Savage SA build ideas

[Brant]

1/8 twist 22 creedmoor. You can fireform 22 creed from standard 22-250 or resize 6 creed. Or buy adg or Peterson's or Hornady 22 creed brass. I believe you get slightly more capacity than 22-250ai.

 

[Flyingdaddy]

So, not sure if this should go in gunsmithing or not, I think this is a good place for it.

I have a Savage short action that I got cheap, it's a newer round receiver with AccuTrigger(which will get replaced). This action has a .308 bolt face.

I'm not sure what to turn it into, it's not suited for a light rifle build, I'll do that later on a Ti action, so I'm thinking a heavier target/match/varmint type of rig. I was originally thinking I'd do something like a 6XC or 6SLR. I'm open to a 6.5/264 something or other too. Lately, since I've recently acquired a 6.5 Creedmoor I was thinking a 22-250AI with a 1:7 or something .224 caliber with a fast twist. I'm really open to just about anything. I'm pretty sure I already know everything I want to put on this thing besides the chambering and barrel, I'd like a pre-fit for simplicity sakes. High BC and lighter weight bullets is what I want (sub ~140gr or so), I don't think I'd want to go bigger than 6.5/264.

I have been considering doing something faster too, like changing the bolt face and going with a WSM/SAUM face, maybe something like a 7mm WSM/SAUM or even the 6.5 variant. Obviously over the 140gr bullets, but if I'm not going to a magnum I'd like to stay lighter.

I just need some help deciding on where to take this thing in the direction I really want. A switch barrel 22-250AI/6XC or 243AI(or something) is an idea I had but I don't know how much I want to dump into a Savage action. The switch barrel might be something I save for a later build with a custom action.

Help me decide what to do, what chambering I should make this.

I started with a Stevens short action. PT&G bolt head. Had action massaged by SSS, who also installed Savage target trigger. X-caliber barrel (6 Creedmoor). Onyx chassis. Seriously shoots better than 1/2 MOA at 600 yds and have the target to prove it.

 

[Greyfox]

I know quite a few shooters with a SA Savage that have gone with the 260AI/pre-fit and have been very pleased with the results.

 

[jrock]

I built a 6.5 SAUM on one of mine. The Savage BDL boxes are longer than the Remington so it was just a parts swap and I could load the 140 grain bullets out further.

 

[MLN1963]

If you are going to do a 22-250AI I would go 22 Creedmoor. There is only about a 1/2 grain difference and you can get good head stamped brass.

 

[spladi]

So, not sure if this should go in gunsmithing or not, I think this is a good place for it.

I have a Savage short action that I got cheap, it's a newer round receiver with AccuTrigger(which will get replaced). This action has a .308 bolt face.

I'm not sure what to turn it into, it's not suited for a light rifle build, I'll do that later on a Ti action, so I'm thinking a heavier target/match/varmint type of rig. I was originally thinking I'd do something like a 6XC or 6SLR. I'm open to a 6.5/264 something or other too. Lately, since I've recently acquired a 6.5 Creedmoor I was thinking a 22-250AI with a 1:7 or something .224 caliber with a fast twist. I'm really open to just about anything. I'm pretty sure I already know everything I want to put on this thing besides the chambering and barrel, I'd like a pre-fit for simplicity sakes. High BC and lighter weight bullets is what I want (sub ~140gr or so), I don't think I'd want to go bigger than 6.5/264.

I have been considering doing something faster too, like changing the bolt face and going with a WSM/SAUM face, maybe something like a 7mm WSM/SAUM or even the 6.5 variant. Obviously over the 140gr bullets, but if I'm not going to a magnum I'd like to stay lighter.

I just need some help deciding on where to take this thing in the direction I really want. A switch barrel 22-250AI/6XC or 243AI(or something) is an idea I had but I don't know how much I want to dump into a Savage action. The switch barrel might be something I save for a later build with a custom action.

Help me decide what to do, what chambering I should make this.

