338 lapua from savage axis?

[heft]

Curious as to whether I can use a 30-06 savage axis as a donor action for a 338 lapua build. I would use a correct 338 lapua bolt head and new custom barrel.
I would also use the MDT LSS chassis .

I'm just too cheap to buy a 110 for a donor action.

Anyone know if this would work?

 

[cdn shooter]

The Lapua uses a what savage calls a large shank action. The barrel and nut are 1.12” instead of 1.05”. Doesn’t sound like much but I bet there’s a reason for it...and it probably involves not needing to dig chunks of barrel steel out of your face.

 

[dero338]

Well, they dont even risk it in beltedmag cartridges. There is probably a reason why.
Keep in mind that if you can't afford the cheap 111 or 700 that are already on the market, you definitly can't afford feeding it. If you want to do what this cartridge is made for, you dont go cheap.

 

[heft]

Keep in mind that if you can't afford the cheap 111 or 700 that are already on the market, you definitly can't afford feeding it. If you want to do what this cartridge is made for, you dont go cheap.

Its not that I can't afford to feed it, it's more a matter of me being stingy. I had also heard that the 700 bolt face was not suited for a .580 rim.

 

[Kelly Timoffee]

Don't be stingy with something like this.

Your next thread will be "My Axis in .338 LM blew apart/won't/shoot/doesn't feed/etc..............."

Stingy = something in .223 feeding bulk ammo.

Even the Savage actions for .338 are essential on the bottom end of "strong enough".

Don't do what you are thinking of doing.

.338 LM , nothing is cheap, inexpensive or stingy about it.

Did you price out brass?

 

[rifleman338]

Curious as to whether I can use a 30-06 savage axis as a donor action for a 338 lapua build. I would use a correct 338 lapua bolt head and new custom barrel.
I would also use the MDT LSS chassis .

I'm just too cheap to buy a 110 for a donor action.

Anyone know if this would work?

Why not stay on the safe side and look for a used 110 in 338LM in the EE ? By the time your said and done you will most likely be around the same $$ and won't have to make a trip to the ER or worse. The Axis is a cheap entry rifle and was not designed for the LM. Maybe it's just me but I kinda like my face the way it is and an ear on either side of my head. Just sayin.

 

[dero338]

Shot 2 barrels on my first 338LM. Was a sako 995.
I built the new one on a stiller tac 338 single shot. I can now get what the cartridge can give.
Too bad I dont have enough time to play with it

 

[rkm456]

With a little effort you should be able to get a Savage 111 LRH in .338 Lapua for about $1000. Then you don't need to be concerned about losing face.

 

[Markus]

Can you do it? Probably. But it's like kicking a grizzly bear in the nuts at the zoo. Yeah you can probably do it. But there is a price to pay.

 

[buji88]

I'm gonna kick the dead horse and say why? As much as I love the Axis and fully plan to do a build on it one day I don't think it's the right choice for it. Maybe look at something a bit smaller? I think they used to make the Edge in Magnum calibers, and the Axis is the Edge (they had branding issues.) But, if you want to build a 338 on it do 338 Federal! That would be cool or do something goofy and weird on it, maybe 224 Valkyrie?

 

[SUSSEX]

Interesting, I have built countless Axis from .17, 22 BR, 7mm... well anything odd that I can get a barrel for a reasonable price. The actions are excellent, tools are cheap, other savage barrels fit with ease both factory and aftermarket. That's why they are the best gun on the market. That said I have more fun and find more accuracy from a used donor Axis action, a couple of Boyds stocks in both long and short action, covers them all, and and change them back and forth, headspace and of course decent quality barrels are key. So the SAMI specs show around 60,200 psi for the 30-06 and 61,000 for the 338. That scares me, of course that's max everything. Also without a proper brake recoil would fold up the factory Axis stock..... The brass will pass through the ejection port..... I checked. I do know when I send a 285 grain Hornady close to max charge, you know it. A sh-t ton of energy is spent! Although peeking my curiosity, when you lay both guns out side by side it becomes clear, Lapua is bigger, more robust in every way! I say no go. I could see the bolt lug lands failing, catastrophic failure and personal injury. Buy the gun in 338 factory built. Don't build it. Why take the chance...