Dakota 76 issues

[SuffolkStag]

I’ve got a Dakota 76 actioned rifle that used to be a 22-250 but been rebarreled to 6.5 creedmoor.
It’s a floor plate mag. Hornady ELDX 143gr shoot lovely but jam nose to tail in the mag.
I’ve now moved to Hornady 129gr SST which don’t jam but when you stack 4 in the mag the rounds sit slack at the rear and tight on the shoulder.
This means the bolt can miss the round and not feed it into the chamber, just push it back under.

Can this be fixed somehow.
Also can you get a DBM for the Dakota 76?

Cheers!

 

[ShtrRdy]

Sounds like maybe the spring under the follower is in backwards.

 

[SuffolkStag]

It can only go in one way due to tapering on the spring and its mounts, the same with the follower.
It used to be a 22-250 and the box is tapered so I’m guessing that’s why they sit odd.

 

[jbuck88]

Chad @LRI might have some insight.

 

[45-90]

The problem is going from 22-250 to 6.5 CM. Many mags and box mags will not handle both equally.
The 6.5 CM is much wider at the shoulder and larger longer bullets and cartridge overall length much longer.

Internal bullet and cartridge guides can be much different between these two.

Easy button is simple, put the barreled action in an aluminum chassis made for this action, ...bolt it down.
And buy 6.5 CM mags/ 308 mags ...center feed get longer COAL for extra performance, and usually accuracy, by getting bullets close to the rifling.

If the stock is one you really like it can be inletted for different bottom metal that takes detachable mags.

Your choice.

 

[SharpsNitro]

As I recall, the D76 is an “Old School” CRF action like the M98 and the pre-64 Model 70 so the feed lips are cut into the action itself. Tuning them for a specific cartridge would require having them modified by someone with experience.

 

[SuffolkStag]

As I recall, the D76 is an “Old School” CRF action like the M98 and the pre-64 Model 70 so the feed lips are cut into the action itself. Tuning them for a specific cartridge would require having them modified by someone with experience.

You are correct.
The internal mag is also tapered so I’d need to fit a straight box somehow.

 

[45-90]

Check with Wyatts Outdoors, they have a book on feeding bolt action rifles, and used to have a video on milling bolt actions.
Give them a call to see if they have a list of gunsmiths to help you.

I watched their video and milled my own action, top and bottom, on a Bridgeport mill to feed 4.020" cartridges out of the mag for 300 RUM.
You have to indicate the action and follow the orginial contours with the correct radius carbide end mill. On longer cartridges the bolt stop must be milled back. Stainless actions do not require rebluing...just a blend buff.

It all depends on what you need to make it work.
One can fit their magazine boxes to most actions, but it's gonna require milling the action, with a carbide end mill. They have followers, spacers, and springs, that all can be modified.
It's most likely not a job for the average guy unless you already own a milling machine and tools to compete the job...

 

[45-90]

Here are pics of how I did mine... order Wyatts mag box, follower, and spring.

Indicate action, lead sheet to protect finish and machine aluminum V vise jaws.
Machine bottom of action to fit new mag box.
Turn action over, indicate in, and follow all factiory contours, indicating each angle.

Machine 1/4" off the rear bridge the top of the action, indicate and follow factory contour use correct factory radius on your carbide end mill.
Machine bolt stop back to get bolt back far enough to pick up 4" cartridges.

Install and adjust as needed.
Just measure, and machine as needed to complete the job.
A good Bridgeport mill does a great factory like job... not many own one, but a good gunsmith or any machinist can do this job.