I am thinking of building a 7mm Dakota on a custom action. I understand that he bolt face will have to be opened up to .560 or so. Does this mean I can use a .532 cartridge later if I decide to re-barrel?

What action are you thinking? .560 would be way loose for a .532 case. Are you sure the Dakota isn't more like .545? Which would still be a bit loose.

Why not just start with a .532" rimmed case and see if that satisfies your needs before you build a 7mm Dakota?

Another idea would be to build a 7MM/375 Ruger wildcat. Generally, I wouldn't recommend a wildcat but since the 7MM Dakota is about as close to a wildcat as you can get with SAAMI specs, the 7mm Ruger would offer a few advantages: Cheaper Brass with known availability and Standard Rim Size for starters.

Just some ideas for you.

I'm thinking Dakota because I dont like a belt.
Have not decided on an action as yet.

quote:

Originally posted by Rambo:
I'm thinking Dakota because I dont like a belt.
Have not decided on an action as yet.

The Ruger and the RUM's don't have belts. Better brass availability and you won't be stuck with a too large of a bolt face. Of course if you just had to have a Dakota, Dave Kiff makes custom bolts. Depending on the action you are wanting to use, you could pick up a spare bolt for the larger case head.

Spare bolt sounds like an idea.
What does that run?

His bolts are for Remingtons and Remington clones. They are around $100-$125.
Butch