Savage model 10 FP .223 to .308

[lanole]

I am about to buy a new Savage model 10 FP.  I know the Savages are famous for being fairly simple to change calibers by changing barrels via the barrel nut to receiver configuration.  What I need to know is if it is possible to change one of the before mentioned guns from either a .223 to .308 or .308 to .223 by changing the barrels.  What else would be involved or is it even possible?  I want the two different calibers to be able to shoot coyotes and switch to the heavier to tackle my neighbors wild hog problem (He's helping with the bill of the rifle that's why I want the two for one).  Just wondering, any advice is welcomed.  Thanks.

[SEshooter]

lanole, you can change the caliber either way.  With the difference in .223 and .308 you will need to change the bolt head as well as barrel.  It is easy to do.  A better idea is to get a complete second bolt from midway and then when you change the barrel you just swap the bolts.

[Val]

The 25-06 will handle lighter bullets for coyotes and to up to 120 grain bullets for hogs. You would then only have to re-zero the scope when going from one to the other.

[lanole]

I've never thought about the 25-06.  I found one with the heavy barrel like I want for about $400.00.  What kind of range will it have compared to the .223 and .308's?  What about its shoulder thumping abilities?  I plan on putting it in one of the new Choate Ultimate varmint stock with some lead shot/fiberglass filling for added weight.

[tbmaker]

The 25-06 will reach way past the 223 but won't hit as hard as the 308 out 200 yds or so. I don't know how big the pigs are but the 120 gr Nosler Partion should do the trick for most situations. Recoil is mild compared to the 308.
I don't think you'll be handicapped with the 25-06, I own 2 of them.

[lanole]

Thanks for all the info guys.  Most of the hogs are between 75 to 150 lbs.  The largest boar I've killed went about 215.  He was about 290 yards out in an open pature with no way to sneak in closer.  A good rangefinder and the 30-06 did the trick.  I'm now leaning heavily towards the 25-06.  Does the same "1000 ft lbs energy" rule apply for clean kills on hogs as it does deer or do you need a little more ft lbs for hogs thus reducing kill range?  The last thing I want to do is have to track one of those things wounded in thick underbrush.  Does the heavy bull barrel help at all?  Can't wait to shoot with that accutrigger everyone's been talking about.  I've never shot a 25-06.  I've had several .243s, a couple .270s, a .308 single and bolt, and the 30-06 I shoot now.  I don't think the recoil of my 30-06 is all that bad.  It woulld definitely be a lot better on the wallet to get one gun to handle both tasks.

[Val]

I have a Savage 110 FP with a 24" heavy barrel in 25-06. I have chronographed my 120 grain Nosler Partitions at an average velocity of 3008 FPS. According to a Ballistic Calculator this bullet will deliver 1440 ft-lbs of energy at 300 yds and 1198 ft-lbs of energy at 400 yds. I don't think you will have any problems with those pigs with the 120 grain Nosler Partition. I get .75" three shot groups consistantly with this load.

[lanole]

Just thought I would let everyone know what I decided and my thought process behind it.  I've decided to go with the Savage 10 FP-LE2A in .223.  I decided on this gun because I already have a Savage 116SS long action in .30-06.  I could order a .25-06 varmint contour barrel that will fit this rifle later on.  By having a short action Savage as well, the possibilities seem endless.  Since barrels only run about $150.00 and tactical type stocks are also about $150.00 I figured this was the most logical way to go at this time.  I think my next purchase will definitely be the .25-06 barrel after all the great reviews you guys gave it!  Thanks to all who responded with their advice and opinions. :toast:

[lanole]

Just when I thought I had it all figured out i find this:
Important Savage Receiver Information: Savage actions Pre-2000 utilized a barrel with a nominal barrel thread diameter of 1.062". When Savage started chambering for the Super Short and Ultra Mags in 2001, they began utilizing a slightly larger barrel thread diameter of 1.125". Standard magnum chamberings (i.e. 300 Winchester Magnum etc.) were also fabricated using the larger barrel thread at that same time. All current and subsequent Savage actions will be utilizing the larger 1.125" diameter thread. At present, Adams & Bennett only offers barrels with the smaller diameter barrel thread (1.062").
Now what?  Anybody know where to get a barrel that fits the newer receivers.  I am reading this correctly, right?  Their barrels will NOT fit either of my two new rifles.

[PA-Joe]

I hope you do not think the savage is like a T/C contender or encore. You just can't unscrew and rescew in new barrels. You have to set the correct head space with go no-go gages every time you change the setup. Then you will never be able to line them up the same way each time so the points of impact will change. Why not just buy a backup REF or H&R gun? Under $200.00.

[lanole]

Thanks for all the input guys.  Don't get me wrong, I am fully aware that the Savages are no where near as easy to change the barrels like a NEF/HR or T/C.  I wasn't planning on changing the barrels every weekend, just wanted to have the option should I like to.  Besides I love to tinker, so I don't sweat meticulous procedures.  Thanks for the heads up though.  Does anyone know if you can use a short action barrel with a long action receiver, provided you have the correct boltface that is?  I just like the ability to change calibers should I get the wild hair without having to buy a whole new rifle ($150-$250 vs $400-$800).  The NEF/HR guns are great guns, they're just not for me.  If I shot one more often I could probably get used to it, but I just don't like the "feel" of these guns.  To be accurate as well as precise you need to be comfortable with what you are shooting.  Thanks again for all the help.

[stork]

This link might help.  The picture clarifies everything about the differnt sizes.  You need to scroll down a little.
http://www.savageshooters.com/sharpshooters/TechnicalUpdates.html

You might also need to switch bolt heads too because I do not think the .223 and the .308 have the same head diameter.