Long vs Short Action

[usnmorrison]

Are there any pro's or con's between a 308 short action and a 308 long action?
Thanks

 

[ttfreestyle]

I have two 6brs one on short action and one on a long action. We shoot F open so we are loading as a single shot. As far as accuracy goes they are pretty close but the long action will take the edge, but i suspect that may be due to a slightly better barrel and stock . If i was building a tac style i think i would prefer a short action for the 308 but this is just my .02 cents.

 

[Steve Blair]

Magazine fed, go with a short action. The long action would have no point. Single shot with a long throat, a long action would probably be easier. I shoot a .308 with a .280 freebore and COAL of 3.130". It would work in a short action fed singly, but that is really long action territory.

 

[effendude]

Magazine fed, go with a short action. The long action would have no point. Single shot with a long throat, a long action would probably be easier. I shoot a .308 with a .280 freebore and COAL of 3.130". It would work in a short action fed singly, but that is really long action territory.

What Steve says, with some added points. Will this rifle action always be a .308 or will you be star-struck by the next sexy sounding cartridge to come down the road or will your shooting desires change in the future? 6.5x284, .284 Win, .284 Shehane, .280 and .280 Ackley, 6.5x55, and yes even the .30-06, all are really long action cartridges when loaded with the high BC bullets that perform best at longer ranges. Bullet makers keep coming out with better, higher BC bullets which usually adds length to the bullet. You have to give up powder space or use a long action with most of these bullets. I guess you could single feed almost any cartridge into a short action if the port was large enough, but why?

Pulling a bolt to unload a live round causes me to get nervous. I suggest you get a long action to keep your options open for the future. You never know where this crazy ride will take you!

Scott