Friends-

When converting a P-14 bolt for use with Magnum (i.e. .532 inch OD) cartridge head cartridges what are the steps?

Is it as simple as changing out the extractor?

Thanks in advance.

You would need to change the magazine box. The .303 box is slanted forward to accomodate the rimmed cartridge. If it's a short magnum, the original '06 box would probably work with little or no alteration. If it's a long magnum, you would need to lengthen the box accordigly and the magazine well opening as well as the feed rails for the larger diameter cartridge. I think you could probably use the original extractor, it just wouldn't have the same purchase on the extractor groove that an altered '06 extractor would have.

If you're rebarreling as well, it's easier and better to swap in an M-17 bolt to replace the P-14 one. Don't forget to chamfer and polish the front face of the extractor so the rifle will single load.

Masterifleman and ron-

Thanks for your responses. I suppose I need to be a bit more specific. The receiver is a P-14 and I intend to open it up to accept belted magnum cartridges with new magazine box and the like. I have both a P-14 bolt and a M-1917 bolt.

I thought the advantage to the P-14 bolt is the fact that one did not have to open up the bolt to accept a magnum bolt face cartridge cartridge as the P-14 bolt has a large bolt face for the .303 British.

Any comments?

Heh...
Mark, the advantage on the -14 bolt really comes into play for the very large calibers. Alpin used p14 bolts for his trex and such, due to the nature of the lugs (or some such)

anyway, for "just" a .532 casehead, either will work, and work well.

i would save the p14 for a present to jeffe,, er, for a special opccasion and just use the 17 bolt, opened up

The P14 bolt is not designed to be used with a coned breech.

If you want to go with a coned breech, you have to open up the boltface on a 1917 bolt and use it. It will work fine in a P14 receiver.

Rojelio