Opinions on Norma Mag Chambered on a Howa/Vanguard Action

[MontanaRifleman]

The Norma Mags have the same boltface as the Lapua which increases bolt thrust force. I know there is an outfit in Europe that does Lapua conversions on Howa actions. That said there seems to be some controversy as to whether or not the Howa action is strong enough for the increased bolt thrust.

Would appreciate opinions.

Thanks

 

[CliffM]

A while back there was a link to a video of various rifles being fired with their barrels welded shut. The Howa actions were of the few that held together. While it was more of a barrel strength test than strictly an action test it shows to me that they are as good as any. I have one in 300WBY that I have considered rebarreling to the Norma, so far nothing I have seen gives me any worries.
Cliff

 

[BountyHunter]

IF you have to ask if it is safe, you really should be asking is saving $200-300 worth your eyesight or life?

Darwin awards are always looking for nominees.

 

[MontanaRifleman]

IF you have to ask if it is safe, you really should be asking is saving $200-300 worth your eyesight or life?

Darwin awards are always looking for nominees.

Actually, I can pick up a Howa/Vanguard action for about $200-$300 and then another $300 for truing vs a $1200 custom action. That's quite a difference, but not practical if the action isn't up to it. That said, Howa actions are good sturdy actions. My question is, are they up to the increased bolt thrust. Remington and Savage are making 338 Lapua's on their actions and Howa's have one piece ported bolts which are "safer" than the Rem bolts. The Howa lugs are as good as the Rem's, so I figure the Howa should be good to go unless someone has some info to the otherwise.

So if you have some info or facts to add to your Darwin opinion, I would be interested

 

[MontanaRifleman]

A while back there was a link to a video of various rifles being fired with their barrels welded shut. The Howa actions were of the few that held together. While it was more of a barrel strength test than strictly an action test it shows to me that they are as good as any. I have one in 300WBY that I have considered rebarreling to the Norma, so far nothing I have seen gives me any worries.
Cliff

Thanks Cliff, I don't have any concerns with overall PSI because that should be the same in a 30-06 or a 338 LM. I am wondering about the increased bolt thrust due to the larger bolt face. I don't think it should be a problem and a couple of smiths I've talked to don't think it would be a problem.

 

[BountyHunter]

Savage used a different and stronger action on their 33

Remington did not use a 700 action for their new SOCOM sniper rifle.

WHY?

Enough said. Seldom do the words cheap, right and safe and go into the same sentence

 

[MontanaRifleman]

Savage used a different and stronger action on their 33

Remington did not use a 700 action for their new SOCOM sniper rifle.

WHY?

Enough said. Seldom do the words cheap, right and safe and go into the same sentence

Actually, Remington did make the Lapua on a 700 Action, the MLR Police version and XCR Tactical. I cant find it on their current web site. Did they stop making them? If so why? A safety issue? Any recall?

Savage also makes them on their 10/110, 11/111 and 110 BA. I don't know a lot about Savages, but I think these are standard actions?

Savage Arms

 

[sp6x6]

Ward Brian that has that Norma article on here has had built many on Remington 700. I thought I saw where one test rifle had 8000 rnds,dont quote me on that.I was going to have my 340 wby made into a 338 Norma and had 2 different smiths advise not to,which I am glad I didnt because it gave me a nice rifle for my son.But I have friend that shoots bench and he had a 338 LAI on a mark v and Broz I think had a 338 la on one.If the Rem could handle it I dont know why not but I think it varies with smiths

 

[CA48]

Actually, Remington did make the Lapua on a 700 Action, the MLR Police version and XCR Tactical. I cant find it on their current web site. Did they stop making them? If so why? A safety issue? Any recall?

Savage also makes them on their 10/110, 11/111 and 110 BA. I don't know a lot about Savages, but I think these are standard actions?

Savage Arms

I remember seeing some where that the savage actions
chambered in 338 Lapua have .050" added to the bolt
lugs. I think that was the only modification though.