View Full Version : Mid 70's J series questions..
Pastprime
09-25-2014, 04:15 PM
I bought, but haven't received yet, a rifle described as a mid to late 70's J series in .220 Swift. Been trying to learn by reading and cannot find a definite answer to whether I can use today's parts to change the bolt head and baffle to a .223. I've read that the very early rifles had a "C" type extractor that later changed to the current style. And, that some of the earlier bolt heads had the hole for the pin that holds the head on in a different location than today's rifles.
Can anybody shed a little light on my chances of doing a conversion to .223?? The rifle should be here by the end of next week, and I'd go ahead and buy the parts if I was 100% certain it was doable.
Hank
If this is the J Series that was over at accurateshooter then I think it will be a 110C J. These are a bit different than later Savages.
I would wait until the rifle gets to you. I think you might consider a 22-250 rather than a 223....lots less problems with parts for sure.
https://www.gunpartscorp.com/Manufacturers/SavageStevensSpringfieldFox-33479/Rifles-40502/110Series-39673/110CSeriesJ-33670.htm
sharpshooter
09-25-2014, 06:50 PM
The "J" series short actions used a long action bolt head. Finding a long action .223 bolt head won't be easy.
Pastprime
09-25-2014, 06:54 PM
If this is the J Series that was over at accurateshooter then I think it will be a 110C J. These are a bit different than later Savages.
That's the one. I've got a 6mm barrel on order that I hope could be put on it, but would not mind a small bolt face. If all else fails, maybe the Swift barrel can be cut off and rechambered to .22-250 or something similar.
Nor Cal Mikie
09-25-2014, 06:57 PM
They're listed as a "J" series. That's the inbetweener. Longer than the current short action and shorter than the current long action. Got one in the early 80 and LOVE it!! I'll have it till the day I die. Action screw spacing is a little different and bolt body is a little longer. Everything else is the same. Those two parts can be a little hard to come by but they can be had. Move the front screw hole in a short action stock and the selection of available stocks is endless. Bolt heads are the same. Mine started life as a .223 and has been changed to almost anything you can think of from .221 Fireball to 6.8 SPC and quite a few in between. Been changed so many times I've forgotten what caliber it is right now.
Pastprime
09-25-2014, 07:02 PM
The "J" series short actions used a long action bolt head. Finding a long action .223 bolt head won't be easy.
Thanks for the information. I bought the rifle for varmint hunting so any of the .473 rims will work. It's just that I have this pile of .223 brass laying around and I like single shot rifles..:smile-new:.
Nor Cal Mikie
09-25-2014, 07:04 PM
I got my "J" bolt heads from SSS with no problems.
Pastprime
09-25-2014, 07:12 PM
I got my "J" bolt heads from SSS with no problems.
Thanks. That is very good to know.
Hank
Jeff518
09-26-2014, 11:00 AM
Why not just tool up to shoot the 220 swift? no flies on that cartridge. When the barrel is smoked, then change to a better barrel.
Pastprime
09-26-2014, 06:21 PM
Why not just tool up to shoot the 220 swift? no flies on that cartridge. When the barrel is smoked, then change to a better barrel.
The owner says there is quite a bit of throat erosion so I don't have much hope for accuracy from that barrel. And, I'd like something a little milder and quieter. But, I'll see how it does when it gets here.
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