Bjorn's Savage Grendel project

[BjornF16]

Well...my Pac Nor Grendel barrel is finally in! Unfortunately, I won't be able to start the breakdown until I get back from a business trip.

Attached photos of the before breakdown...Savage 10 FCM "Scout" rifle in 7.62x39 with the Pac-Nor Grendel "match" barrel in the raw.

Interestingly, the AA 115 Berger bullet won't fit in the chamber whereas AA 129 SST, AA 120 TSX and Hornady 123 A-Max all fit fine.

My gameplan is to handload 129 SST in Lapua brass (Lapua head stamp) and see how well that shoots. I'm using Lapua head stamped brass to segregate from my AR brass (allowing me to neck size only). These will be slightly "hotter" than the AR rounds.

Will post pics as the project progresses.

New barrel 2.JPGNew barrel 1.jpg

[txgunner00]

Very cool. What did that barrel set you back?

[BjornF16]

$260 for the super match barrel (CrMo, 1 in 8 twist, 5 groove, hand lapped), plus $125 for chambering, contouring, crowning and threading for Savage action.

[Von Gruff]

That is going to be a neat little package. Great to see a few more bolt rifle variations coming together. Are you going to load a bit longer or is the chamber and magazine restricting you to basic Grendel length?

[Wild Geese 1]

Thank you for posting, I have a Scout on its way, I will be interested in your build. I was thinking that I would like to find a Lilja, or Bartlein barrel for mine if possible, but if your barrel works out for you, I may change my mind. Please keep us informed.

[BjornF16]

Von Gruff

I did not specify a longer throat...it is a Grendel "Match" chamber (which is a .295 diameter versus the .300). Loading 129 SSTs for my AR I was limited by magazine length so I should be able to push the OAL out some. When I get back from my trip, I'll measure the bullet seating depth for contact with lands.

[Wild Geese 1]

Have you had a chance to get anything done yet?

[BjornF16]

Finally getting back to project. I had tried removing the factory barrel using wood barrel vice and the Savage barrel nut wrench, but no go - barrel twisted in wood blocks (didn't have any resin).

I decided to get an action wrench since it works for both Savage and Rem 700's. Much easier this way.

Here's a few pics of the barrel nut wrench and action wrench; barrel finally removed!

[BjornF16]

Time to Gunkote the new Pac-Nor barrel. Used a friends paint rig to paint/bake the barrel. Pretty sweet setup.

Barrel slides over a brass rod supported at both ends - ready to paint. After painting, the paint rig slips into the baking "box" (steel box with wood lid; box sits on a 3 burner camping stove).

Bake at 325F for 1 hour, then let cool.

[Nukes]

Mark Gordon of Short Action Customs is developing .223 and .300BLK conversion kits for the DTA SRS.

http://shortactioncustoms.com/?p=1047

Seems like a 6.5 Grendel kit wouldn't be too far off.

[BjornF16]

Barrel with freshly baked, matte black Gunkote:

[dpw4x4]

Nice set you have there cant wait to see the finished gun. What size scope are you going to use for this

[BjornF16]

Right now planning on a Vortex Viper PST 2.5-10x44 for optics...

[Variable]

You are going to have one vey slick and handy little rifle. Good scope choice too. It ought to be handy and deadly.

I like the barrel coating rig too. Pretty neat.

[BjornF16]

Assembling the rifle back together. Changed out the bolt head for a Sharp Shooter Supply's PPC head and also changed out the factory bolt handle for a SSS tactical handle. Waiting on some Talley Lightweight rings for the Viper PST...hopefully will take her out shooting next week.

For anyone interested in a Savage conversion (or upgrading your Savage), Sharp Shooter Supply has some nice parts: http://www.sharpshootersupply.com