The handy thing about using the savage action is versatility. When you pick your caliber, you can either change the bolt head and baffle, or buy a complete bolt assembly ready to go, and keep the .223 setup to switch back when you feel like it. If swapping bolt heads and baffles, be sure to check your firing pin diameter, as there are two specs out there and you might need a new pin assembly for the different head. Magazines can be changed as long as screw spacing is the same. I have a 6.5/284 built on what started as a .270 centerfeed accutrigger model 111. I didn't care for the trigger, so I replaced it with a RifleBasix SAV2. The magazine box for 6.5/284 is unique, and literally snaps in place on the bottom metal. I run that cartridge at a moderate velocity, 2875fps out of 26 inches. It will go faster, but the best groups were what I settled on. 3050 was available with Retumbo, but slightly larger groups, so I pulled the throttle back a bit. We'll see how long it lasts at this speed. I have a second 111 that was a 30.06, now a 280AI. Only thing that had to be replaced to convert was the barrel. It runs fast- 3000 with 168s. If you are looking for a lot of practice life I would suggest 260/6.5Creed/6.5x47 for a milder burning, but plenty fast for hunting out to 600-700 yards or so. If you want more payload weight, go to a 7mm bore, in 7/08 or 280rem, or the AI, but the faster you go the quicker the new barrel needs to be ready. I simply plan on keeping the next barrel always on the shelf ahead of time for mine. Now matter what you pick, it will be a fun project to build and very satisfying to shoot.
