short action caliber?

[MThuntr]

Ok so I "accidentally" bought a Savage/Stevens 200 7mm-08 for cheap to use as a donor...so which short action caliber would you build a rifle on? I'm tempted to build a 260 or 308 but would consider something a little more exotic.

I already have 204, 223 (ar-15), 22-250, 30-30, 7mm-08, 7mmRemMag, & 300WSM so you can see the is some room in there to cause some trouble.

 

[AustinL]

In the process of looking for a model 7 action to build a .250 savage on for my son

 

[WyOpitz]

I am converting my 7mm08 to a 6.5 creedmoor . My vote is for a 260,6.5 creedmoor or a 257 Roberts. All great calibers.

 

[jryoung]

i cant say I dont have any overlap with all my 7mms but if you can expand the bolt face for a magnum I'd build a 358WSM.

If you want to stay smaller I'd lean 260 Rem, or if you want to go exotic on the smallish bore and can go magnum bolt face then build a 6.5 SAUM...there is rumor of this brass coming soon.

 

[Jon Boy]

I always liked the idea of a 338 federal. Any 6.5 would be great for something smaller

 

[1_pointer]

Of the options you listed, I'd pick the 260. However, if you don't load your own, I could easily see the logic in choosing the 308. I used a 260 on pronghorn this year and think rounds of that ilk are about model perfect for deer sized game.

That said, if you don't load your own ammo, I'd sell the rifle and use the money to get a reloading setup. It will make all your other rifles much more interesting!

 

[Bambistew]

Aren't all Salvages long actions? If so do you just want a short action just to have one? I go bigger, way bigger... You're covered up on the lower end. A 260 or 308 is just more overlap with the 7-08 IMO. The only thing I'd go with on the small case size is a 338 Fed or 358 win. I think you'd see some increased performance over the 7-08 but not much.

The 7mm and 300 have very similar performance as well, your mid range is also well covered. No sense in squeezing something else in there... unless you're crazy like the rest of us.
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My picks would be a 338 Win, 35 Whelen, 358 Norma, 358 STA, or 375 H&H,

 

[MThuntr]

Actually the older guns probably were all long actions but the newer guns are different. If it were a long action, I'd build a 375H&H or a 458 Win. This is a short action so I'll have to keep things base on 308 or similar. I was thinking something like 338Fed or mayber 358 WIn.

Here's an interesting one 450Marlin or the 458x2" (i think it is the 458 American)...it would take modifications to the mag well but it could be done. Throw a 1-4x scope (find a gunsmith to put sights on it and you are in business!

 

[Bambistew]

Didn't think of the Marlin... would be a neat little rifle and be a definite step up in performance over the rest.

 

[1_pointer]

Actually the older guns probably were all long actions but the newer guns are different. If it were a long action, I'd build a 375H&H or a 458 Win. This is a short action so I'll have to keep things base on 308 or similar. I was thinking something like 338Fed or mayber 358 WIn.

Here's an interesting one 450Marlin or the 458x2" (i think it is the 458 American)...it would take modifications to the mag well but it could be done. Throw a 1-4x scope (find a gunsmith to put sights on it and you are in business!

I doubt I'd bother with modifying the mag. I'd replace it with a WSM mag and follower, as well as the bolt head. From my research, this can all be done at home, thus the beauty of the Savage/Stevens bolt guns. I'd probably go with the 458X2" as brass can be made from any regular mag brass. Might want to do a search on savageshooters forum. I bet someone has done that build.

 

[MThuntr]

I doubt I'd bother with modifying the mag. I'd replace it with a WSM mag and follower, as well as the bolt head. From my research, this can all be done at home, thus the beauty of the Savage/Stevens bolt guns. I'd probably go with the 458X2" as brass can be made from any regular mag brass. Might want to do a search on savageshooters forum. I bet someone has done that build.

That's where I got the idea of either the 450 or 458x2". I've read that these cartridges can have feeling problems. Apparently the 458x2" may need case modification to prevent neck bulging. I need to spend some time researching but right now that 7mm-08 is going to be my borrow rifle.

 

[MTGunner]

260AI or 257AI, either would be a great mountain rifle on a light action stock and 22" bbl. The AI will enable you to drop a little more powder for speed and is easier on your brass. MTG

 

[MTpubliclander]

257 Roberts defiantly.

 

[Gunner46]

I agree with Jon Boy. I was seriously considering converting my Rem 600 into that chambering for a long time. But, I'm of the age to where I feel I should start passing on unused/ underused collections to others who will enjoy them & use them for their intended purpose.

 

[MThuntr]

I think right now it will remain 7mm-08 as a loaner rifle. A gal I know has shown a little interest in hunting so I'm going to see if she likes the fit. If she likes it, I'll probably sell it to her. Knowing how much she enjoys exploring and hiking adding a rifle seems to be the next logical step.

I acquired 2 more Christmas presents (stripped AR Lowers) today but as "black rifles" tend not be all that favorable I won't get into the details.

 

[danr55]

.250 Savage Ackley Improved. Accurate, light weight. Minimal recoil and deadly.