358 Norma Mag axis

[Rotorwash]

Hi
I am ordering a 358 Norma barrel to stuff on my old axis. Aside from changing the bolt face is there any reason this would be a bad idea?

[sharpshooter]

The firing pin won't be long enough...

[charlie b]

There is a video that shows how to shorten the bolt head to fix that.

[Rotorwash]

Why would the firing pin be too short?
I recall reading that the bolt head is the same as a short action magnum one. But I thought that would be about it changing from one standard length cartridge to another.
But that's why I'm on here asking

Thanks for the input guys. Can't wait to hear more before I start this project

[charlie b]

Look in the sticky section. The mag bolt head is a bit longer.

http://www.savageshooters.com/content.php?344-Savage-Axis-Magnum-Bolt-Head-Modification-(Video)

[Rotorwash]

Awesome thanks. I'll take a look.

ok I get it. I wouldn't have guessed that the bolt head was larger.

[charlie b]

Yep it does not make much sense the way it is made. You do know the magazine will be a problem too. If you want single shot it is probably fine.

[Underhammer]

My PT&G mag bolt head required no changes in the firing pin.....short action 243.
Different trigger guard and a 7mm mag....magazine should work in my 243, right?

[charlie b]

I am not surprised. As far as I understand it the info linked was for Savage mag bolt heads.

EA Brown mag bolt heads may be 'normal' length as well.

[Underhammer]

What action is your axis?
Short action or long? Cause it makes about 1/8" of difference.

[charlie b]

I thought the only difference in Axis rifles was in the bottom metal/plastic and the magazine. Aren't all the actions the same length?

Sent from my SM-P580 using Tapatalk

[Underhammer]

I thought the only difference in Axis rifles was in the bottom metal/plastic and the magazine. Aren't all the actions the same length?

Yes, but the bolt heads have a different length for some reason.

The stem length on a long action is 1.625", short action is 1.44".

So if you use the long in a short the firing pin will be held back about .185 from striking the primer.

[charlie b]

Ok so same issue when going to a magnum bolt head.

Sent from my SM-P580 using Tapatalk

[Underhammer]

Yes, If you have a long action, you need a long action Mag.
Short action, short action Mag.

[sharpshooter]

The Axis uses short action bolt heads (7/16") on all calibers. You can use a standard long action magnum bolt head (1/2") and trim the tail .185" or thereabouts.

[Underhammer]

The Axis uses short action bolt heads (7/16") on all calibers. You can use a standard long action magnum bolt head (1/2") and trim the tail .185" or thereabouts.

Makes sense, what models use the long action bolt head?

[charlie b]

I thought it was only the magnums.

[sharpshooter]

Makes sense, what models use the long action bolt head?

Long action magnums.....