Barrel swaps and accuracy

[dpollard]

I know Savages are known for their ability to quickly change out barrels. I have a barrel I have worked up a few known good loads for (22-250). If I take that barrel off to put another caliber (.308) on the receiver, then put the original (22-250) barrel back on later, will this affect my accuracy? In other words, does head-space affect accuracy, assuming you are within the tolerances of SAAMI specs?

[JW]

No
But it could change the OAL length to rifling by a .001 or two if not set back to original setting
Point of impact could change a small amount (but you will be zeroing again anyway)
Your die setting could need to be tweaked a little too
Some guys put a witness mark on the barrel/lug before removing
I would not be too concerned
Jack

[scope eye]

I always put a small mark on the bottom of the barrel, in line with the recoil lug cutout works every time.

Dean

[shagerott]

+1 Dean.. It saves time setting it up too. :-)

[scope eye]

Sorry if this seems like bragging cause it is not. But I can now swap a barrel and be firing away in less than 5 min. less than 10 min at the range.

Dean

[dpollard]

Thanks for the replies. That helps a lot.

[FW Conch]

Dean, if you don't mind, when you change barrels at the range in 10 min, what is your procedure for torquing the nut?

Thanks...Jim :-)

[scope eye]

Hey Jim, easy I hold they action by the recoil lug with a large adjustable wrench with one hand. And tighten the barrel nut with they other.
easy as pie.

Dean

[shagerott]

+1, same here. I do use some masking tape to protect the receiver nearest the recoil lug.

[FW Conch]

OK. I used to torque to 40 ft lbs but it's good to know I'm in good company "guesstimating".

Thanks Guys...Jim :-)

[scope eye]

Tighten the barrel nut as hard as you can until it gets easy again then go back 1/2 a turn

Dean

[FW Conch]

10-4 :-)