I'm getting ready to build a 6.5-284 for long range matches. I know that a lot of guys are building them on long actions, but what are the advantages to that if only single loading? I have a M700 S/A here to use, and am wondering if I really need to search for a L/A instead. Magazine length, reloading from the magazine, etc, mean nothing to me, as it will be a dedicated long range prone gun. So what's the consensus? Long or short? Thanks!
No advantage at all. There is no advantage. Use what you have, chamber it how you want and seat whatever you want to wherever you want. [edited to add:] A theoretical argument could be made for the short action, being some amount more stiff than the long action. You'll likely never "see" it, but it's there if you look for it.
Mine is on a Rem short action and other than the occasional desire to remove a loaded round, I have never owned a more accurate rifle. Use what you have and enjoy one of the most wonderful long range cartridges there will ever be.
Get the WSM magazine box modification so you can set the 140+grn bullets out there. I had a 6.5-284 with no magazine mod and you could not load a 140grn Sierra close to the lands and fit in the magazine. So I had to push them back and therein lost powder capacity. With the WSM mag mod you can reclaim that space and get a bit more velocity.
Posts: 593 | Location: My computer. | Registered: 28 November 2001
If you seat the bullit out far to take full advantage of the 6/284 powder capacity, you will not be able to eject a loaded round from a short action. You will need to remove the bolt to remove the cartridge. A royal PITA when a "clear" is called at the range....... As far as short actions being stiffer, maybe, but a long action has a better "moment arm" and will support a heavy barrel better with less pressure on the front of the action. And long action of the Remington 700 version are much cheaper in the used gun racks!
quote:Originally posted by RVB: If you seat the bullit out far to take full advantage of the 6/284 powder capacity, you will not be able to eject a loaded round from a short action. You will need to remove the bolt to remove the cartridge. A royal PITA when a "clear" is called at the range....... As far as short actions being stiffer, maybe, but a long action has a better "moment arm" and will support a heavy barrel better with less pressure on the front of the action. And long action of the Remington 700 version are much cheaper in the used gun racks!
Longer moment arm? Less pressure on the front of the action. Sure like someone to explain this. Or are you just pulling our legs
Wally
Posts: 472 | Location: Oregon | Registered: 08 March 2002
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