Savage Short Action???

[Iowaboy]

Hey Guys,

I've got a savage mod 12 short action in .223 that I'm thinking abour rebarreling to something bigger for long range shooting. I already have a brand new 6mmbr in the savage benchrest model for bench shooting so this new chambering will be a long shooter more apt to carry with me hunting. Something big enough to take elk and possibly a moose with some day would be my goals.

So whatchya got for ideas?

 

[gamedog]

If you made it a single shot, the chamberings are almost endless. Buy a new prechambered barrel and different bolt head and viola.
Sticking with the short action chamberings, you could look at the 308 cases or possibly the WSM line up as a few options.

 

[AJ Peacock]

+1 Gamedog,

WSM's are right up your alley. The 300WSM is very tough to beat.


AJ

 

[DoubleGobble00]

So you can build a WSM on any savage or stevens short action? I assume the bolt head would need to be changed to a magnum but that is no biggie. I never though of that.... Alot more stock choices for the short action savage than long action....

DoubleG

 

[AJ Peacock]

So you can build a WSM on any savage or stevens short action? I assume the bolt head would need to be changed to a magnum but that is no biggie. I never though of that.... Alot more stock choices for the short action savage than long action....

DoubleG

The only short action I've used is the large shank, and that is what Savage builds them on now. It's like opening a can of worms when you ask if the small shank can handle the WSM, I wasn't even thinking of that when I posted. I'd ask Fred at SSS, for the definitive answer. I think they used to do that??

AJ

 

[geargrinder]

I have a 300wsm Hart small shank and a 7mmWSM Shilen small shank. They work just fine.

My next barrel is a 338 Edge small shank.

 

[DoubleGobble00]

Thanks for the info. I was just curious. I was thinking of building a 280AI (eventually) on a stevens long action but if I could get a WSM on a short action that would be great! Thanks for the info. I was just throwing around ideas.

Btw, AJ... I have been reloading now for about a year. Started off using Eddybos equipment then once I got started I bought my own. I still work up all my loads at Eddybos place first... He got a sweet setup and helps me out alot. Thank for all the info you provided me with in the past. It was a great help!

DoubleG

 

[winmagman]

You can build a WSM on a short action, but there are some compromises to be made.

The WSM uses a control feed bolt head, this ensures reliable feeding from the magazine. The actions used for this round have a mechanical type ejector, not the plunger style used in the bolt head of the push feed actions.

So if you use a push feed action you will need to switch over to a push feed mag bolt head, works great for a single shot, not so reliable trying to feed from a magazine.

Other option is to have a slot milled in the push feed action so you can install the mechanical type ejector. I haven't priced that option but I'd guess its pricey.

Geargrinder,

Did you start with WSM actions? If not are yours single shot or repeaters and how did you work around the feeding/ejection issues? Might help me out on fiture projects.

Chris

 

[geargrinder]

All of the new WSM actions are push feed. Savage has abandoned the CRF when the new centerfeed's showed up.

Mine are on push/stagger feed long actions. They feed just fine. I had to tweek the feed lips a little bit. My action was a 300win, and am using the factory mag box.

Long action sure gives me plenty of room for those long Bergers.

 

[Iowaboy]

I was kinda thinking about a 300 wsm as a possibility. I don't really know but does a 300 wsm fall in between a 30-06 and 300 wm as far as performance? Might just be the way to go.

Also I don't really understand the push feed vs control feed bolt face deal. My 12fv is a staggered feed action, would I just have to put a single shot follower in and forget about having a repeater? If so then what mag bolt face would I need to get?

Thanks for the info guys.

 

[geargrinder]

In between, yes. But very close to the performance of the 300win.

You may be able to tweak the feed lips and get it to feed fine. The bigger problem will be getting a decent OAL in the short mag box.

Worst case you'd have to use the single shot follower and not use it as a repeater.

All you need is a WSM bolt head. You may also need a WSM firing pin. I think the WSM pin/bolt head is a bit longer

Get whatever you need from SSS. Fred or Lisa will make sure you get the correct parts.

 

[Iowaboy]

Cool thanks for the info geargrinder.

 

[3006savage]

260 remington or 260 AI would be simple, and effective quite a ways on deer sized game.