123 Lapua's in the 6.5 x 47 or the 6 x 47 twisted for light bullets.... maybe 243 Winchester

 

[johnnyk]

I've always wanted to build a .22-250AI, .243AI & .260AI. The .243 & .260AI would probably serve double duty as target/deer rifles.
The fast twist .22-250AI or .22CM would be fun to play with. Interesting to learn that the .22-250 brass can be resized to fit the CM. That could do in a pinch but I'd probably go 22CM SRP brass to get the most accuracy.
For the stock, I have a Marlin X7VH in .223 Rem that I used a 8" 3/8" threaded rod in to stiffen it up. Used the Dremel tool and routed out the fore end and used JB Weld to secure and hide it. Turned out great and really stiffened it up. Floated the barrel and tweaked the trigger and now she really shoots tight.
Good luck with your build and keep us up to speed.

 

[.300 Dakota]

So, not sure if this should go in gunsmithing or not, I think this is a good place for it.

I have a Savage short action that I got cheap, it's a newer round receiver with AccuTrigger(which will get replaced). This action has a .308 bolt face.

I'm not sure what to turn it into, it's not suited for a light rifle build, I'll do that later on a Ti action, so I'm thinking a heavier target/match/varmint type of rig. I was originally thinking I'd do something like a 6XC or 6SLR. I'm open to a 6.5/264 something or other too. Lately, since I've recently acquired a 6.5 Creedmoor I was thinking a 22-250AI with a 1:7 or something .224 caliber with a fast twist. I'm really open to just about anything. I'm pretty sure I already know everything I want to put on this thing besides the chambering and barrel, I'd like a pre-fit for simplicity sakes. High BC and lighter weight bullets is what I want (sub ~140gr or so), I don't think I'd want to go bigger than 6.5/264.

I have been considering doing something faster too, like changing the bolt face and going with a WSM/SAUM face, maybe something like a 7mm WSM/SAUM or even the 6.5 variant. Obviously over the 140gr bullets, but if I'm not going to a magnum I'd like to stay lighter.

I just need some help deciding on where to take this thing in the direction I really want. A switch barrel 22-250AI/6XC or 243AI(or something) is an idea I had but I don't know how much I want to dump into a Savage action. The switch barrel might be something I save for a later build with a custom action.

Help me decide what to do, what chambering I should make this.

I did a .22 Creedmoor with mine ising a 1:7 Criterion barrel from Northland. It has not disappointed. I wanted a lighter weight hunting rig, so I opted for a 24" barrel in aporter weight and bedded it into a Boyd's stock. Mine was top bolt release, which I much prefer working with, but they make all the parta for a bottom release, too. I bought up an extra top sear conversion of I ever buy another BBR to convert. I used a Patriot Valley barrel nut which requires milling of the Boyd's drop-in stock to fit. I beleive that's either a PTG or EABCO ground oversided lug. Trigger repacement springs from MCARBO, Midnight Blue Cerakote by local smith. Left the PV nut stainless because we figured I'd scratch up the Cerakote trying to tighten it down. I generally leave the lug silver anyway, because it goes with the bolt and blade of the Accu-Trigger (when I use a model that'a got a jeweled or stainless bolt). I didn't want the black shiny PV lug because it wouldn't match the Cerakote, most likely. You can fix that by coating the lug and the rest of the metal whatever color you want. Patriot Valley makes some jim dandy pre-fits, and there are others available, also. A word of caution about making cartridges like the 6.5x284, .284 Win, 6.5x55 SE, and other mid-length cartridges that need a long action to seat the highest BC bullets, there are ZERO quality stocks available for a long-action Savage with Bull Barrel combination in the current center-feed iteration! I've been sitting on a Carbon Six .284 Win pre-fit for a couple years because I can't get a stock EXCEPT FOR an Archangel or Choate, and both of those weigh 4 pounds! Unless you know a smith who still inlets stocks feom the ground up. It's not as simple as buying a short action sporter channel stock and sanding it out. There wouldn't be anything left of the forend for a ss!!a!8 the size of the Carbon Six Sendero (.830 @ 26"). That's fairly light compared to what most guys build.

 

[chav0_12]

What is your intended use ???? Your cartridge ideas seem to be all over the map from my perspective.

They are all over the map. That's why I'm asking. I'm thinking target/varmint. I mean the use is going to come down to what the cartridge is. Currently I don't own a .22 cal centerfire. So I was leaning that way. I also intend on finishing up a couple ARs soon too. But I like higher BCs and a little heavier weights of the 6mm. Sort of depends what I make it, that will determine its use. I can always do another one if I want to.

 

[chav0_12]

I'd go with a 22 or 6 creedmoor and put it in an MDT XRS chassis.

