Interchanging barrels

[Ratbuster]

Last year I built two Target Action based 20 caliber varmint rifles (20 Vartarg and 20 Practical) with Boyd's thumbhole stocks and 26" Criterion bull barrels. I installed pillars and bedded both and they shoot extremely well, averaging around .25 to .30 inch CTC at 100 yards.

I also have the parts to build third Target Action. It is a new 20 Practical Criterion barrel with muzzle brake but has not yet been put together because the action is off to Sharp Shooters Supply for their truing and tune service. I am impatient and really don't want to wait to get the action back before trying the new muzzle brake so I am thinking about temporarily installing the new barrel onto my original 20 Practical action and stock. I know the Savage is billed as a switch barrel gun but I am wondering if the existing bedding and pillar job might not mate perfectly with the new barrel. If I do this I will use the original precision lug and nut I bought from from Northland Shooters.

Thanks for your experiences

[Nor Cal Mikie]

You're replacing the "barrel" only so get with it!! Set the headspace as usual and go shooting.

[RC20]

Like he says. As you have bull barrels and they don't get any larger, any barrel type will fit, more clearance if its smaller, fine if its another bull.

[earl39]

If the action is bedded i would use the recoil lug in the rifle now so as not to change anything other than the barrel

[Ratbuster]

Thanks for confirming this will work well guys