax with NO excessive pressure.

Run the numbers, and compare a 162amax (.6xx BC) @ 2775 with a 175smk (.5 BC) @ 2700. The difference is staggering. </div></div>

Oh I know. That's why I always wanted a 7mm. I'm also looking at the 284. <span style="font-weight: bold">The 284 and the 7-08 are the same length,</span> but the 284 is slightly wider and holds a bit more(3.93cc vs 3.32cc). I'm seriously considering changing my 308 to a 7mm in some form. </div></div>

Well..... You can stick about 5 or 6 more grains of powder into a 284 case than a 708 case, if both are loaded with 162amax at ~2.900". With H4350, you're looking at an extra 100-150fps from the 284. Nothing to scoff at, but new tools, dies, brass, etc etc for not too too much of an advantage over 708. Now, if you've got a long action and load the 284 out to 3.1 or 3.2", you can launch the 180-class bullets with authority.
 
Re: Changing Savage rifle caliber

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TOP PREDATOR</div><div class="ubbcode-body">semi off topic but related, can a pencil barrel be replaced with a bull barrel just as easily (same caliber .308 sporter to .308 bull)?

probably would need a larger barrel nut, but other than that anything else? </div></div>

Yep, same thing. Don't even need a new barrel nut.
 
Re: Changing Savage rifle caliber

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

I used to have an old 110 repeater in 223 remington. Came from the factory like that. Was odd seeing such a large action with such a small case in it. The point is Magazines are trivial, you just need to figure out which one you need and go for it. Again Northland shooter supply will be your friend as he most likely has it laying around. </div></div>

Yep, the older 110 models covered both long and short actions (regardless of caliber, they were all the same action length). The difference was the bolt baffle, which determined how far the bolt throw was. Magazine boxes in these older actions were blocked at the rear to make them "short action" magazines. IIRC, the older "E" series of these 110's even had four set screw adjustable triggers that were pretty good (pre- "lawyer trigger" days).

Just tossing in my $.02 worth...
 
Re: Changing Savage rifle caliber

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: turbo54</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ArmchairElite</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: turbo54</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I just finished a Savage 10FP 7-08, using a 26" CBI 708 prefit from Northland. I'm seeing 2775fps with 162amax with NO excessive pressure.

Run the numbers, and compare a 162amax (.6xx BC) @ 2775 with a 175smk (.5 BC) @ 2700. The difference is staggering. </div></div>

Oh I know. That's why I always wanted a 7mm. I'm also looking at the 284. <span style="font-weight: bold">The 284 and the 7-08 are the same length,</span> but the 284 is slightly wider and holds a bit more(3.93cc vs 3.32cc). I'm seriously considering changing my 308 to a 7mm in some form. </div></div>

Well..... You can stick about 5 or 6 more grains of powder into a 284 case than a 708 case, if both are loaded with 162amax at ~2.900". With H4350, you're looking at an extra 100-150fps from the 284. Nothing to scoff at, but new tools, dies, brass, etc etc for not too too much of an advantage over 708. Now, if you've got a long action and load the 284 out to 3.1 or 3.2", you can launch the 180-class bullets with authority. </div></div>If I was already set up for 7-08 then it would be an easy decision. Since I will have to buy everything from scratch whichever round I choose I'm truly starting from a clean slate. If Lapua made brass for either one it would be a huge factor. Currently I will be either necking up 260 for 7-08 or 6.5-284 to 284(ironic). It will give me something to think about.
 
Re: Changing Savage rifle caliber

Very true, on starting from scratch...

I built a short action 284, because I was greedy for the bit of extra speed. From my perspective:

1. If you shoot tactical matches, consider how you'll like losing Lapua brass. I think the 260 is $1/each, and the 6.5-284 is $1.30/each. Winchester 708 is 30¢, and their 284 is 65¢.

2. The CBI barrel 708 chamber neck is MINIMUM SAAMI, and the one I've got measures .317". Federal 308 brass necked down does NOT have sufficient clearance, and requires a bit of neckturning. Winchester 308 brass may happily neck down to 708 and fit without turning.

3. 708 is more gentle on barrels than 284. Now, at $275 a pop, ready to go, I honestly don't give a flip about barrel life...but...the 284 will not allow you to chase the lands as the throat wears - so you'll either need a bullet that doesn't care uf it's jammed or jumping - or you'll have to get lucky.

3. I don't regret my SA 284, but to do it again, I think the 284 Shehane (284 improved) would have gotten the nod, for the bit of extra case capacity.

4. Have fun. The ease/versatility of Savages is addictive. I already want to order a magnum bolthead, and a 7RSAUM barrel...
 
Re: Changing Savage rifle caliber

turbo, did you ever settle on a load for your SA 284?
 