The unfortunate thing about that is that it's a bottom bolt release and I'm not the biggest fan of chassis, especially not here in Montana, I'd rather have a fiberglass or carbon fiber stock. Metal gets really cold.

 

[P7M13]

I'm not sure what to turn it into, it's not suited for a light rifle build,

Didn't read all four pages, but what do you consider a light rifle build?
I bought a LH Savage SA with tactical bolt knob, an accustock with a cool paint job, Ken Farrel rail, Loth Walther 20" barrel in 260 Rem, Lapua brass and Redding dies off different members here for $625 all in.
Assembled weight is 6.5 lbs.
Bought a Burris Fullfield E1 scope to put on it, but have't gotten around to that. I suspect it'll be just a tad under 8 lbs when done, using Leupold steel rings from my drawer. That's 1 lb heavier than an ideal coastal range mountain rifle (steep hills, *thick* brush), but still an easy one-handed carry while out stalking.

 

[chav0_12]

I did a .22 Creedmoor with mine ising a 1:7 Criterion barrel from Northland. It has not disappointed. I wanted a lighter weight hunting rig, so I opted for a 24" barrel in aporter weight and bedded it into a Boyd's stock. Mine was top bolt release, which I much prefer working with, but they make all the parta for a bottom release, too. I bought up an extra top sear conversion of I ever buy another BBR to convert. I used a Patriot Valley barrel nut which requires milling of the Boyd's drop-in stock to fit. I beleive that's either a PTG or EABCO ground oversided lug. Trigger repacement springs from MCARBO, Midnight Blue Cerakote by local smith. Left the PV nut stainless because we figured I'd scratch up the Cerakote trying to tighten it down. I generally leave the lug silver anyway, because it goes with the bolt and blade of the Accu-Trigger (when I use a model that'a got a jeweled or stainless bolt). I didn't want the black shiny PV lug because it wouldn't match the Cerakote, most likely. You can fix that by coating the lug and the rest of the metal whatever color you want. Patriot Valley makes some jim dandy pre-fits, and there are others available, also. A word of caution about making cartridges like the 6.5x284, .284 Win, 6.5x55 SE, and other mid-length cartridges that need a long action to seat the highest BC bullets, there are ZERO quality stocks available for a long-action Savage with Bull Barrel combination in the current center-feed iteration! I've been sitting on a Carbon Six .284 Win pre-fit for a couple years because I can't get a stock EXCEPT FOR an Archangel or Choate, and both of those weigh 4 pounds! Unless you know a smith who still inlets stocks feom the ground up. It's not as simple as buying a short action sporter channel stock and sanding it out. There wouldn't be anything left of the forend for a ss!!a!8 the size of the Carbon Six Sendero (.830 @ 26"). That's fairly light compared to what most guys build.

I agree the stock options aren't great. I did build this on a Bell and Carlson though I had to remove quite a bit of material for the barrel to fit. The stock still has its integrity. This reminds me that I should probably take a better picture of this rifle if I want to show it off.

And for everyone else, I understand the process. I just have no idea what cartridge to make this thing. I'll make this SA a lot like I built this LA. Bell and Carlson(not the same stock), PTG Bottom metal, NSS Barrel nut and lug, this SA won't have a proof barrel though, Timney trigger.

 

[Greyfox]

My Savage SA with a Criterion 24", 1:8TW, pre-fit in 6.5x47 Lapua. Exceptionally accurate!

 

[chav0_12]

Didn't read all four pages, but what do you consider a light rifle build?
I bought a LH Savage SA with tactical bolt knob, an accustock with a cool paint job, Ken Farrel rail, Loth Walther 20" barrel in 260 Rem, Lapua brass and Redding dies off different members here for $625 all in.
Assembled weight is 6.5 lbs.
Bought a Burris Fullfield E1 scope to put on it, but have't gotten around to that. I suspect it'll be just a tad under 8 lbs when done, using Leupold steel rings from my drawer. That's 1 lb heavier than an ideal coastal range mountain rifle (steep hills, *thick* brush), but still an easy one-handed carry while out stalking.

Oh, I consider light sub-6lbs, my goals for a light rifle is to try and build one sub-5lbs. I have plenty of 6.5lb rifles so I want to make this heavy, which I don't really have. A tank that won't move if I got jerky.