Author Topic: 308 to 358 win conversion (Read 663 times)

melduja · « **on:** June 21, 2004, 06:46:24 PM »

Hello
I'm about to embark on a project to convert my Savage 10 in 308 to 358win. MidwayUSA has a resonably priced barrel and few other tools that I might need.

If anyone has done this before, I would appreciate some help on do and do not's. I have never converted a caliber before.
Thanks

gunnut69 · « **Reply #1 on:** June 22, 2004, 07:07:08 AM »

Well this is truly an eaasy change. These cartridges even use the same headspace guage.. The 358 is a simple wildcat based on a necked up 308. No other changes were made and the headspace guages are the same.. The worst part will be loosening the barrel nut the first time.. They can be really tight.. Start the nut on the new barrel andload the go guage into the chamber, close the bolt and screw the barrel in until it touches the headspace guage, just snug, NOT tight. Tighten the barrel nut while ensuring the barrel does not turn. Remove the go guage and replace with a no go and 'GENTLY' try closing the bolt. It should NOT close. If it does the barrel moved as it's locking nut was tightened.. do over! The 358 is a round I'm kinda interested in. Keep us informed! Thanks, Jerry

melduja · « **Reply #2 on:** June 22, 2004, 01:10:53 PM »

Jerry
Thanks for the info, I ordered the parts from Midway today, it'll be a week before I have them. You mentioned that the head space gauge is the same for both ! that is great I don't have to buy anything else to screw my 308 back on if I need to.

Magd

gunnut69 · « **Reply #3 on:** June 23, 2004, 08:08:26 PM »

Good luck.. That's a very good caliber selection. Easy switch, minimal parts and enough difference in cartridges to be useful. Let us know how it all works out...

SLAVAGE · « **Reply #4 on:** June 24, 2004, 08:32:48 PM »

what you are doing now is my winter project, to tell ya the truth i would just order the barrel an such then just take it all to a local gunsmith, ive been told around it that swaping barrels an checking the head space is an hour job an about 80$ an at least you know its 100% true on an its covered if its messed up by the smith