model 11 barrell swap question

[gtim88]

Hello all.

I have a model 11 savage in 308 win.  I am thinking of getting a 204 barrell.  All I have at this time is the barrel wrench.  I know I'll need a new bolt and magazine, Where is the best place to find such items?  Any advice on this project would be helpful as I have never done this.

Thanks
Tim

[trotterlg]

I started out just like you did, a .243 bolt head and a Savage 10.  You can make a wood action clamp, a cap head 1/4-20 bolt will hold the recoil lug and the barrel nut wrench will get the barrel off.  A new magazine for a .223 and a .223 bolt head will get you all set up.  Sharp shooter supply and some others will have the parts.  You will need to figure out which action you have, Center feed or staggered feed, probably a few other things.  I made my Savage 10 .243 into a .17 Remington without much more than you have right now.  Larry

[Old English]

As well as the bolt face you will also need a new bolt shroud. The 204 bolt does not go back as far as 308, the bolt shroud acts like a bolt stop. . I have one from a 204 that I changed to 338 Federal, opposite way round to you. I would be happy to send you the bolt shroud for free if you send me your address. You may also find that the ejector is difficult to get out of the original bolt face. I got my parts from Midway but SSS have them too. The entire ejector assembly is about $12 so no big deal.

[trotterlg]

I think the part you are talking about is the front baffle, it is on the bolt to keep hot gasses from coming down the bolt channels in the event of a blown primer or case.  For the .223's one ear is extended reaward to limit bolt travel, it is not really necessary, but does help by keeping you from having to move the bolt further than necessary.  Larry

[gtim88]

Thanks for the info fellas.

Staggered feed I think, at least that's how the cartridges rest in the clip.  I havn't had the action out of the stock, but the block of wood and cap screw should be self explanitory when I get to that point.

Again, Thanks
Tim

[yorketransport]

Do you have a barrel wrench, or a barrel NUT wrench? If you just ahve the barrel wrench, you will also need one for the barrel nut that holds the barrel tight to the action.

I just changed a .223 LRPV to a 300 WSM and the only special tools I needed were a barrel nut wrench, oak blocks to hold the barrel in a bench vise, and a set of headspace gauges.

As far as replacement parts go, you only need to change the magazine and the bolt head, not the whole bolt. I will second the recommendation for Sharpshooter Supply. Their customer service is top notch and they are very knowledgable when it comes to Savages. If you call them and explain what you are trying to do, they will help you get all the right equipment. That's where I got all of the parts to do my swap. And I currently have a RBLP target action getting timed & trued there.

If you haven't been to the Savage Shooters web site, you should check it out. They have all the info you could ever want..

Good luck with you barrel swap. It's a lot of fun, but it can be just as addictive as Contenders.

Andrew

[NoBull60]

I hope that posting this business is ok. I got great service from here. Give Sharp Shooter Supply an email at sshooter@wcoil.com or call (419) 695-3179 and ask for Lisa. I bought a complete replacement head so I didn't have to mess with springs and such and makes a nice swap. Just needed headspace guages for the caliber.
Good luck with your project. The action wrench really helps a lot. in addition to the barrel nut wrench.

NoBull60