Basic Quest. re: bbl replacement

I have a Savage Predator Max in .204 Ruger caliber (ser#H387XXX). I would like to change the barrel and caliber to something where I could use a heavier bullet (I do reload). I just don't know enough about bolt heads/shank sizes etc etc. I'm hoping for either a pointer to where I could get the info i need OR, preferably, some answers and advice here. I have no idea how to change bolt heads so I expect that I should stick with a new caliber that uses the current bold head for my .204 (?). So, for starters, what calibers can use my current bolt head? And maybe what specs would I need to know to order a new barrel i.e. shank? YUP, I know what length I want.... Appreciate it....John

Have you looked in the navigation bar in the header? Try the Savage FAQ's.

If you can disassemble & reassemble the bolt you can change bolt heads. Could leave it 204 & go to fast twist barrel & 50 gr bullets. Do you plan to target shoot or hunt ?

Short round, I plan to shoot some paper and maybe take it out after 'chucks'; it is a heavy bbl and I'm up into my '70's so it may not get out as much as I would like... I tend to hunt with a very light CZ in .223 or a Rem. 788 in 223 (which is also getting heavy all of a sudden). I think I might like to try something different like a 6PPC or 6BR and that's really what's driving me.
p.s. I found everything I think I need on youtube as far as taking bolt apart, changing bolt face etc. I just need to decide to get to it.
Thanks for the response. J

anything in the 223 family will work with that head. If you go to the .473 bolt head that gives you all the 30-06/308 family of cartridges. I'm assuming it's a short action? You could always bump up to the 243 win or AI. You could also just buy another bolt and keep it with it's corresponding barrel.

243LPR..... Thanks for the reply. Any idea of which bolt head I would need if I went to a 6 or 7 BR?

I'm thinking .473

Many thanks........... J.

6PPC will be very accurate out to 200 yards & no problem with chucks past that, 6PPC is the most popular cartridge for bench rest competition. I built one on a 12 action, 14 twist, 24" barrel & it shoots 1/8" groups at 100 yds. I recommend Barts 68gr Ultra bullets & LT32 or Vitavori 133. Brass is available from Norma, or can be formed from 220 Russian. 7.62X39 Russian, Savage bolt head is available from Gun Shack. use 308 Extractor. Could build light gun with mild recoil. 6BR is good if you want to shoot 600yds, would need 308 bolt head & extractor. Brass available from Nosler & Lapua. More recoil than PPC. I shoot 6BR 8 Twist, with Sierra 107 & it is accurate. PPC would be my choice for a light weight hunting rig. Depending on barrel contour, & scope & rings you might get the weight you want.

WOW, fabulous info Short Round.... I actually have dies, some brass and two boxes of Norma ammo for 6 PPC; but never had the gun (YET)... Good food for thought in all the responses above.... Now I have to think on 6PPC or maybe .223 with a faster twist for a little heavier bullet (this is the lowest cost conversion too)...............Well it'll be fun thinking thru the options. THANKS again, J

No matter what you build you'll always be thinking,what if..........