Gunsmithing Savage .204 to 6.5CM ?

[Dugan324]

Hello Gents, I have a Savage model 12 .204 that gets no love. As I'm spending more time with the 6.5CM , I'm looking to add another to the mix. So here is my question. Can I rebarrel this to a 6.5? I found a barrel (small shank) in the PX. Just need to replace the bolt,face? I'm not doing the work. Just seeing if this is possible and acquiring all my parts. Thanks

 

[MtnCreek]

The only potential problem I can think of would be feeding. If detachable mag, if the proper creedmoor mag fits it should feed. If blind, you may have to replace the follower, assuming a standard SA follower will fit.

You’ll need a .473 bolthead. Firing pin dia could be an issue, but I don’t know that. If I were replacing my factory barrel I’d get a new lug and nut.

 

[hereinaz]

A new bolt head and magazine. Maybe a new baffle behind the bolt head if yours has the little leg to shorten the bolt throw.

You will need a new mag. If it is an internal mag, you can buy a cheap Axis 6.5 mag off ebay and pop off the plastic bottom.

The .204 mags have a spacer in the back that is rivited in to keep the cartridges forward.

Post pics of the action and mags, and I can tell you for sure and draw lines on the pics even.

 

[hereinaz]

I agree, get a new recoil lug and nut if you want to try to get everything you can out of it.

I do Savages all the time. Love how easy they are.

 

[Dugan324]

 

[Dugan324]

 

[hereinaz]

Yep, need a new bolt head, baffle and magazine. The wing extending back off the baffle limits bolt throw.

The magazine will also need replacing, cause it has a little block pinned in the back to keep the rounds facing forward.

When you take the action out of the stock, does the magazine stay in the stock or it is attached to the action.

Unlikely, but it it stays attached to the action, conversion may be harder.

 

[Chili47]

As long as its a center feed action it will be an easy conversion. you really only need the mag box baffle and bolthead

 

[Dugan324]

Thanks guys for all the helpful info.

As long as its a center feed action it will be an easy conversion. you really only need the mag box baffle and bolthead

Would you know of any mfg's by chance, Chili47? Thanks again

 

[hereinaz]

Thanks guys for all the helpful info.



Would you know of any mfg's by chance, Chili47? Thanks again

For mags, just buy an axis mag and pop off the bottom plastic.

For bolt head and baffle, PTG. Also, www.savageshooters.com forum is a place to find them.

Numrich and Northland have parts as well.

 

[BigdaddyWSM]

Hello Gents, I have a Savage model 12 .204 that gets no love. As I'm spending more time with the 6.5CM , I'm looking to add another to the mix. So here is my question. Can I rebarrel this to a 6.5? I found a barrel (small shank) in the PX. Just need to replace the bolt,face? I'm not doing the work. Just seeing if this is possible and acquiring all my parts. Thanks

I did the exact same thing except a model 10 .223 to a 6mm creedmoor. I bought a whole new bolt from Midway USA $99 . New 26" Shilen barrel with better lug from Northland shooters supply. My only problem was I had older 4.27 action with double blind staggered magwell so I used a .308 sized one in my new McMillan game scout stock.