changing calibers with my 10 short action

[swadiver]

he ya'll.

i have got a Savage 10 short action that is barreled with a .308 barrel. i want to change barrels and caliber to .223. I know i need a new bolt head, but what parts of my current bolt head and bolt, ie the extractor, ejector, and firing pin can i use with a .223 bolt head? also, it's easy to find a new .223 bolt head, but if i need a new extractor, ejector, or firing pin, is Savage the only source for these parts?

thanks for the help

[adammiddagh]

The firing pin and ejector should be the same. I believe the 223 needs a different extractor, I ran across the part# on the forum yesterday: 102278. I would verify that yourself just to be safe.

[foxx]

You can use all the same parts from the .308 bolt head in the 223 bolt head.

Sometimes the 223 extractor is too long for the .308 head, not always. Nevertheless, the .308 bolthead parts will work in the .223.

[swadiver]

thanks for the help. i am using the action from a current 10 FCP-SR in .308 with the drop box mag. i assume i can get a mag from Savage in .223 that works in this action and Accustock?

[AbitNutz]

You could keep the original 308 bolt head in tact and just buy an SSS extractor/ejector upgrade kit for $20.00. I'd ask them to include all the parts (ejector spring and retaining pin). That way you can switch back and forth really easily and get improved extraction and ejection o your .223...just a thought.

I used the SSS kit on my .223 and couldn't be happier...Well, I could but boobs would have to be involved.

[bigger]

I have a model 10 I am rebarreling from .223 to .243. Want to trade bolt heads and magazine boxes?

[swadiver]

Possibly. Can u pm me?

[bigger]

PM Sent

[strut64]

Also try Gunshack and MidwayUSA. Gunshack is sponsor of this site and look further down on the site.

[swadiver]

thanks for the responses. Savage has a .223 mag that will work.

[swadiver]

so i installed a .223 bolt in place of the .308 one on the bolt. installation went fine and i am sure it is correct.

bolt was sourced from midway and is listed as a savage factory part. the bolt lift is now very hard and i must wiggle the bolt handle while pulling to cycle the the action. i t seems like the bolt head is slight over sized. i lubed it up well and this helps, but is this normal for a new head? will it improve with time? out of spec part? any help appreciated

[Bolthead]

I'm confused. Did you replace the entire bolt, or just the bolt head? How did you set the head space? Does it do this only with a round in the chamber or with chamber empty?

[swadiver]

i replaced just the bolt head. the bolt was tough to operate in the action with no barrel installed. i lubed the the bolt locking lugs, cocking pin and cocking ramp, and operated the bolt many times, it loosened up. i installed the barrel, head spaced the the bolt, and today put 35 factory rounds through it with no issues. the bolt continues to loosen up and at this point, i don't see that it is an issue

this is my first caliber change with a Savage. the initial stiffness of the bolt when installed in the action sans barrel caught me by surprise. with the original bolt head (.308) in this action, the bolt operated easily.