300 savage back-up

[shiprex]

Hey all,

First post, but a long time reader.  I would like to have a back-up to my Savage model99 and Remmington model81 as they are getting older and I am considering taking them 'out of the hunt' and preserve them for the kids.  I love the 300 savage round for it's abililities and low recoil.  I am wondering if there can be a conversion from, say reaming a 30-30, or any of the other standard handi-rifle barrels.  I have a handi in .44mag.  I love it.  I would like to get another barrel and will go through the process to order from NEF.  I would REALLY REALLY like a 300 savage.  Is it possible?  I know nothing about gunsmithing and primarily joined this thread to get an idea about this possibility.  Please don't offer other caliber suggestions.  I already have my list of 2-3 other barrels, I will order in conjunction.  Just want to know about conversion for a 300 savage.  Love the non-bolt action single shots!!!  If I have to, I'll end up spending the $600 or so on an Encore rifle, which offers barrels in this caliber.

Thanks to all that can offer some 'beginner' advise.   

Shiprex

[quickdtoo]

Welcome! A 300 Savage barrel from H&R isn't and option, but a 30-30 barrel could be rechambered to 300 Sav, drop in a 30-06 family extractor or modify an ejector underlug for rimless ejection and you'd be all set, other that the long neck of the 30-30 chamber and the rim cut, the Savage would clean up the old chamber sufficiently.

Tim

http://ammoguide.com/?catid=95

http://ammoguide.com/?catid=98

[shiprex]

Thank you for the quick response.  The schematics really helped.  As stated, I am a beginner and now have a couple of follow-up questions.  Let us assume I order and receive a 30-30 barrel from NEF.  It appears the sizes (30-30 to 300sav) are all within modifications for a ream job, with the exception of the overall casing/neck length.  That will continue to be too long with the 30-30 chamber.  How is that resolved, or do you just end up with that little bit of play/space between the end of the casing and the actual grooved barrel?  Does that effect performance significantly?   Also, would this be an easily understandable modification for a gunsmith and how would I actually make this specific request of the gunsmith, or am I asking for a big trick with this modification?  Lastly, I've never had any gunsmithing performed.  What would be a reasonable range of estimated costs of getting this modification (with ejector), after I purchase the barrel from NEF?    Again, any answers or ideas are much appreciated.  I already know more now than I did 2 hours ago.

Thanks again,

Shiprex

[quickdtoo]

Chamber length would only affect the freebore(jump to the rifling) likely not an issue depending on the loads you useAny competent gunsmith can do it if he's willing to work on it, some ignorant smiths won't touch H&Rs. Site sponsor Wayne York of Oregunsmithing would be glad to do the work, ball park cost would be $100 or so, he could cut the 30-30 extractor down to work with the Savage, so you wouldn't need to buy an extractor, H&R(there's no NEF) doesn't make ejector centerfire rifle barrels any more, so the ejector conversion wouldn't apply,  cost of just buying an extractor(<$20)) may be a toss up there, you'd want to discuss that with him.

Tim

[quickdtoo]

One other point, if you have an SB1 44mag, it wouldn't be suitable for a 30-30 or 300, H&R won't fit any other rifle barrels to it, must be an SB2 frame made 1987-1995 or 2000 and later for a 30-30 barrel, build year info can be found in the FAQs and Help sticky, lots of H&R info there. 

Tim

www.oregunsmithingllc.com

[shiprex]

quickdtoo,

Thank you so much for the information.  I am fortunate enough to have the SB2 model, so the fix looks like it is in my future.  Hard to believe I've had this concept sitting on my shoulders for about 9 months, and sounds like you solved it for me in about 4 hours.  Not my first time waiting to 'just ask the stupid question.'  Thanks again.  I will follow-up with the gunsmith you recommended, after I call H&R (not NEF) to make arrangements for a couple of barrel purchases.

Shiprex

[quickdtoo]

Don't be disappointed if they don't have a barrel for you at this time, they're kinda hit and miss lately and with the closing of Marlin in CT who has been making H&R barrels, availability may be spotty. H&R will be making their own barrels in Ilion sometime this year, hopefully you won't have to wait too long, but since it's a backup gun, that's probably not a critical, they fit barrels first come, first serve, so getting the frame to them sooner will get you a leg up on getting one fitted, hopefully in time for deer season this year!! 

Tim

[frgerald]

Shiprex,
Why not just buy a 30-30 complete rifle from a supplier then sell the stocks and receiver on this forum to recover part of your expense?  There are many guys here looking for just about any part that come available.     Save lots of time, and worry about delivery.  Gerald

[frgerald]

Just checked on-line...Buds Gun Shop shows they have them for $255 delivered.  You could recover maybe half of that from selling the receiver and stocks.

[aromakr]

Shiprex:
Why not just punch the 30-30 out to an Ackley improved 30-30, only modification then is reaming it out. Of course you would have to hand load, and if you don't now that would be an added expense.
Bob

[quickdtoo]

Hey all,

First post, but a long time reader.  I would like to have a back-up to my Savage model99 and Remmington model81 as they are getting older and I am considering taking them 'out of the hunt' and preserve them for the kids.  I love the 300 savage round for it's abililities and low recoil.  I am wondering if there can be a conversion from, say reaming a 30-30, or any of the other standard handi-rifle barrels.  I have a handi in .44mag.  I love it.  I would like to get another barrel and will go through the process to order from NEF.  I would REALLY REALLY like a 300 savage.  Is it possible?  I know nothing about gunsmithing and primarily joined this thread to get an idea about this possibility.  Please don't offer other caliber suggestions. I already have my list of 2-3 other barrels, I will order in conjunction.  Just want to know about conversion for a 300 savage.  Love the non-bolt action single shots!!!  If I have to, I'll end up spending the $600 or so on an Encore rifle, which offers barrels in this caliber.

