Are short-action magazines too short? Spoiler: yes but there’s an easy answer


Q: I have come to realise that most short-action rifles have magazines that are too short, averaging 2.85” (72mm). 

This may be fine for cartridges like the .308 and necked-down versions like the .243 and 7mm-08, but the 6mm Rem, .257 Roberts, 6.5-284 and .284 Win are cramped and bullets must be seated deeply to fit in the magazine. 

This reduces powder capacity, preventing these cartridges from achieving their full potential. 

Are there short-action rifles which have magazines long enough to allow bullets to be seated out further?

John Hewitt

A: There are some short-action rifles which have 3” (76mm) magazines instead of 2.85” with the advantage of allowing shallower bullet seating. 

This is fine with short cartridges based on the .308 case but the 6.5-284 and .284 Win are better suited in a medium-length action. 

A rifle for the .257 Roberts should have a long action where magazine length allows the chamber to be long-throated so the round can be loaded to its full potential.

This is one area where I disagree with American gun writers, who have never understood how to gain the full potential of the good ol’ Roberts. Or maybe they don’t want to upset the makers of these rifles?

 

 

 


Like it? Share with your friends!

What's Your Reaction?

super super
10
super
fail fail
18
fail
fun fun
16
fun
bad bad
14
bad
hate hate
12
hate
lol lol
10
lol
love love
9
love
omg omg
4
omg
Nick Harvey

The late Nick Harvey (1931-2024) was one of the world's most experienced and knowledgeable gun writers, a true legend of the business. He wrote about firearms and hunting for about 70 years, published many books and uncounted articles, and travelled the world to hunt and shoot. His reloading manuals are highly sought after, and his knowledge of the subject was unmatched. He was Sporting Shooter's Technical Editor for almost 50 years. His work lives on here as part of his legacy to us all.

0 Comments