Can a Model 12 action handle the pressure?

[Torky455]

I have a Model 12 VLPDBM that currently has a Hart HV 223 barrel on it. I only use it for benchrest, and the barrel is getting tired, so I'm thinking about getting a new one. I shoot group and score matches regularly, so I'd like to re-barrel it in 6PPC, I'm just not sure the action can handle the pressure. Any thougths?

[BlueDog]

Model 12's are also chambered in 22-250, which have a SAAMI chamber pressure of 65,000CUP which is about the highest CUP they list. I think the PPC has a case head of .445" which means a 7.62x39 bolt head should work. If you don't mind me asking, why the PPC? Why not the 6mm BR? OR keep your action as is and go with 6mm/223?

[jonbearman]

The 6ppc is king in shortrange benchrest hands down. The 6br is very close and can be competitive against a 6ppc but the serious competitors use the ppc hands down. It is a very fast cartridge and extremely accurate and there is no reason not to try it. I would go with a 1 in 12 or 1in 13.5 twist with 68 grain bullets(match). All you need is a bolt head,I would think you would want to put a single shot sled in it because I don't know how good they feed out of a mag .

[GaCop]

Bottom line...... the action is plenty strong and capable of handling that cartridge.

[Torky455]

I already have a single shot sled installed, so mag feed is a non-issue. As jonbearman said 6PPC is king of short range, and since I only shoot 100 and 200 yds, I want the best cartridge for the job. I was planning on a 13 1/2 twist barrel, and either 65g Berger column bullets, or custom 68's.
I didn't realize the 22-250 pressure was that high, I guess that answers my question right there!
If I get this done, maybe I can give the guys at the winter league a hard time! :-)
Thanks for the info guys!

[Maztech89]

Are you having a custom barrel done or have you found a pre-fit supplier that meets your needs? I'm thinking of putting together a 14" twist PPC with a (preferable) .267 neck or no turn but am not finding pre-fits that meet my needs and I have no patience to wait on a gunsmith. Don't forget Sharp Shooter Supply can do your bolt face up for you or I think PTG sells aftermarket if you don't want your 223 bolt head used.

[Torky455]

It will be a custom. I have a good relationship with my gunsmith, and am not in a hurry...I just want it ready for the Dunhams Bay winter league, which usually starts sometime in January. PTG does have bolt heads for a PPC, but I need a lefty...I'll have to talk to them about that.

[Mach2]

I'm unaware of anything that will fit in a Savage short action that it can't handle. Anybody know of something too hot for a Savage SA?

[Savage6x284]

First of all the .22-250 has a SAAMI MAP of 65,000 PSI and not 65,000 CUP. BIG difference!
65K psi is pretty much SAAMI maximum. Some of the BR guys run their cartridges way higher than SAAMI max. I see talk of pressures approaching 90K psi!!! That type of pressure just scares me and I have zero interest in going there.
I have no issue with pushing to 70K.
When I run my Pressure Trace it always surprises me when a load which consistently measures 65K suddenly and inexplicably spikes a cartridge to 80K or more. This happens enough to completely dissuade me from routinely loading to anything north of 70K.

As was stated the 12 action can handle 65K forever. As a bonus, the Savage 110 etal action handles wayward gasses from a ruptured case better than any rifle I know of.