Converting Savage 116FCSS to 26 Nosler?

[reekax]

I own a new, never fired Savage 116FCSS in 338 Win Mag. I am curious how difficult it would be to change it over to a 26 Nosler. I know the barrel is available and that would not be a problem. I am not sure of the bolt head and mag well area however. Anyone here done this one before?
Regards, Jim

[isacpotatoes]

You won't be able to get away with a detachable magazine, that is for sure. It's larger than its 264 Win Mag belted counter part. Unless you can modified your magazine, you'll need to resort to a traditional floorplate follower.


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[reekax]

I was afraid of that. I guess we will now consider other options. Thanks

[efm77]

Couldn't you just tweak the feed lips to make it fit? OAL is about the same isn't it?

[isacpotatoes]

Yes the OAL is inline with/standard long action cartridges, unlike the RUM series. My concern would be the metallurgy of the magazine steel. Unless you heat it up to make it more malleable, I don't know that you could accomplish smooth feeding. It's worth trying on one mag tho



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[efm77]

I’d try it. It’s basically stamped steel and you should be able to bend/adjust the feed lips. It’s been done plenty of times in the past. Don’t see why you can’t do it with these mags as well.

[JW]

I got the 26 nosler to feed from an internal mag.
It is doable but could only get 2 shells in the mag.
That was not a problem for me, just a heads up
Jack

[reekax]

JW, What did you have to do to the internal mag in order to get the 26 Nosler to feed?
Regards, Jim

[JW]

JW, What did you have to do to the internal mag in order to get the 26 Nosler to feed?
Regards, Jim
I modified the mag follower by removing material to change position of the cartridge to make a little more room in the mag.
Then adjusted (bent)the mag feed lips.
There was quite a bit of trial and error but it finally worked
JW