What caliber for my Savage 111?

That's the most common bolt head available. You could chamber for most rimless cartridges from 22-250 to any of the boomers, short of the mags (WSM's, belted mags).

I need a new one because it was determined a long time ago because of the chamber having excess headspace.

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Unless you're out of threads, just adjust headspace by turning the barrel in to fit snug on a go-gauge (no ejector in bolt).

FIVETWOSEVEN said:

I have a Savage 111 that needs a new barrel. The bolt is for a 30-06 So I'm limited in choices. I'm looking at either getting another 30-06 barrel but I'm considering getting a .308. Is there another caliber that fits the same bolt that I should consider?




Before anyone asks about the old barrel. I need a new one because it was determined a long time ago because of the chamber having excess headspace. I'm just finally getting around to getting a new barrel.

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Yes I would say you have a few choices...............
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.30-06_Springfield_Wildcat_Cartridges

22-250,243,260,7mm-08,308,338fed,358win,240wthby,257roberts,25-06,270 ,280,30-06,35whelen. there is a few to pick from i left out some wildcats like the 6.5-06 and 338-06 and i am sure there are a few more

MtnCreek said:

Unless you're out of threads, just adjust headspace by turning the barrel in to fit snug on a go-gauge (no ejector in bolt).

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Yep. Really easy fix with an action or barrel vise, barrel nut wrench and a set of headspace gages.

What about a 280? Or a 25-06?

260 Remington would be my suggestion.

What do you hunt and how far do you shoot? The good ol 06 is a great all around caliber, but if you shoot long distances or just want something unique I would get a 280 (AI) or a 6.5-06, that is what I initaly bought my Savage 06 for, shame the factory barrel shot so good and I cannot bare to tear it down . If you hunt very large game or just want a heavy thumper I would make a 35 Whelen or 338-06.
Seeing as you have a long action I would not chamber it for a short action cartrage such as the 308, 7-08 or 338 Fed, it can be done no doubt but not it is advisable.

Since I don't know what you're going to use it for I'll suggest something off the wall. How about a .240 Weatherby? It has the same head size as a .30-06 and the same length. Also, if you like to reload it offers some fun reloading challenges such as forming a belt on a .30-06 case to make your own .240 Weatherby brass.

And best of all since you're starting with a Savage, it will be easy to replace the barrels that you burn out with the .240 Weatherby.

I can`t believe you have a 111 & it needs a new barrel, what is it bent ?

They must have run the camber reamer waaaay too far into the barrel then. If that's the case a little work on the lathe can still save that barrel. Just need to shorten the rear section so it can clear the bolt head at the correct headspace. That kind of problem, chamber so grossly over-cut that the bolt hits the rear of the barrel before you thread in deep enough to get correct headspace, is the only thing that can't be fixed by just turning the barrel farther into the receiver. Regardless of the problem, that rifle should have never made it past QC at Savage.

What is the clearance range between the barrel and bolt head on a properly chambered and headspaced Savage?

What they're saying, is that an excessive headspace problem can be solved by just turning back the barrel on a Savage.

I too, cannot think of a possible situation where this would not solve the issue. Especially if the rifle left the factory with correct headspace. If it has developed that much excessive headspace, you likely have big problems somewhere else.

The only reason you should have to change the barrel is if it is shot out, or not in a profile/length/quality that you want.

You have a lot of choices for that chambering. My favorite, the .25-06 Remington. flat trajectory, good velocity and it will take anything from varmint to Elk.

Been my favorite cartridge for over 30 years.

Well....if you wanted to change calibers to something outside the 30-06 family....you can get a new boltface for a savage from midway fo something like 25 bucks or so. Not expensive at all and can really open up your options. Ive got a 112 in 25-06 that i was thinking of turning into a shortmag there for a while....

Check out pac-nor barrels. If you can think it up they can chamber for it. Just look at thier available calibers....that should give you ideas....

.17-06. I think you're be more than pleased.

Clearance between boltface and barrel shank has little to do with headspace on a Savage. As long as boltface doesn't contact barrel shank, headspace can be "adjusted" by loosening the barrel nut and turning barrel deeper into action.

If you handload the .257 Roberts is a sweet deer round, if you don't the .25-06 is a great choice. If you had a short action or were recoil adverse you can't go wrong with a .243.

I just upgraded to the .270, and I'm very happy with it. At the same time, If I were to pick any barrel off the lot, it would be a 25-06.

ANYTHING working off the 30-06 case will not disapoint. From the 25-06 all the way up to the 35 Whelen, there are no losers.

Well, perhaps it could be reamed deeper, then, and perhaps not.

Either way, if you want a new caliber, then pick one! .25-06 is a lighter kicker than your .30-06, and a flat shooter.

If you liked your .30-06 as it was, then just get a new .30-06 barrel and be happy. You'll find more ammo that caliber on the shelf.

9.3x62

As a bonus you can reform all you old '06 brass, or buy cheap Prvi Partizan ammo.