Savage 99 rotary magazine question

[hifiwasabi]

I'm looking at purchasing a Savage 99 for rebarreling to .338 Federal with a 20" tube. I know I need a .473 bolt face, but is there are any differences between the magazine spindle for a .308 vs a .300 Savage? The gunsmith I've been in talks with has said a .308 or .243 would be mod free, but .300 Sav's are almost dimensionally the same and can be had cheaper; especially if the wood is junk.

Another thought; is there any differences in the receivers that make a .300 rifle less able to handle the chamber pressures of a more modern cartridge based off the .308? What accuracy might one be able to accheive with a 99 and handloads?

 

[tiriaq]

A .308 rotor should work with .338 Federal, or only minor modifications would be needed. A .300 rotor would need serious rework. Rifle might be cheaper, but the conversion of the magazine might offset this advantage.
Rebarreling a 99 Savage is a project not to be undertaken lightly. It is a lot more complex than rebarreling most any bolt action rifle. The breeching is much more complicated.
For your .338 project with rotary magazine, I would suggest a late production .308 or .243. A 99c with box magazine would avoid magazine complications.
A well used 300 would not be a good choice.

 

[hifiwasabi]

Good to know that a 'C' model with the detachable mag would work too. I'll put up a WTB ad in the near future for a .308. The .243's seem to be less common and more collectible.

The gunsmith I've been talking to has done several 99 rebarrels and is not deterred, so that's a good sign. Though I mentioned 760's to him and he wasn't the least bit interested. Go figure.

 

[tiriaq]

I would consider a 760 to be easier than a 99, having done both.

The 99 is complicated by the finger at the top of the bolt and the extractor.

 

[hifiwasabi]

So I've read, but I always wanted a 99 in 338.