6.8 western build

[William2005]

Currently doing a barrel swap on the newer axis style in 25-06. Already have a 6.8 western barrel. Will I need to swap bolt faces??

[Dave Hoback]

Yes, a new Bolt Head will be needed. The 25-06 uses a Standard (.480”+/-), while the 6.8 Western used a Magnum (.550”+/-).

[William2005]

After further investigating I’ve seen where Dr thunder88 had to modify the bolt shank. I’ve seen where PT&G has a custom offer. I just don’t know what the lug length would be. And if I would need to get the cam clearance kit

[Dave Hoback]

What do you mean PTG has a custom offer? I can tell you no “cam clearance kit” (whatever that is), is needed. And once again, the regular Magnum Bolt head will work. The 6.8 West. is very close to the 270 WSM, and many people have run them. It’s nothing new… And it’s nothing special that needs extra things to properly run it. New barrel & Magnum Bolt Head.

[charlie b]

I think the OP said this is an AXIS. Does the newer model allow for a magnum with just a bolt head?

[William2005]

Exactly. From what I’ve seen there will not be enough firing pin extrusion with the Axis. DR.Thunder88 put out a video on this. PTG “ pacific tool and gauge.

[Dave Hoback]

Yes, I’m sorry.. the Bolt head shank needs to be shortened a bit. (To 1”). Here is the Maxis thread showing everything, including DR.Thunder88’s video. However, this is really easy to do. Or, there are many here who would do the mod as a favor. I’d machine the Bolt Head for anyone here.
https://www.savageshooters.com/content.php?338-DrThunder88-s-Maxis-Builds (https://www.savageshooters.com/content.php?338-DrThunder88-s-Maxis-Build)


Although, I’m still waiting for someone to convert their Axis to the adjustable firing pin from the 110. I know I could get the LA firing pin assembly to work. Or I’d simply make my own. I already machined a new Firing Pin striker from S7 Tool steel for my model 10. This would eliminate that stupid cocking indicator pin and allow use of a standard center bearing Lift Kit. Not to mention, the adjustability for pin protrusion. But I don’t have an Axis & not planning on one. If anyone wants to do do the conversion, let me know. I’d like to do it just for the reason of saying, “Yup, I did that!” .LOL!

[William2005]

Just so happens I did order a bolt head and should have it tomorrow. If anyone is interested I “milling” it down please let me know.

[charlie b]

If you don't mind the wait I'd ship the bolt to Dave and get the adj firing pin as well.

[William2005]

The wait won’t bother me. And the adj firing pin?

[Dave Hoback]

Id be happy to take care of it for you. I’ll PM you.

Ahh.. you can’t Message yet. Need like 25 posts or something. That’s ok. Just email me: davidhoback1@gmail

[William2005]

Email sent

[Dave Hoback]

To go to the adjustable firing pin you’ll need these below.

1. https://www.gunshack.com/savage-parts/savage-long-action-firing-pin-assembly-112-116
2. https://www.gunshack.com/savage-parts?product_id=2897

You might also need the Cocking Pin, but I’m wondering if the Axis cocking pin might still work. Also, I have a couple of these I made in Titanium anyway. Also a BAS. I have that also I think. But I’d recommend getting the Lift Kit from Lumley with the Titanium BAS. https://lumleyarms.us/parts-by-make-and-model/Savage/savage-10-110-bolt-handle-knob-titanium-bolt-lift-kit-baffle-BAS-parts-upgrades-accessories/savage-bolt-lift-kit-old

Email me & we’ll talk.

[Dave Hoback]

Make sure you have BOTH those parts from Gunshack. The Firing Pin Assembly and the Cocking Sleeve. And you also need a solid BAS, the Bolt Action Screw. I recommend the Titanium BAS from Lumley wit the Lift Kit. Read my post #13 above again with all 3 links.

[William2005]

Thank you sir. All parts are ordered

[Underhammer]

I bought the PT&G mag bolt head and used the stock firing pin.

[Robinhood]

Underhammer, You got that with a 7/16 lug length for a short action?

[Dave Hoback]

PT&G lists SA bolt heads with .44” lugs & LA bolt heads at .5”. And the SA bolt heads can be ordered with any diameter face, including Magnum (.550”) & even Lapua Mag. (.590”), and there is no side note about anything. So yes, it appears they an be ordered like that.

[Dave Hoback]

I received all the OP’s parts today. I’m installing a Magnum Bolt Head for his MAxis conversion & also converting the Axis Bolt to an Adjustable style firing pin assembly with a standard BAS. & Lift Kit.

I can tell you this so far: the Axis Factory Cocking Pin works fine with the 110 Cocking Piece & Sleeve. The Sleeve locks the Axis Cocking Pin in just as it should. I was thinking I would need to machine another 110 style Cocking Pin for this.

[Dave Hoback]

I machined the Magnum Bolt Head today. Trued up & put a nice chamfer back in. Although the Shanks are now virtually the same length, the factory Axis Firing Pin will still not work because of the added Lug height. More would need taken from the shank which I wouldn’t do. For those doing a MAxis and wish to continue using the factory Axis firing pin, I recommend getting the Bolt Head from PT&G with magnum face, SA shank & 7/16” lug height. Good thing the OP is getting an Adjustable firing pin, LOL!

https://i.ibb.co/m9Wj9dg/7223237-B-8175-4-F2-E-99-E9-EDCAA14765-C9.jpg (https://ibb.co/ByMpyvF)
https://i.ibb.co/qy0KYWQ/68-AA0-F59-29-F9-4735-BDCE-AFFA7-C602664.jpg (https://ibb.co/yfhtFYj)
https://i.ibb.co/3F5TjJ9/E41-ADCC0-A11-B-4-D99-B7-DA-4324566408-F2.jpg (https://ibb.co/B6HfQ15)
https://i.ibb.co/Nr2YgNr/5-D5-E1616-704-C-41-A9-8871-5-B31326-EEF18.jpg (https://ibb.co/YXBj4dX)
https://i.ibb.co/ZzvPN7N/4-E76208-E-7-E3-E-42-CA-A72-B-C6-D4313-B1481.jpg (https://ibb.co/SwH8JGJ)