Mid 70's J series questions..

Pastprime · 09-25-2014, 04:15 PM

I bought, but haven't received yet, a rifle described as a mid to late 70's J series in .220 Swift. Been trying to learn by reading and cannot find a definite answer to whether I can use today's parts to change the bolt head and baffle to a .223. I've read that the very early rifles had a "C" type extractor that later changed to the current style. And, that some of the earlier bolt heads had the hole for the pin that holds the head on in a different location than today's rifles.

Can anybody shed a little light on my chances of doing a conversion to .223?? The rifle should be here by the end of next week, and I'd go ahead and buy the parts if I was 100% certain it was doable.

Hank

**wbm** · 09-25-2014, 06:27 PM

If this is the J Series that was over at accurateshooter then I think it will be a 110C J. These are a bit different than later Savages.

**wbm** · 09-25-2014, 06:40 PM

I would wait until the rifle gets to you. I think you might consider a 22-250 rather than a 223....lots less problems with parts for sure.

https://www.gunpartscorp.com/Manufac...iesJ-33670.htm

**sharpshooter** · 09-25-2014, 06:50 PM

The "J" series short actions used a long action bolt head. Finding a long action .223 bolt head won't be easy.

Pastprime · 09-25-2014, 06:54 PM

Originally Posted by wbm

If this is the J Series that was over at accurateshooter then I think it will be a 110C J. These are a bit different than later Savages.

That's the one. I've got a 6mm barrel on order that I hope could be put on it, but would not mind a small bolt face. If all else fails, maybe the Swift barrel can be cut off and rechambered to .22-250 or something similar.

**Nor Cal Mikie** · 09-25-2014, 06:57 PM

They're listed as a "J" series. That's the inbetweener. Longer than the current short action and shorter than the current long action. Got one in the early 80 and LOVE it!! I'll have it till the day I die. Action screw spacing is a little different and bolt body is a little longer. Everything else is the same. Those two parts can be a little hard to come by but they can be had. Move the front screw hole in a short action stock and the selection of available stocks is endless. Bolt heads are the same. Mine started life as a .223 and has been changed to almost anything you can think of from .221 Fireball to 6.8 SPC and quite a few in between. Been changed so many times I've forgotten what caliber it is right now.

Pastprime · 09-25-2014, 07:02 PM

Originally Posted by sharpshooter

The "J" series short actions used a long action bolt head. Finding a long action .223 bolt head won't be easy.

Thanks for the information. I bought the rifle for varmint hunting so any of the .473 rims will work. It's just that I have this pile of .223 brass laying around and I like single shot rifles..

.

**Nor Cal Mikie** · 09-25-2014, 07:04 PM

I got my "J" bolt heads from SSS with no problems.

Pastprime · 09-25-2014, 07:12 PM

Originally Posted by Nor Cal Mikie

I got my "J" bolt heads from SSS with no problems.

Thanks. That is very good to know.

Hank

**Jeff518** · 09-26-2014, 11:00 AM

Why not just tool up to shoot the 220 swift? no flies on that cartridge. When the barrel is smoked, then change to a better barrel.

Pastprime · 09-26-2014, 06:21 PM

Originally Posted by Jeff518

Why not just tool up to shoot the 220 swift? no flies on that cartridge. When the barrel is smoked, then change to a better barrel.

The owner says there is quite a bit of throat erosion so I don't have much hope for accuracy from that barrel. And, I'd like something a little milder and quieter. But, I'll see how it does when it gets here.