Magazine length

[wombat]

Hello Members,
I am about to start a project, to rebarrel one of my rifles ( Sako AV in .30/06 or a Winchester Model 70 CRF Featherweight in 30/06 ) to .280 Ack. Imp..
I will be using it as a hunting rifle in hill and mountain country, so keeping it as light as possible is a criteria.
I would prefer to go to the lightest carry option, which would be the Model 70.
But I have been told the the magazine length on the Model 70 might restrict me in seating out my projectiles?? That is, the Mag, is shorter.
The Sako AV in long action has a longer magazine. I plan to use the 160 gn. Nosler Partition or Woodleigh 160 gn. projectile.
Has anyone been down this path?
I would appreciate any advice, especially from someone that has done what I am planning to do.
Thanks- Jay

 

[6bra1k]

i do not understand your cartridge choice, BUT
BUILD A DUMMY ROUND about 50 thou short of mag length and have a reamer made to match it.\
having said that i have no idea how well a 280 ai will feed in either gun

 

[TrapperBR549]

I had one built for my wife with a pre'64 action using a SAAMI spec reamer. I haven't loaded 160's yet but I have loaded 175 partitions and ABLR's. The partitions can be loaded to nearly touching the lands, the ABLR's cannot. Using IMR7828ssc the bullets seat a little bit crunchy but I am not using drop tubes or anything to settle the powder.
It sure looks to me like the magazine could be modified to allow for a longer round but it shoots plenty good for a hunting rifle.

 

[Jr solocam]

I had a 28 Nosler throated for the 180 Hybrid built on a L61R Sako. You shouldn't have any worries. As was said, build a dummy round to be sure.

 

[3Sigma]

I can't comment on a CRF M70, but my PF mag box was 3.35" from the factory in 30-06. I think lengths are similar.

I used a 300 HH mag box to get 3.45 (3.5 mag length) and had a new barrel chambered and throated for that OAL. I could have went with a Wyatts box for 3.6 OAL, but the 190 bergers are at a good spot in the case at 3.45. If I wanted to use 215 or 230s, that extra length would be prudent, but I would have moved on to a magnum case as well.

Build a test case and see how it falls. Decide from there. It isn't going to get done next week anyway, so might as well be thorough.

If you are willing to get a smith involved, add a Wyatts box on the M70.

 

[AckleymanII]

Most think of a rifle build as the gun is brand new when it comes to OAL. Now, consider how far you maybe jumping the bullet 600 rounds from new, and at what point does the rifle not accurate anymore due to bullet jump.

Best choice, Rem 700, have the gunsmith open up the magazine opening for a Wyatt's mag box to use with the floor plate.

It is humbling to learn this lesson the hard way, Like I had to!

Consider the bullets you want to shoot, seat them in the case neck, have the gunsmith throat accordingly, now add .150 on the length were the bullet will contact the lands....this gives you a fighting chance on the length of barrel life.

If you are HELL BENT stuck on the model 70, then a straight 284 Winchester chambered with a reamer set up for Lapua brass is a great option due to mag constraints!

Lapua 284 brass is available right now!