Re: Changing Savage rifle caliber

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BoilerUP</div><div class="ubbcode-body">turbo, did you ever settle on a load for your SA 284? </div></div>

Nope... :-(

Barrel has 48 rounds through, then I took barrel off to have it melonited. Then I decided I wanted to recontour my muzzlebrake to match the barrel taper. Then the barrel on my Savage went south, and the new one (CBI) shoots so nice I decided to get ~200 rounds through it, and melonite it... Then my buddy got his 284 together, so I was waiting on him, to include his barrel in the melonite batch...then my buddys 708 came together...and now my 260 AR10 is almost ready.... LOL!!

The melonite batch will be 5 barrels, 5 thread protectors, 3 brakes, 3 actions, 3 bolts, 3 bases, 4 sets of rings, 3 triggers and maybe more!

So...last I knew, the SA284 is doing 2950 with 162amax and 52.5gr RE17

My buddys new 26" 708 is doing 2775 with 162amax and 46.5gr H4350
 
Re: Changing Savage rifle caliber

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: turbo54</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TOP PREDATOR</div><div class="ubbcode-body">semi off topic but related, can a pencil barrel be replaced with a bull barrel just as easily (same caliber .308 sporter to .308 bull)?

probably would need a larger barrel nut, but other than that anything else? </div></div>

Yep, same thing. Don't even need a new barrel nut. </div></div>

Yea so my bad on the no tools to replace the bolt face, you got me with the allen wrench.
But if you go from a pencil barrel to a heavy barrel, won't you need to get another stock/modify existing stock due to the barrel inletting?
 
Re: Changing Savage rifle caliber

1" dowel rod and some sandpaper will open up any sporter barrel channel with 10-15min worth of work.
 
Re: Changing Savage rifle caliber

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: turbo54</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Very true, on starting from scratch...

I built a short action 284, because I was greedy for the bit of extra speed. From my perspective:

1. If you shoot tactical matches, consider how you'll like losing Lapua brass. I think the 260 is $1/each, and the 6.5-284 is $1.30/each. Winchester 708 is 30¢, and their 284 is 65¢.

2. The CBI barrel 708 chamber neck is MINIMUM SAAMI, and the one I've got measures .317". Federal 308 brass necked down does NOT have sufficient clearance, and requires a bit of neckturning. Winchester 308 brass may happily neck down to 708 and fit without turning.

3. 708 is more gentle on barrels than 284. Now, at $275 a pop, ready to go, I honestly don't give a flip about barrel life...but...the 284 will not allow you to chase the lands as the throat wears - so you'll either need a bullet that doesn't care uf it's jammed or jumping - or you'll have to get lucky.

3. I don't regret my SA 284, but to do it again, I think the 284 Shehane (284 improved) would have gotten the nod, for the bit of extra case capacity.

4. Have fun. The ease/versatility of Savages is addictive. I already want to order a magnum bolthead, and a 7RSAUM barrel... </div></div>I'm not shooting tactical matches, but cost is still a factor to me. Can you explaine why you can chase the lands with the 7-08 and not the 284?
Do you have to turn the necks on your necked up 260 brass?
The 284 Shehane sounds like an even bigger investment. The sweet spot for me is somewhere between the 7-08 and the 284.
 
Re: Changing Savage rifle caliber

7-08 case length is 2.035". 284 is 2.170". If you don't need to feed from the magazine, none of this applies. If you do, your max COAL will be 2.950" +/- a few thousandths. With the 284, you'll need and want to make use of ALL of your available COAL, right from the get-go. With 7-08, you'll likely begin around 2.850", leaving you with .100" of headroom to use chasing the lands as the throat wears.
 
Re: Changing Savage rifle caliber

Interesting. Thanks. One more thing to think about.
I have no interest in using RL-17 so I'm not sure how far apart they would be on speed. I'm guessing the speed would be closer on the lighter bullets. The difference in speed for a 162 amax wouldn't be as dramatic as the difference for the 180 Hybrid.
I'm pretty sure the 7-08s wouldn't have any problems with my 308 magazines. Do you think the 284 is too fat to squeeze in em?
 
Re: Changing Savage rifle caliber

At the end of the day, the 284, even when loaded to a COAL of 2.950, has a case capacity advantage of at least 6 grains of powder. It WILL outperform 7-08. Enough to justify? You answer that.

My opinion, is to go balls-deep or go home. Either stay in the land of moderation, or get the magnum bolthead, and the 7RSAUM barrel, and send 180s at 3000fps.

I have WSM mags for my 284, but their feedlips are too far apart. 308 feedlips are too narrow. I'm sure some tinkering will get the 308 mags working just fine.
 
Re: Changing Savage rifle caliber

I'll have to put alot of thought into that. On my budget it's a very big commitment. I need to get it right the first time. Whatever I choose will be my focus for at least the next few years.
From what I'm hearing about CBI it sounds like they are probably the way to go. I am not aware of any other high end barrels at that price point, unless I'm missing something.
Did your CBI barrel come with anything?
 
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