Difference between Remington 700 short actions?

[SecondsCount]

Is there a difference between a 223 short action and a 308 short action besides the bolt face?

 

[SDWhirlwind]

Yes, the feed rails are different! I used a 223 action a few yrs back to build a 6x47L as I wanted stainless and it was all I could find at the time. Rem was not selling just receivers like they do now. Anyhoo, did some grinding and a lot of polishing to get it to feed reliably 95% of the time. Wasn't perfect but I could live with it! A few yrs later I put the 6x47L barrel on an action that was my 6mm. Took the 223 action and a small bolt face bolt and did a 223AI. The 223AI feeds almost perfect and the Lapua doesn't miss a lick like it did. My worthless 2 cents is get the receiver designed from the factory for the cartridge you wish to use. Might feed perfect and might be a PIA otherwise! Selling what you have or trading it for what you need or keeping it for something down the road and a Franklin here or there is sometimes worth twice its cost vs. headached, maybe's and shade tree cluster you know what some things.

My inexperienced opinion anyhow!
Respectfully,
Dennis

 

[SecondsCount]

Thank you Dennis.

How well do you think a 308 based action will feed a 223 case if the bolts are swapped to a small bolt face?

 

[WSnyder]

Not likely to feed well at all. .223 on left. Notice no bevel on the rails and longer rails. The longer rails make sure the cartridge stays under the rails until the bullet nose enters the chamber. With beveled rails I have doubts a .223 would even stay in the mag, may ratchet out.