Savage long action .308 to 9.3x62

[Sigfla]

I have an old Savage .308 from when they used long actions on everything. I have zero use for it now since I own dedicated short action .308’s. I was thinking of a cheap way to go 9.3 with a barrel swap, new express sights, and a barrel band swivel. Has anyone done this before and any advice on feeding issues regarding the old magazine. I think my action will need some work to allow for feeding of the 9.3 and probably a new magazine.

 

[Robmill70]

Do a 35 Whelen or are you set on the 9.3?

 

[Sigfla]

Not married to either. I like the idea of the 9.3 just for ammo availability if and when I take it to Africa.

 

[AZDAVE]

I built one on what was a savage 110 30/06 years ago to see if I like the 9.3 enough to build on a mauser action. (Gave my savage 9.3 to my youngest brother) as they say the rest is history as 9.3x62 in my favorite under 40 cal med bore round.

I fed perfectly from the 06 length magazine. You will need to get the 06 mag insert, take the old barrel off, screw the new barrel on, set the headspace, and enjoy. (Would need to get the same insert to convert to 35 Whelen too) In the 308 length you could easily change to any of the 08 variants (243-358win)

 

[mdwest]

In the 308 length you could easily change to any of the 08 variants (243-358win)

Yep!

My long action savage 110 is a 358 Win build that @AZDAVE helped me source parts for…

Feeds and shoots like a dream…

I’ve got much nicer rifles in the safe… but the 110 in 358 win is what’s being taken to the deer woods this year… it’s a fun rifle to shoot …

Ballistically 358 win is similar to 9.3… a bit easier to find ammo for in the US… and you’d have less work to do with that conversion (either remote or replace the barrel and you are done)…

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

I have an old Savage .308 from when they used long actions on everything. I have zero use for it now since I own dedicated short action .308’s. I was thinking of a cheap way to go 9.3 with a barrel swap, new express sights, and a barrel band swivel. Has anyone done this before and any advice on feeding issues regarding the old magazine. I think my action will need some work to allow for feeding of the 9.3 and probably a new magazine.

@Sigfla
Providing the the action is long enough you will be able to do it.
The mag may need some mods bit if it has a block in it it may be just a new follower.
If it can't be done you could just have the barrel rebored to .358 and have yourself a dandy little 358 win.
Bob

 

[MS 9x56]

I have an old Savage .308 from when they used long actions on everything. I have zero use for it now since I own dedicated short action .308’s. I was thinking of a cheap way to go 9.3 with a barrel swap, new express sights, and a barrel band swivel. Has anyone done this before and any advice on feeding issues regarding the old magazine. I think my action will need some work to allow for feeding of the 9.3 and probably a new magazine.

Order a 30-06 follower from savage and you should be fine.