Baffles

Back when Savage made all their calibers on the long action, was there an extra long baffle for the .223, to limit the bolt travel?

Yes, and i believe you can still get it.

Midway has the black one for less than $2.50.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/986...16-steel-black

The one from Midway looks like the same length for the short action for 223.

The long action 30-06 length has no extension down the side of the bolt body, are the extended ones for the short cartridges available in one or two different lengths?

The baffles were the same. It was the magazine box that was different. The 223 magazine had a spacer to keep the rounds in the correct location.

You can get that magazine from Midway too. If you look at the picture, you'll see the little tabs on the side for the spacer.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/472...6-short-action

Yes, I have converted a long action to 223 and it works well with the magazine with the spacer. However, the bolt travel to the rear is about 5/8" more than needed. The short action with the long baffle using the magazine with the spacer, the bolt stops just after it clears the cartridge rim - just right. If there is an extra long baffle to do that with the long action, that would be ideal.

Nope, that's the way they came. My long action 308 didn't have the extended baffle. I believe they only went on the 223's.