Has anyone converted a Savage 220 over to a Smokeless muzzleloader? I have one that's just sitting in the safe and not being used.
I’m not sure if yours is the accutriger accustock but it likely is. You would not have to look for a stock if it is. The accustock is a decent stock for heavy recoil. The issue that’s (unknown) is if the bolt (removable) head can be swapped out for a standard bolt (head) face. You would need to verify this by purchasing a standard bolt face to compare the distances (depth) of the 20 gauge vs standard. This would need to be verified before (costs about $50 for a standard bolt face. The savage 220 does have the locking lugs and bolt and is built similar to a 110 long action. The large side port would be a great option for those with large fingers for an HIS module built setup.
Another option that might work would be to set it up on a direct ignition option - you would have to remove the bolt each time to make this work.
I’m not sure if this has the large or small shank barrel diameter so that would also need to be checked.
There’s a few routes that I would recommend.
1- Get with Jeff at Hankins precision rifles and have this discussion.
2- Check out savageshooters.com and pm a few of the members that have swapped out barrels on the 220.
3- Order a standard bolt face. Take it to a competent gunsmith - take the 20 gauge barrel off (via nut loosening) to see if it will work. Replace the 20 gauge bolt head with the standard bolt head and check the firing pin for proper timing (and amount that sticks out the bolt face in the fired position). Then make sure the bolt will close with the new bolt face. You might not have to take the barrel off to see if it works.
4- This is new territory and I don’t know if this has been done before - but it might just work. Savage bolt heads (rifles) can be swapped (or at least could be) out from small to standard to magnum as long as barrels are swapped. You could turn a 7wsm into a 243 for example and just the opposite. I’ve done a lot of conversions and all have worked -on centerfire savage rifles
The 220 is labeled as a bolt action slug gun. My guess (could be wrong) is that the action is a converted 110 action that can handle the pressures of a bolt action rifle and it likely shares the small or large shank barrel diameters of standard rifles.
5- Sell it and buy an accutrigger accustock savage in 243-6.5-7-08 or .308 and then you can in fact make a muzzy conversion that has been done before
Best of wishes. If you lived out west- I would take it apart for you just out of curiosity to see if it would work.
