Best way to swap a bolt head

[Jamie]

I picked up an older 1st Gen action with the solid bottom reciever, 4.52" screw spacing, with a .378 bolt head. Plan was to swap out to a .473 head but it seems there is a few small items that keep it from being a drop in. SO for those of you who know these, is it easier to cut the notch into the new bolt head or easier to take the dimple out of the bolt? Or do you know where I can find a drop in .473 head for this? Thanks

[geargrinder]

Take a dremel and smooth out the dimple. Then your bolt body is set for any bolt head.

That's what I did with mine.

[Jamie]

Thanks, got it taken care of and the bolt head slips right in. How did you get the firing pin to fit? Did you order a new long action pin and cut it down to size?

[devildogandboy]

i started working on the same thing on tuesday, i dremelled out the notch in the bolt body and drilled the bolthead to enlarge the firing pin hole, didn't have the right size drill bit for th e job so i am waiting for it to arrive(i used the .140). for the large firing pin like i have it needs an #25 drill bit according to other members and seems to be good info.

here's a link to my other post which may help some.
http://www.savageshooters.com/showthread.php?18517-what-size-drill-for-large-firing-pin

OH, by the way mine was an long action receiver that had the notch in the bolt body. i have to drill out the bolthead to get the large firing pin to fit it!

[BillPa]

here's a link to my other post which may help some.
http://www.savageshooters.com/showthread.php?18517-what-size-drill-for-large-firing-pin



Yeah, just make sure its a #25, not the 75 some old tired goat posted!:p

Oh BTW, only open it from the end of the shaft to the vent in the bolt head. Past that both pins are the same size.

Bill

[devildogandboy]

Bill, i didn't mention anything about any mistake that someone may have made! LOL

you meant well Bill.

[geargrinder]

It's easier and quicker if you use the #75. :)

But, the #25 works a little better.

Thanks for all the great info Bill. Glad you're back.

[Jamie]

Thanks for all the help fellas. I appreciate it.