Rebarreling long action to short action cartridge?

[OldSavage]

Will a short action cartridge work in a long action reciever? I was just wondering if there would be any point in rechamberring an long action I have lying around with a 243 barrel.

I know I will have to modify the mag well and change the bolt face, just wondering if it is feasible.

Thanks,

 

[sunray]

You'll likely end up with feeding issues. You should be able to fix that with a spacer in the mag well.
"...change the bolt face..." Depends on what cartridge the action was made for. The .243 has the same case head diameter as a .30-06. So if any previous case was based on the .30-06, you won't have to do anything to the bolt face. However, if the action was made for a belted magnum, larger case headed cartridge or rimmed cartridge(that'd be kind of unusual), you'll have to modify the extractor.

 

[alberta tactical rifle]

Many of the Marine Corps M40s were long actions but chambered for 308, it works fine, especially if you intend to long seat ULD type bullets. I recommend that guys building 260s use the long action so as to get the perrformance from the very long 142 gr bullets.
Unless the action you have is for a magnum, the bolt face should be correct,I have never seen a small bolt face bolt used in a long action.
The feed rails may be an issue if it is a magnum however.