Spare bolt measurements, double checking

[MartyK2500]

Pretty sure i got this right, just looking for confirmation

My current target build is off a savage SA 308.
I got a spare .308 10TR unfired in the safe just cause.
Tonight i decided to swap bolts.
New bolt on old rifle, bolt closed on 1.630” .308 headspace gauge.
Wouldn’t close on 1.634” gauge.
Wouldn’t close on 1.630” gauge with a thin layer of tape.

Technically, i’m all set to carry this new bolt in my range bag to swap at a moments notice?

 

[Mystic Precision]

Fire them both with the same ammo and see if the grouping at distance and/or POI varies... the firing pin springs may be alot different which can affect the ignition and thus tuning

Otherwise, sounds like you have a back up bolt.

Jerry

 

[MartyK2500]

Thanks for the info, glad i asked.
I could write down the POI difference at 100M (my sight in range), and keep the data on a card taped to the bolt.

Since i know you have experience with Savage, do you know approximate service life of bolt parts and where one can find these parts in Canada?
If you have access to upgrade replacement parts yourself i wouldn’t mind also.

 

[Mystic Precision]

I change firing pin springs each season.. WOLFF

I keep some spare extractors, ball and spring. My F class rifle doesn't have an ejector so no parts to worry about there. Same Rifle Basix Savage 2 trigger and it is run like a champ.

Using these actions since 2004, I simply haven't seen any real parts failure and these actions have seen well over 25K of "match" ammo in competition and practise.

Not sure how the newer actions will hold up as Savage continues to adjust the designs on the fly.

Jerry

 

[MartyK2500]

Very reassuring.
Considering i do now have a spare bolt, i can just run the bolt until something fails, will just keep on top of firing pin spring maintenance.
At the same time, will dissassemble accutrigger assembly and also throw it in the bag as a spare, if ever the rifle basix should fail.
Will order some wolff firing pin springs soon, as a dealer do you carry them?
If yes we could put a few with my next SMK purchase.

 

[Ganderite]

I have run some CIL950T s (Single shot Savage) for 40 years. Only part to wear is the extractor. I have taped a spare extractor, spring and ball inside the action, should it be needed on the range.

The short action bolt had a shorter spring than the long action and there was some energy issues for ignition. Savage used "Rocket Wire" in production to solve this problem. My Savages are still running with the original springs.

I think the only "spare"you need is the extractor set. I can mail them to you. When I visited the factory I took a handful.

 

[Mystic Precision]

Having plan B for vulnerable parts is a very smart idea. You will see that with most competition shooters. Shoot in the rain enough, and things are going to go sideways... have a backup plan BUT make sure it is not in the truck or on the desk at home (DON'T ask me how I know this)

The most vulnerable part in most actions is the trigger, followed right behind by the extractor/ejector. Unless you have a massively over pressure situation, the action rarely gives grief except where the materials used to make the action cannot handle the environment shot in.

RUST is likely the biggest headache on the "wet" coast so have a game plan to mitigate the effects during shooting and definitely after. Know what happends when you take the action out of the stock.

Sorry, no more factory parts but Ganderite generous offer should be taken up on.

Get the spring from Wolff... grab a bunch for all your rifles and swap them on a regular basis. For most shooters, firing pin springs likely last a lifetime. For competition, you will be able to see changes in your target as the spring ages... sometimes with hilarious results.

Jerry

 

[MartyK2500]

That is fascinating, that firing pin spring pressure affects a target, never would of taught.
As a spare trigger i'll carry factory accutrigger, a few wolff springs will be ordered, will take you up for purchasing an extractor or 2 Ganderite (PM to follow tomorrow), and have a spare bolt that headspaces at exactly the same as this one.

So I should be all set with minimal parts after all!


As to shooting in the rain, if I should disassemble action out of chassis after a rainy day, upon reassembling I should note the shift in POI on a paper and try to predict how it behaves from time to time?