Savage re-barrel.

[MountainWalk]

 Many years ago,, well maybe four, some guy was explaining to me the process and ease of doing this job on a Savage and checking headspace with an empty hull.  Im kinda thinking about it again, as I'm looking for a dirt cheap rifle to mess with. Anyone familiar with it?

[FALFire]

Yep I just finished one a week ago.

What do you want to know?

[iusmc2002]

The ER Shaw barrel kits come with the headspace gauges, no need to use an empty case.  I've never seen it done like that, so I'd be interested in how it works too. 

Lay it on us FALFire! 

[MountainWalk]

Okay,  I know they use a lock nut sort of deal and a recoil lug similiar to a Remington 700. And that it takes a special tool. As long as bolt face is same spec, could you use any long action cartridge, provided thats the rifle you started with? exp:  338 win mag to a 458 win mag? or perhaps 338 win mag to 264?  What kind of barrel and cal options for short action does Savage offer?

[brokenvet]

Yes ER Shaw barrel kits comes with Go & NO go gauges.  Gauges could be off as I have experienced many moons ago. 

If you plan on using a case just make sure it is a resized case, trimmed to length and not a freshly fired case.

I think you can replace the bolt face on the Savage.

[Slenk]

Only takes 20 to 30 minutes. To change barrels on a Savage.
Stevens 200 are the same.
I only use sized cases for headspace.
Barrel nut wrench and homemade action vise.

[FALFire]

Yep a resized case will work for a go gauge, then a piece of tape over the case head trimmed around the edges will work for a no-go gauge. You will need a barrel nut wrench to remove and re-install the barrel nut, Savageshooterssupply.com has a nice one that will accept the newer smooth barrel nut. No need to torque the barrel nut real tight, just a hand snug fit is all that is required. Savage uses a gorilla to tighten the factory barrels so they can be a bitch to get loose at first. I use a wheeler barrel vise from MidwayUSA but they are not necessary, it can be done with wood blocks and a regular bench vise but I barrel a lot of AR's too so it comes in handy.

Bolt heads can also be swapped very easily, just be certain when you do a barrel job that when you head space it you need to remove the ejector and ejector spring to get a true reading. 

If you are planning this swap join Savageshooters.com there is a ton of info there that will get you through it. Northland Shooters Supply has several different quality barrels in stock to assist your caliber selection. Most of the small parts can be purchased through Brownells or MidwayUSA. I have swapped a dozen of the Stevens/Savage barrels and actions and they have all turned out to be good shooters. I just picked up another Stevens 200 Short action 223 that I am going to build on for my wife. StockysStocks.com has a large assortment of aftermarket stocks to choose from also. Just be sure of your action screw spacing for stock selection.

[Slenk]

Okay,  I know they use a lock nut sort of deal and a recoil lug similiar to a Remington 700. And that it takes a special tool. As long as bolt face is same spec, could you use any long action cartridge, provided thats the rifle you started with? exp:  338 win mag to a 458 win mag? or perhaps 338 win mag to 264?  What kind of barrel and cal options for short action does Savage offer?

Long Actions You can build pretty much what you want.
Short Actions:
Most .308 based cartridges will work. .243,7-08,338fed.
22-250,250savage,etc.,257Roberts( if you don't want to load heaver bullets). without a bolt head or magazine change.
Action bolt spacing:
Don't need to worry about this unless you are changing stocks.
Bolt spacing is center to center.
All long action bolt spacing is the same 5.062". there is a J action or intermediate that is 4.56".Short actions the difference is in the staggered feed 4.275"and center feed 4.415".
http://www.gunnersgear.com/savage_pics/caliber_case_head_sizes.pdf
Just because it fits don't mean it will feed.