What does it take to convert Axis 223 to 308?

[bloodhawke83]

I just don't have the need to keep my Axis XP at 223, I got bunch of 308 rounds and bullets for reloading.

Would I just need a new bolt head and barrel kit? Parts are interchangeable with 10 and 110?

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/631834/e-r-shaw-barrel-kit-savage-110-series-small-shank-308-winchester-factory-contour-1-in-10-twist-24-stainless-steel

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/451988/savage-arms-bolt-head-short-action-savage-10-to-16-push-feed-right-hand-22-250-remington-243-winchester-260-remington-7mm-08-remington-308-winchester

I can swap the bolt knob with this, right?

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/674002/savage-arms-bolt-handle-assembly-savage-110ba-right-hand-tactical-knob-steel-matte


thanks

[thomae]

New Bolt head and barrel as you mentioned will work.
The Bolt Knob will not work. You must use a bolt handle specifically designed for the Axis.
You will also need a different magazine body, follower and spring as the .223 magazine has a spacer in the rear that will keep you from being able to load .308 cartridges in it.

[LoneWolf]

For all the trouble why not just pick up another Axis? That's what I intend to do next year! I've already expended my rifle budget for this year LOL.... According to the wife at least!

[Inebriated]

For the $225 you'll spend on the barrel kit and bolt head as well as the cost of the go/no-go gauges and any other things (like a torque wrench, if you've not got one), you really might as well just buy a whole new Axis. A .308 Axis can typically be had for $300 or less out the door at most big box stores.

[J.Baker]

For the $225 you'll spend on the barrel kit and bolt head as well as the cost of the go/no-go gauges and any other things (like a torque wrench, if you've not got one), you really might as well just buy a whole new Axis. A .308 Axis can typically be had for $300 or less out the door at most big box stores.

That's exactly what I was thinking. If you're switching to a factory offered cartridge you're just wasting your time/money when you can get a complete new gun for under $300. Save that .223 as a donor for some cartridge/caliber you want to play with that isn't available from the factory.

[pinsnscrews]

As a registered member, you could also post an ad in the classifieds and see if anyone is willing to trade the barrel, bolt and magazine from a .308 to your .223...

[J.Baker]

Stripped .308 Bolt Head = $25.99 (Midway)
Ejector, Spring & Retaining Pin = $12.97 (Midway)
Extractor, Spring, Detent Ball = $11.97 (Midway)
E.R. Shaw .308 Barrel Kit w/Wrench = $199.99 (Midway)
Axis .308 Magazine = $37.99 (Midway)
Total = $288.91 + shipping (if/when they ever have it all in stock)

That's about as cheap as you're going to do it with an aftermarket barrel.

[bloodhawke83]

ok, i've been busy and the rifle has been out of sight back of the safe. i am now just getting around to get this rebarrel. i get paid tomorrow and i will order the barrel. since 308 is no longer what i want, i am going 6.5mm.

i can reuse the barrel nut, right? :o

[DrThunder88]

Sure can! Just be sure to clean all the little balls out of the threads. That goes for the action too.