Magazine length vs cartridge length

[BEN243]

Lets say I have round that can be loaded to a maximum length of 2.94" in a particular rifle. However, the magazine length of that rifle is only 2.84". Is there a "general rule" of how much shorter then 2.84" the bullet should be seated in order for it to fit and function properly from the magazine ? Ben

 

[hogpatrol]

Lets say I have round that can be loaded to a maximum length of 2.94" in a particular rifle. However, the magazine length of that rifle is only 2.84". Is there a "general rule" of how much shorter then 2.84" the bullet should be seated in order for it to fit and function properly from the magazine ? Ben

What type of rifle and magazine? Push or controlled feed may make a difference also.

 

[BEN243]

Remington 700 ADL's and BDL's .... Ben

 

[hogpatrol]

I don't know about a "general rule" but would try .010 & see if it feeds ok. Be advised, seating deeper may result in higher pressures and/or changes in accuracy.

 

[amlevin]

I follow the rule of "whatever works".

Start with several dummy rounds loaded out to the absolute max length and see if they feed properly. If not, shorten them by .005 and repeat. When you have a COAL that feeds reliably both slow feed and rapid feed, then that's YOUR max length. Now it's just a matter of tuning the charge weight so it shoots accurately.

I highly recommend dummy rounds for this test if you're doing it inside. You can always pull the bullets and then add primers and powder. Also, be careful while ejecting rounds with bullets on them, even if dummy's. Friend of mine broke a patio door glass by ejecting a dummy round. The rifle had one super strong ejector and the round hit with some force. $400 window and that was with a dummy round.

 

[jcampbellsmith]

Install a Wyatts Extended Magazine Box if you have a floor plate. This will give you COAL of up to 3.1 inches. See the rifle in my profile.

Regards

JCS

 

[LCazador]

I follow the rule of "whatever works".

Start with several dummy rounds loaded out to the absolute max length and see if they feed properly. If not, shorten them by .005 and repeat. When you have a COAL that feeds reliably both slow feed and rapid feed, then that's YOUR max length. Now it's just a matter of tuning the charge weight so it shoots accurately.

I highly recommend dummy rounds for this test if you're doing it inside. You can always pull the bullets and then add primers and powder. Also, be careful while ejecting rounds with bullets on them, even if dummy's. Friend of mine broke a patio door glass by ejecting a dummy round. The rifle had one super strong ejector and the round hit with some force. $400 window and that was with a dummy round.

While dummy rounds are certainly safer to deal with at home. They do not replace actual field conditions, as other factors like recoil will affect COAL and feeding reliability. There really is no set measurement only what will work with your caliber and specific loading practices. I just finished a repeater in 6BR on a Rem model 7 that works flawlessly. Many said it would have feeding problems.

 

[hogpatrol]

I follow the rule of "whatever works".

Start with several dummy rounds loaded out to the absolute max length and see if they feed properly. If not, shorten them by .005 and repeat. When you have a COAL that feeds reliably both slow feed and rapid feed, then that's YOUR max length. Now it's just a matter of tuning the charge weight so it shoots accurately.

I highly recommend dummy rounds for this test if you're doing it inside. You can always pull the bullets and then add primers and powder. Also, be careful while ejecting rounds with bullets on them, even if dummy's. Friend of mine broke a patio door glass by ejecting a dummy round. The rifle had one super strong ejector and the round hit with some force. $400 window and that was with a dummy round.

While dummy rounds are certainly safer to deal with at home. They do not replace actual field conditions, as other factors like recoil will affect COAL and feeding reliability. There really is no set measurement only what will work with your caliber and specific loading practices. I just finished a repeater in 6BR on a Rem model 7 that works flawlessly. Many said it would have feeding problems.

That's interesting. What magazine box and follower did you use? There are three different ones for the Model 7 (that I know of). Thanks, Hog

 

[Changeling]

Hi LCazador. If you don't mind my asking, exactly how did you get it to function with no problems? That is what has been holding me back from building a Dasher.

 

[dcali]

I've found that about 15-20 thous of clearance will work well in an AR15 magazine.

 

[Dshooter]

Lets say I have round that can be loaded to a maximum length of 2.94" in a particular rifle. However, the magazine length of that rifle is only 2.84". Is there a "general rule" of how much shorter then 2.84" the bullet should be seated in order for it to fit and function properly from the magazine ? Ben

Load it to a depth that the rifle shoots best, then adjust magazine box accordingly. Your particular bun may like a large jump and mag length may work. Otherwise as mentioned, Wyatt's box mags will get you there. Just have to modify the bolt stop

 

[amlevin]

Wyatt's box mags will get you there. Just have to modify the bolt stop

And action, and feed rails, especially on a Remington 700.

 

[Outrider27]

And action, and feed rails, especially on a Remington 700.

I was going to ask why, then I remembered my Wyatt magazined rifle has a BAT repeater action, not a Remington 700, and BAT knew I intended to use the Wyatt magazine when they made the action.

 

[amlevin]

And action, and feed rails, especially on a Remington 700.

I was going to ask why, then I remembered my Wyatt magazined rifle has a BAT repeater action, not a Remington 700, and BAT knew I intended to use the Wyatt magazine when they made the action.

To answer that for those who wonder, on Remington 700's there is a little piece with a threaded hole in it that limits the length of a cartridge that can be fed from the magazine. Even if the bolt stop is modified so the bolt will move far enough back, this piece of the action is in the way. Get rid of it by milling and then all that's left in some cases is to open up the feed rails a little. IOW, it's one of those deals that isn't as simple as it often seems