Thanks for the responses guys. I've had good luck with the McGowen barrel I bought to convert a savage from 30.06 to 280 AI. It shoots straight. For this current build, I ended up with a SS McGowen in 6.5x55, 1:8" twist, 24", no muzzle brake. I'll be getting a bolt head from PTG and the headspace gauges from 4D reamer rentals to complete the conversion. I'm trying to keep this a low buck build. Hopefully I won't need any gunsmith work. The action was blueprinted/trued along with a Timney trigger and glass bedding back in 2005 by Scott Null @ Savage Gunsmithing in Driggs Idaho.
Jim