Short action VS Long action
#12
That said, I dont know why anyone but the most dedicated long range western hunters would want a magnum cartridge these days, the ammo costs (3 years ago) alone made me sell my 7mag, and the WSMs? Those are 10$ more per box compared to regular mags, and about 20$ more than std calibers. shot to shot reloading costs, same thing. Pure waste of money IMO. my lil 7-08 is light, short, pleasant to shoot from the bench, and cost much less to shoot compared to a mag. As far as ballistics and power, the extra powder capacity is way overrated. zeroed at 140yds , im a couple inches low at 200yds and the 150gr .284 impacts doing 2200fps ,@ 200yds ,when launched at a modest 2600fps. What more do you need to kill most NA game?
#14
If you believe in the axiom; one shot, one kill.
In terms of speed, what do you think the difference is in ranking the next round ?
In terms of weight, what do you think the difference is in a production rifle?
#15
I was making more of the point of a short mag is a short action round, but has the velocity of LA rounds like the .270win, or .300win.mag, when comparing them to the .270wsm and .300wsm.
Not really though, you get -1" due to the sort action but + 2" w/ the needed 24" magnum barrel.
That said, I dont know why anyone but the most dedicated long range western hunters would want a magnum cartridge these days, the ammo costs (3 years ago) alone made me sell my 7mag, and the WSMs? Those are 10$ more per box compared to regular mags, and about 20$ more than std calibers. shot to shot reloading costs, same thing. Pure waste of money IMO. my lil 7-08 is light, short, pleasant to shoot from the bench, and cost much less to shoot compared to a mag. As far as ballistics and power, the extra powder capacity is way overrated. zeroed at 140yds , im a couple inches low at 200yds and the 150gr .284 impacts doing 2200fps ,@ 200yds ,when launched at a modest 2600fps. What more do you need to kill most NA game?
That said, I dont know why anyone but the most dedicated long range western hunters would want a magnum cartridge these days, the ammo costs (3 years ago) alone made me sell my 7mag, and the WSMs? Those are 10$ more per box compared to regular mags, and about 20$ more than std calibers. shot to shot reloading costs, same thing. Pure waste of money IMO. my lil 7-08 is light, short, pleasant to shoot from the bench, and cost much less to shoot compared to a mag. As far as ballistics and power, the extra powder capacity is way overrated. zeroed at 140yds , im a couple inches low at 200yds and the 150gr .284 impacts doing 2200fps ,@ 200yds ,when launched at a modest 2600fps. What more do you need to kill most NA game?
#16
Spike
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 17
The short magnum cartridges dont kill game any faster or any deader than a 30/30. Dead is dead. If not for the "magnum" marketing craze I doubt they would be as popular as they are. The only benefit they offer over a traditional magnum is case length and Im not terribly sure thats a benefit.
#18
Typical Buck
Join Date: May 2010
Location: South East Pa.
Posts: 526
I agree, mostly sales hype. I have been hunting the coal regions since I was a kid. The most popular rifle there was probably the lever action in 30-30 or .35 Rem. We probably would have never heard of the .270 with out magazine articles. Now with T.V. added in, I see some of the most ridicules calibers being carried for short range shooting in laurel thickets.
#19
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Adirondacks
Posts: 1,305
There's really no difference as far as the shorter action being better for fast follow up shots.As others mentioned the real advantage is the lighter weight humpin up/down mountains after some smart ass goat or whatever that would enjoy a good laugh watching some fool hunter tumble on down.
#20
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Michigan
Posts: 3,476
I don't believe that the length or velocity should be the overall deciding factor in a hunter's choice.
I know I have always favored short carbines in a very light and handy package. And even though I own a few such weapons none are currently in a short action. But thinking about a Ruger in a Compact or Lightweight.
I can get the UltraLight in a 20" barrel in 30-06, but if I want the extremely short 16.5" barrel I have to go with a Compact which comes only in short actions.
I'll probably go with the Compact models in a short action round (probably 308) but not because of anything but the length of the overall gun. I won't worry one bit about the loss of velocity or the extra speed with which I can crank in a round that is 0.69" shorter (a short .308 compared to a long 30/06).
If I really want to lighten my load when hunting I should look to losing 20 lbs before I start skeletonizing my rifle.
I think each hunter/shooter should pick the round he really wants in a package that suits him and the round and not lose a minutes sleep over velocity or stroke length.
I know I have always favored short carbines in a very light and handy package. And even though I own a few such weapons none are currently in a short action. But thinking about a Ruger in a Compact or Lightweight.
I can get the UltraLight in a 20" barrel in 30-06, but if I want the extremely short 16.5" barrel I have to go with a Compact which comes only in short actions.
I'll probably go with the Compact models in a short action round (probably 308) but not because of anything but the length of the overall gun. I won't worry one bit about the loss of velocity or the extra speed with which I can crank in a round that is 0.69" shorter (a short .308 compared to a long 30/06).
If I really want to lighten my load when hunting I should look to losing 20 lbs before I start skeletonizing my rifle.
I think each hunter/shooter should pick the round he really wants in a package that suits him and the round and not lose a minutes sleep over velocity or stroke length.
Last edited by 8mm/06; 07-01-2010 at 06:46 AM.