How long a cartridge can a Model 600 be made to accommodate?

The reason I am asking is I am thinking about having one customized to either .338-08 (2.810 OAL) or to the new .338 Federal (exactly the same as the .338-08, except with an OAL of 2.860, which allows the bullet to be seated out further, which allows more powder). Of course, I would prefer the Federal round, since velocities are increased.

If the .338 Federal can not be made to fit, I may go with .358 Winchester, for which I can get factory formed and headstamped brass, and will push a 225-grain bullet the same speed as the .338-08 pushes a .210-grain bullet.

Gahunter

I have some 600 Remingtons. Longest bullet I thought about using was a 6MM Remington OAL 2.825 and there wasn't much room left in the magazine. So I went with a .243 to give me more freedom playing with my seating depth.

So it would seem that the 358 Win would fit. I'm thinking that the 2.860 may just be a tad long. How does the .338 Federal compare with the 350 Remington Mag for what you are trying to do? I know that one works.

The .350 Rem. Mag would work fine, however I am trying to keep away from "magnum" recoil in the 4.5-pound rifle I am having built. Also, I already have a .35 Whelen and don't really need it's ballistic duplicate. Besides, the .350 Rem. Mag. in a short action requires bullets to be seated so deep that you can't get anywhere near the performance you can when it's chambered in a standard-length action.

GAHUNTER
It depends on which bore you like the best, 338 or 35.
Just load your rounds to fit in the magazine of your 600.
Since you already have a 35 Whelen the choice should be easy.

I took my magazine out last night and measured it. It is 2.835 from front to back. Factory .338 Federal ammo is all under 2.800, so, at first blush, it looks like I can make it work. I just won't be able to handload bullets out to the maximum.

Am I wrong?

quote:

Originally posted by GAHUNTER:
I took my magazine out last night and measured it. It is 2.835 from front to back. Factory .338 Federal ammo is all under 2.800, so, at first blush, it looks like I can make it work. I just won't be able to handload bullets out to the maximum.

Am I wrong?

You seat the bullet out to, A) gain powder capacity, which equals increased recoil, or B) to reach the lands. Using the stock magazine you will be able to load them safely out to about 2.820. Your gunsmith can easily set the throat length for this and you'll be good to go.