6.5 SAUM Questions

cfulback32

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Aug 11, 2010
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Dallas, TX
I have tried searching and have found some differing opinions on 6.5 SAUM action choices. My goal is to determine if there is an economical way to build something in this caliber using a donor rifle and just a barrel swap, and if so, what the possible donor rifles could be. Which of the following would work?

A factory 700 in a WSM caliber?
A factory 700 in a SAUM caliber?
A factory 700 in a standard short action (like 308) caliber? (maybe with a different bolt?)

Sorry if this is a stupid question, but with searching this board and others, I am running across people recommending different actions.

Also, as a bonus, does anyone have any smiths they would recommend to perform this swap and handle reaming the barrel blank? Preferably someone with 6.5 SAUM experience? I know GAP can do this, but was wondering what all the options are that are out there.

Thanks!
 
Which of the following would work?

A factory 700 in a WSM caliber?
A factory 700 in a SAUM caliber?
A factory 700 in a standard short action (like 308) caliber? (maybe with a different bolt?)
Yes,
yes,
and yes.
Thought the bolt face would have to be opened up on the .308 bolt, and likely a Sako extractor or something similar.
 
^^^ What he said.

The SAUM & WSM use the same bolt face. The standard short action could work with either a new or modified bolt & some magazine work. Most any competent gunsmith should be able to plum one together (with the proper reamer of course).


t
 
Thanks! I really appreciate the info. As far as compatible bottom metal and magazines, it sounds like any "short action" bottom metal, plus a WSM magazine would be a good combo?

So, for example, would this work?
300 WSM donor rifle
Badger M5 Bottom Metal
Alpha Type 3 Mags

Thanks!