Converting a Model 11 308 SA to 270 wsm SA - expert advice needed!

[maxwell333]

I'm a newby doing conversions and would like to convert a Model 11 308 SA to a 270 wsm SA and have some questions:

1) Am I correct a 270 wsm SA barrel will fit the model 11 SA?
2) Also, I'll need to convert the bolt face - does anyone know what bolt face I need for the 270 wsm and where to get it? And will it fit the Model 11 bolt without modification or do I need to somehow modify the bolt?
3) It looks as though the Model 11 magazine feed will work OK, does anyone have experience with this??

Thanks in advance for any advice!

[Robinhood]

1) The 270 WSM has the large shank threads( 1.12-20) your action has the small shank threads(1.06-20). You will need an aftermarket barrel or have a smith turn the threads down.
2) You need the short action (push feed)Mag bolt head or modify a long action (push feed)Mag bolt head to work.
3) You will probably want to replace the magazine.

The good thing is you can sell your parts to offset your costs. If your lucky you end up just out the shipping cost. I think the barrel threads are the biggest issue.

[bootsmcguire]

Yup, best to go with an aftermarket barrel. The contour on the factory Savage barrels is often to light to allow for the reduction of the shank threads to fit the small shank without weakening the chamber.

Easiest way to get a bolt head is to use a Long action Magnum bolt head and have a machine shop shorten the stem to the Short action stem length, and then recut the chamfer in the back for the firing pin. Any competent machine shop can do this easily. I'm a machinist myself, it don't take much, LOL.

If you have a Centerfeed magazine setup, you will want to get the WSM mag body and follower. A 308 Mag will not feed it. If you have a Staggerfeed setup, then it might but I wouldn't count on it. Savage had enough trouble with the SF mags feeding WSM's that they went to the CRF bolt head until later when they adopted the CF mag setup.

If you are in need of a barrel get ahold of Apache Gunworks (http://www.apachegunworks.com). He makes great barrels, short lead times, and he does chamber for the 270WSM.

[maxwell333]

Thank you both much. Great information!

[txbdyguard]

Sell the small shank action and get a large shank action.