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View Full Version : Savage 99: rebarreling M99 300 savage to 358 Win


yorketransport
11-19-2011, 02:30 PM
I have a 99E in 300 Savage that I picked up a few hears ago. It's a fun gun but a 358 Win would be more fun! ;) Are there any special considerations when rebarreling a 99? How about recommended smiths to do the work?

Andrew
Eric in NC
11-19-2011, 06:02 PM
They require several more processes than a Mauser/Rem 700 etc. Need an extractor cutout, lug for the forearm mounting screw, need to match the profile to your forearm (or make it bigger and open up your forearm), etc.

One option would be to have someone like Randy Redman rebore the existing barrel - still expensive.

Can't help you on reccomendations for a smith - see if Sinman is intersted in trying it, if he is willing to take it on, I am sure he will do a good job.
bushrat
11-19-2011, 08:54 PM
The real problem is converting the rotary magazine to handle the 358. I had one done years ago and while the conversion was first rate, it would occasionaly fail to feed a round from the magazine. Good luck if you proceed.
Eric in NC
11-19-2011, 09:03 PM
Easy to find a 308 rotor.
yorketransport
11-20-2011, 12:48 AM
The real problem is converting the rotary magazine to handle the 358. I had one done years ago and while the conversion was first rate, it would occasionaly fail to feed a round from the magazine. Good luck if you proceed.


This was one of my concerns. I was hoping that the 300 Savage was close enough to the 308 case that it wouldn't be an issue. Sounds like that's not the case.

Maybe I'll start asking around to see what it would cost to do the work. It would be pretty cool to have a 19" 99 in 358 Win, but not if it's going to cost double what the gun is worth.

Andrew
icedog
11-23-2011, 07:33 PM
I had a 99c rebored to .358W a few years ago. I had the metalwork powdercoated, and put a camo laminate stock on it. I went with the .308 to match the .358 brass, and thought the clip would be a better choice as far as keeping feeding issues to a minimum. Even with that, the feeding is not as slick as I would like it to be, and I need to be careful about what bullet profile I use ... more luck with the RN bullets. I'm not sure whether the rotary mag would have worked out better or not. I've had thoughts on a conversion in the other direction. A 99 in .308 with a rotary mag rebarreled to a .260 might make a nice little rifle. I suppose a .243 rebore would work, but waiting to find one could be a long term project.