Which rifle actions are the strongest and safest?

Q: I am seeking your opinion on what is the strongest action for a simon-pure hunting rifle. I know it’s rare, but should I have a blown primer or a case-head separation, in your experience, which action is likely to handle it best? There are no guarantees in these situations with 60,000psi of burning, hot gases, but I’m sure some actions must handle it better than others.

I hunt deer and goats with a Tikka T3x Lite in 7mm-08 Rem. The Tikka’s action is svelte and silken to operate. I’ve fitted a stainless-steel bolt shroud and stiffened the stock with aftermarket aluminium bottom metal. This rifle is very accurate, but I wonder how well that dainty little T3x action would survive a worst-case scenario?

I’ve heard Weatherby Mark Vs, Ruger No 1s and pre-1964 Winchester Model 70s are by far the strongest actions ever made. The fellows at my range claim current production Model 70s, Ruger 77s and Mauser 98s also have an excellent reputation for strength. What do you think?

I am confused by the huge variations in Mauser 98-style actions. What is the difference between commercial actions like the Santa Barbara, Parker Hale, Interarms Mark X and others? Does any one action stand head and shoulders above the rest in terms of strength and longevity?

“Seriola”

A: Your “dainty” Tikka T3x Lite action will handle a blown primer or a head separation as well as any other well-designed action made of modern steel. Actions do vary in strength, but it is the strength of the brass that is the critical factor.

Cases are made to withstand working pressures of 60,000psi, which are normal in factory ammunition these days. If handloads generate pressures far above normal limits, the brass case will be permanently deformed and ruined. The diameter of the case head, rim or belt may be enlarged and the primer pocket so expanded that a primer will drop out.

If pressures are pushed higher, the shooter will see the results of a case failure — a tremendous quantity of high-temperature gas rushes back through the action, often wrecking it and injuring the shooter. Some actions will handle this kind of thing better than others, and the Winchester Model 70, Ruger M77 and Mauser 98s are strong, but so are the current tri-lug actions.

All of the commercial Mausers you list are good strong ones, but the more sophisticated, upgraded version seen on the Rigby and genuine Mauser rifles is nicer.