Target action max cartridge length

[mtang45]

I did a couple of searches but couldn't find anything specific to my question. I have a new dual port action that I am trying to decide what caliber barrel I want to screw into it. What I'm struggling with is how long can I go with OAL and still eject a loaded round. I don't want to have to remove the bolt.

Anyone know max length? Anyone have suggestions on a caliber?

[mtang45]

No opinion, commentary, experience, stories, lies, jokes or other? :-X

[DGD6MM]

Build a long dummy round that will fit the boltface and go from there.

[Colon Terminus]

DGD6MM said:
"Build a long dummy round that will fit the boltface and go from there."

Yup ... what he said.

[bootsmcguire]

Anyone have suggestions on a caliber?

What do you intend to do with the gun?

[Slowpoke Slim]

I don't have a dual port gun. I think the port size changed on the dual port? I have an earlier RB/RP target action. My 6.5x284 is loaded with either 139 gr Scenars or 140 gr Berger's, and with either one, I have to pull the bolt part way to get a loaded round to eject. Don't have that problem with a fired round though. That's the way I prefer to eject them.

;D

[mtang45]

I don't have a dual port gun. I think the port size changed on the dual port? I have an earlier RB/RP target action. My 6.5x284 is loaded with either 139 gr Scenars or 140 gr Berger's, and with either one, I have to pull the bolt part way to get a loaded round to eject. Don't have that problem with a fired round though. That's the way I prefer to eject them.

;D

Slim,

How long do you load your 6.5x284?

[mtang45]

Anyone have suggestions on a caliber?

What do you intend to do with the gun?

Boots, I'm not sure. My goal is something for very long distance and I have two calibers in mind. One is a 260 Remington and the other is a 284 Winchester. I have never owned either and from what I have read really want to give them a try. I suppose backing the bolt out to remove a loaded round it not that big a deal but I was just looking for some feedback.

[bootsmcguire]

I have no experience with the 6.5mm bore so this is just speculation on what I have read here and other places.......

If you are going to go 6.5mm, I would think about a 6.5x55 Sweede. It can do everything that a 260 can do, and then some. The data on the 6.5x55 is usually "toned down" to keep it safe for use in the older military actions it was originally chambered for. With modern powders and bullets, and used in a stronger modern action (Savage) it is reported to be much more than loading manual data says it is and loads can be worked up safely above the "Book Maximum". The 260 is in right now and is impressive, but it seems to me that the Sweede is capable of more. Plus just a lil' retro-cool factor. I know when I step into the 6.5mm arena there is a strong argument to me to go for the Sweede.

I may be way off base here, but just what I have been reading and looking at. But with no experience personally, all that my rantings + 98 cents get you, is a dollar menu coffee.

[mtang45]

I have no experience with the 6.5mm bore so this is just speculation on what I have read here and other places.......

If you are going to go 6.5mm, I would think about a 6.5x55 Sweede. It can do everything that a 260 can do, and then some. The data on the 6.5x55 is usually "toned down" to keep it safe for use in the older military actions it was originally chambered for. With modern powders and bullets, and used in a stronger modern action (Savage) it is reported to be much more than loading manual data says it is and loads can be worked up safely above the "Book Maximum". The 260 is in right now and is impressive, but it seems to me that the Sweede is capable of more. Plus just a lil' retro-cool factor. I know when I step into the 6.5mm arena there is a strong argument to me to go for the Sweede.

I may be way off base here, but just what I have been reading and looking at. But with no experience personally, all that my rantings + 98 cents get you, is a dollar menu coffee.

Good advice Boots, and I think I agree with you on the 6.6x55 over the 260. Anyone have any comments on the 284 Winchester for a short action?

[Armed in Utah]

My recent Target action 6.5x55 COAL is 2.950" w/142 SMK

Yes...remove bolt to remove live rd....empties are fine....

But why remove a live rd ?? shoot it.......I have a 260 AI also on a large shank

'M' series single shot action...both 8 twist/3 groove.....the Swede is much more

user friendly when it comes to brass & loads & dies....both rifles weigh 18# each

No flys on the std 260 Rem.....just remember 8 twist on what ever 6.5 you build

Three shot target shows Swede on paper @ 100 yds...standard 308 bolt face will

work fine on 6.5x55 Lapua brass also...

[savageboy]

How would you compare the .260AI to the 6.5x55? Im looking at getting another .260AI- just love the 6.5's. I have a 100 year old Sweede M96 Mauser, so its a totally different rifle. I shoot F class

[mtang45]

Armed, those are incredible groups. What barrel profile and anything else done to that target action?

[Slowpoke Slim]

Slim,

How long do you load your 6.5x284?

Sorry I didn't see your question sooner. The Berger 140 gr L.R. VLD is seated to 3.175" OAL. And the Lapua Scenar 139 gr is seated to 3.107 OAL.

[Armed in Utah]

Armed, those are incredible groups. What barrel profile and anything else done to that target action?

Target action is outta the box...12-14 oz trigger if I recall.....which is nice....

Barrel profile is easy...28" straight cylinder/no taper.....weighs 9#

Finished rifle weight is 18.6#

260 AI vs 6.5x55 ?? The Swede gets the nod for my uses......