------------------
www.rifleshooter.com
Save a plant, shoot a deer!
Since you said DGR, I am assuming you are talking about either the 378, 416 or 460.
If so, all three use a vertical stack magazine that holds 2 rounds.
In my experience, this system is the most reliable for chambering cartridges, especially with big caliber and round nose bullets. Staggered magazine feed is much more critical when feeding blunt bullets in a case that is not much larger than bullet diameter. It is very easy for the bullet to catch on the end of the chamber.
Some big Wbys have a magazine spring that lacks a bit of pressure at the rear. In this case, if the bolt is pulled back slowly, the case head won't always be picked up by the reduced diameter bolt head. However simply bending the spring fixes the problem. Also when the bolt is rapidly drawn back the problem does not show up.
So, if 2 shots in the magazine is OK, then I think they are more reliable than most staggered feed magazine rifles, whether the be CRF or push feed AT GETTING THE CARTRIDGE INTO THE CHAMBER.
However the extraction side is not as good as Mauser or Model 70. The reason for this is the 54 degree bolt lift. Mark Vs as a result have quite poor primary extraction. A case that is a bit sticky will not be completely pulled free when the bolt handle is raised. With a Model 70 or Mauser, the bolt moves back much further as the bolt handle is raised.
So, I would prefer a 2 lug action like M70 or M98 or their copies but would make sure it was right. You can make sure these actions are OK on the chambering cycle, but there is nothing that you can do about the Mark Vs poor primary extraction.
Mike
[This message has been edited by Mike375 (edited 01-18-2002).]
------------------
..Mac >>>===(x)===>
also DUGABOY1
DUGABOY DESIGNS
Collector/trader of fine double rifles, and African wildlife art
I do not think, given the choice, I would hunt dangerous game with any push feed rifle, regardless of who's name is stamped on it!
------------------
..Mac >>>===(x)===>
also DUGABOY1
DUGABOY DESIGNS
Collector/trader of fine double rifles, and African wildlife art
...regardless of who's name is stamped on it - especially Weatherby.
There is nothing wrong with a Weatherby rifle in Africa. But considering all the exceptional alternatives, it sure would not be my choice especially when my bacon is on the line with dangerous game.
Haven't we already beaten this subject into the ground before?
You are absolutely right about the beating a dead horse, but the youngsters who read the adds, and believe the hype, in Guns&Ammo will always ask the question! ??????? Why, I do not know!
------------------
..Mac >>>===(x)===>
also DUGABOY1
DUGABOY DESIGNS
Collector/trader of fine double rifles, and African wildlife art
For clients, I suppose it would do nicely. As a fight-stopper, I'd rather have a CRF.
Until Winchester produced a LH Model 70, all my hunting was done with a push-feed. As I'd never had a jam, I would have felt that a push-feed was good enough for dangerous game, because it had to be (I had no other choice).
Don't let the lack of a CRF rifle prevent you from hunting dangerous game. Take your push-feed if that's all you have, but hurry!
George
------------------
Shoot straight, shoot often, but by all means, use enough gun!