Is the factory magazine properly sized? Or a standard Hawkeye/M77 Mag?

If not properly sized (width) could it be made to hold 4 down?

quote:

Originally posted by Austin Hunter:
Is the factory magazine properly sized?

Not really, just a make-do like almost all other rifles except for the 404 Jeffery in a CZ 550 Magnum action, perfect for width there.

Or a standard Hawkeye/M77 Mag?

Same same.

If not properly sized (width) could it be made to hold 4 down?

It is not properly sized because it is a little too narrow in width and the depth is just barely enough to work with three down.

Mauser Cosine Law tells us that the box width must be 1.86603 X C and add another 0.010" plus tolerance for smooth function, not minus.
"C" is the cartridge diameter in inches.
Derivation of the 1.86603 factor is from trigonometry on a bundle of three cartridges wrapped with a rubber band to make the perfect equilateral triangulation for stacking in the box.

Starting at the back of the box, the base of the .416 Ruger cartridge is 0.532".
The inside width of the box needs to be 1.86603 X 0.532" + 0.010" = 1.003" to be a perfect fit for the .416 Ruger.

I took a magazine box out of a .416 Ruger Hawkeye Alaskan Stainless and measured it.

Length inside the box is a roomy 3.430" long.
Width at rear of box is a cramped 0.925".
Width at front of box is 0.850", also too cramped by Mauser Rules for the shoulder diameter of 0.515" for the .416 Ruger.
A box width inside of 0.971" would be required at the shoulder distance from base.
Depth at front of the box is 1.192", and depth at rear of box is 1.338" simply measuring from top to bottom of the sheetmetal.

Almost all fancy custom rifles violate the Mauser Rules of Box Geometry.
But they make do with all sorts of tricks to get them to stack and feed.
You'll need a drop box or coffin floor plate if you want 4 down in a Hawkeye.

Rip ...

They do feed and function as well as anything else out there..I suppose you could lengthen one without much addo, but see no reason to fix things that ain't broke, found that as opening up a can or worms most of the time.

My guide gun:
2 down one up the spout that's it.
It will take a third down but then the bolt wont close on it and it literally gouges a strip of brass off the case..... the metal finish on this bolt is like sandpaper !

quote:

Originally posted by ALF:
My guide gun:
2 down one up the spout that's it.
It will take a third down but then the bolt wont close on it and it literally gouges a strip of brass off the case..... the metal finish on this bolt is like sandpaper !

Alf,

I think that finish is called "matte stainless" not "sandpaper stainless."
So Ruger reduced the 3 + 1 capacity of the older Alaskan Stainless to 2 + 1 in the GG.
Admittedly the Alaskan Stainless is pretty tight with 3 + 1.
I hold three down in the box with my left thumb, and drop the 4th round directly into the chamber with right hand.
I can close the bolt without scratching the brass if I do this, and the 4 loaded rounds eject without drama.

Rip ...