Which mag cartridge for my short action

[Matt_3479]

Looking at setting up a second barrel for hunting on my new rig. Would love to successful run and push a heavy bullet on a mag case in a short action. Something like a 6.5 with the 140’s-156’s, 277 with 165’s-170’s, 7mm with 180’s or 30 with 215’s that isn’t a Sherman cartridge? Anyone have success with this. What are you running with what velocity? And what is your overall length of the cartridge?

 

[Bill K]

Check out the forgotten 6.5 Remington Mag. I don't have one, but some friends do and love it.

 

[std7mag]

I'll agree to liking the thought of the 6.5 Rem Mag.
Enough so that even though i don't have a rifle chambered in it, i have the dies, and have successfully formed some cases from 7mm Rem Mag.

Another option would be a 6.5mm RCM.
Or would that be a PRC? Can't remember the case length of the PRC off the top of my head.

 

[Kurz]

Can't remember the case length of the PRC off the top of my head.

PRC = 2.030"
6.5 Rem Mag = 2.170"

The larger the diameter (caliber) of a bullet and the heaviest of each caliber results in longer bullets. This results in deeper seating and loss of velocity potential when relegated to SA.

This current fascination with 'heavy for caliber' bullets can be misleading when actually tested and fired in real life. A practical method is to examine the balance between cartridge length, case capacity and the ballistic characteristics based on your barrel length and powder choice before accepting what has been written by the inexperienced.

I've been using the 6.5 PRC in short actions since its release to the public. While the 140 class bullets can be seated to magazine length (2.925") and achieve long range accuracy and effect on game, the 130 grain bullets in the VLD style can match the ballistics of the 140 grain VLDs while accomplishing this at a shorter length but at a higher velocity. There is no need to shoot the heavier and longer bullets in this cartridge.

 

[bobinpa]

6.5 SAUM comes to mind....

 

[Gb300wm]

For hunting, I’m a fan if the 270 wsm. 130’s-140’s to 3200 in a 24” barrel and 150’s just short of that. It’s a great round....

 

[6fatrat]

In the short action you really can't get top velocities with the heavier bullets because they are seated so far back in the case.
I run a 7 SAUM in my mountain rifle 168's the heaviest I run.
Steve Bair

 

[Matt_3479]

For hunting, I’m a fan if the 270 wsm. 130’s-140’s to 3200 in a 24” barrel and 150’s just short of that. It’s a great round....

My next build (before plans changed due to good price on action) was to do a 270. Wsm on a tikka for a hunting rig! Was looking to do on a med action, fast twist barrel and push the 165’s and 170’s. So now I guess it’s going to be my next, next build once this one is wrapped up in 4-6 weeks