using a short action cartridge in a long action ?

buggz

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Apr 25, 2021
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Is it bad to use a long action and then use a barrel/chamber for a short action cartridge?
I will probably guess reloaders do it for freebore and really long bullets?
Just pondering what my next action purchase might be...
 
Is it bad to use a long action and then use a barrel/chamber for a short action cartridge?
I will probably guess reloaders do it for freebore and really long bullets?
Just pondering what my next action purchase might be...

Not at all. It’s pretty common and even preferred to run Short Action Magnums in long actions. Allows you to run the longer heavier high BC bullets and still fit them In your magazine without having to seat them so deep you take up case capacity. Keeps from having to single load them
 
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Not at all. It’s pretty common to run Short Action Magnums in long actions. Allows you to run the longer heavier height BC bullets and still fit them In your magazine and not have to single load.
In fact, it's common enough that Tikka streamlined their manufacturing by using the same long action for all their rifles. Only change is the bottom metal for the various magazines and bolt stop.
 
I had issues with the 6.5 PRC in a long action with AICS Mags but I believe that was more due to stock fitment than anything else. It would feed the stuff loaded over 3” but shorter would leave it unsupported just long enough to nose dive into the front of the feed ramp.

To prevent this issue I picked up some of the LRI mag spacers with the feed ramp in the front. Solved the issue entirely.

 
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Not trying to drag this out.
I am asking really in general, not trying to be specific.

If you have a long action, and you put on a proper short action cartridge chambered barrel,
what would be the downside consequences of doing so?
 
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