Thanks to all that can offer some 'beginner' advise.   

Shiprex

[mcwoodduck]

I know you like 300 Sav.
Great round.
Why not get a 308 Win and just light load it to 300 Sav velocities.
Same Bullet, same case, just slightly longer.
You could get a 308 barrel and spend huge $ getting it set back for the 300 Sav.

[billy_56081]

Get one of the small caliber handi's and send it for a rebore.

[gcrank1]

The most economical is the 30-30 rechamber, and any good gunsmith in your area can do it (not to take anything away from Wayne, but to save you shipping both ways to apply to the job). Some other accomplished conversion gentlemen here may disagree, but I think the 'long neck' part of this wont hurt you and should help keep breech pressures down. If I were inclined to your cartridge (BTW, I like the 303Sav. or 'short Krag')) I would do it.
The rebore/rechamber gets pricey.

[shiprex]

I am doing it. 30-30 to 300 savage.  It'll be a great back-up and cool to hand-down as an addition to the other rifles with that chamber.  Thanks to all.

Shiprex

[trotterlg]

I have the reamers for 300 Savage sitting here, send me your barrel with return postage and I will chamber it up for you.  Larry

[44 Man]

That's a great idea.  I too like the .300 Savage.  I really believe that the long neck will be a non-issue.  I have a 30-30 now and am loading it with 125 gr Sierra's and they are loaded short.  As you can see, the longer jump to the rifling has not hurt performance at all!  I'd go for it.  44 Man

[shiprex]

Trotterlg,

I may take you up on that, but it sounds as though I am in for quite a wait for the barrell (several weeks/maybe months).  How long is the offer good for?  (Do you do ejector jobs for free also? ha ha)  I may end up doing what frgerald suggested, and just buy the whole rifle.  Gotta think about that one.  I know myself and I wouldn't end up selling any of the parts....but who doesn't need a whole new rifle.  Thanks for the offer.  You may be hearing from me.  Love that 300sav.....great name, great accuracy, and deadly as far out as 'my' eyes can see.

Shiprex   

[PHATINJUN]

Just a FYI if you are not aware. You are talking about your 44mag. If it says SB2 on the bbl it means nothing .
" Re: 300 savage back-up
« Reply #5 on: Yesterday at 03:59:06 PM » Quote 

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quickdtoo,

Thank you so much for the information.  I am fortunate enough to have the SB2 model, so the fix looks like it is in my future."
If you haven't already done so you will need to check the frame itself to make sure it is a SB2 and that information is in the faq's. Again just because it says SB2 on the bbl don't mean the frame is SB2. Good luck and let us know how your rechamber ends up. Kurt

[gcrank1]

That is a good suggestion. Even so, isnt the 300 Sav. really ballistically a rimless 30-30 with better BC bullets in factory loads, so the pressures should be similar? If factory is hotter, then handload below max. Since the old frames also came in 30-30 and the SB-1 are similar metalurgy that should work.

[jeepmann1948]

The 300 Savage is closer to the 308 Win than the 30-30 velocity wise . A really good cartridge!

[quickdtoo]

That is a good suggestion. Even so, isnt the 300 Sav. really ballistically a rimless 30-30 with better BC bullets in factory loads, so the pressures should be similar? If factory is hotter, then handload below max. Since the old frames also came in 30-30 and the SB-1 are similar metalurgy that should work.

The 300 Savage has a SAAMI MAP of 47kpsi, the 30-30 is 42kpsi,  H&R won't fit a 30-30 barrel to an SB1 frame.....not yet anyway. 

Tim

http://www.lasc.us/SAAMIMaxPressure.htm

[petemi]

I have the reamers for 300 Savage sitting here, send me your barrel with return postage and I will chamber it up for you.  Larry

Larry, you're a S.O.B, and a fine one at that   God bless ya, there aint many out there like you.  Just know you are appreciated here.  You're a splendid person and I'm honored to know you.

Pete

[gcrank1]

Oh ya, Tim! I keep thinking fitting one up myself rather than sending it in (mine(d) default).
It is really great that Larry has that reamer!

[quickdtoo]

I know, fitting one ourself is the first thing many of us think of, we forget that home gunsmithing isn't for everyone. 

Tim

[shiprex]

Thanks again for the input.  Didn't know about the frame/barrel difference regarding SB1 and SB2.  Checked the faqs, then the frame.  It is indeed an SB2 frame.  I think I am set.  Just need to get my frame in the mail with my barrel orders.  I sure know more now than a couple days ago.  Is the ejector manipulation a do-it yourself or do I 'get-r-dun' by someone who knows what to do.  I am handi...just not experienced.
Thanks to all. 

Shiprex

[quickdtoo]

You could swap out the extractor yourself, but alteration of the 30-30 extractor would best be done on a milling machine, I did one with a dremel, it worked, but not very well.

Tim

[trotterlg]

I'm in AZ now for a couple of more weeks, I will do the re-chamber when ever you send it, don't take more than a year or two, I am an old guy and my Wife can't run the lathe.    Larry

[dpe.ahoy]

I'll second what Pete said about ya Larry.  Yer one hell of a good hand!   Proud to know ya.   DP