Convert Stevens 200 .223 blind mag to .308 family cartiridge

[Bloom County]

Hi all,

I was given a Stevens 200 in .223 with a Hogue stock blind box mag (BBM) with the box mag attached to the receiver. I don't have a niche in my hunting for a .223 caliber and I would like to add a .243/7mm-08 to supplement my 308. Within the BBM is a blocking baffle set in place with four tabs (2-per side). When I insert my 308 bolt into the Stevens, it appears to operate and function as it should. I have the go, no go, and field headspace gauge for the 308 family, and I would just need a new barrel(s) of my flavor, if this is possible.

As I see the layout, it appears for the BBM that all I need to do is remove the blocking baffle and I can set up a new hunting rifle. Has anyone done this? Is there anything I am overlooking? It just looks too simple (apart from removing the tabs), so I wanted to check with some experienced folk for thoughts.

[Bloom County]

https://www.flickr.com/photos/126000978@N06/50127877282/in/dateposted-public/I can't seem to upload pics. Here are links to an old flickr account I have of the mag.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/126000978@N06/50127086788/in/dateposted-public/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/126000978@N06/50127877282/in/dateposted-public/

[foxx]

You will need a .308 or .243 mag for a short action stagger feed action. There is no way to convert the 223 mag to .243 or .308.

You will also need to change the 223 bolt head to ..308 bolt head and replace the front baffle. (If you pm I will send you a .308 front baffle no charge.

You will also need a .243 go and no-go gauge,

[Bloom County]

As stated, I have head space gauges. Yes, I know I need to change bolt face, and I will need a new spring and a follower in internal box mag.

The mag is an internal box with a baffle (see picture in link). From what I can see, it appears the removing the baffle would lengthens the box capacity to allow any short cartridge in the 308 family (243/7-08/308) to be loaded. Filing off the tabs and removing the baffle should allow for the need length for the rounds to be loaded within the internal mag. If so, I can add a new barrel, modify the bolt, adjust the head space, and I have a new hunting rifle.

[grouse]

Not worth it. Staggered mag box = very hard to find.

[PhilC]

See this FAQ topic - https://www.savageshooters.com/content.php?154-Staggered-Feed-Magazines

As you can see, it's basically the same mag box just a plate added. Remove the plate, change bolt head, locate a short action mag follower and you're in business. I heard the same thing about stagger feed parts but found a 308 follower at Gunparts second time I checked. They show up in classifieds here from time to time as well. I'm single loading so didn't even change the follower.

[sharpshooter]

The .223 box is NOT the same box as the .308. You'll still need a .308 stagger feed box and follower, which are hard to find.

[Bloom County]

Hmmm, the boxes in the photo look different between 223 and 308.
I will have to look at what I have, compare to that photo, research more, search for stagger feed parts, and think long and hard about this before I do anything.
Thanks all who replied.

[Robinhood]

Placing an ad with "Looking for 308 stagger feed magazine" will net better results than waiting for someone to put up a "WTS 308 stagger feed magazine" ad.

[Bloom County]

Thanks everyone, but I am just going to keep it as is. I will just find a niche for it.

For what it is worth, or to your dismay, I was given this rifle from the original owner. He bought it back in the day when he worked part time at a gun shop. He is an older gent I use to work with before he retired. He was thinning out the herd and he wanted to know if I would like to take her home. Duh! At first he was going to give the rifle with no paperwork. I insisted we do the correct exchange and I will pay for the fees, which cost me $35. He stated that he never fired the rifle.
So I have a used in new condition Stevens 200 chambered in .223 with a blind mag resting in a green Hogue stock. Oh, and he gave me around 500 rounds too. What a guy!