RE: Who makes the most rugged bolt action and why?
 

For pure strength measured in pressures handled at the time the tests were performed by Ackley, you are absolutely correct. I don't know if any modern actions have surpassed the pressure capacity of the Arisaka 38 since ackley preformed those test (years ago right?)....It would be interesting to hear some documented evidence to prove it.

RE: Who makes the most rugged bolt action and why?
 

Wow, wish I could have gotten in on some of those! Back in 1976, when I was a senior in high school, I drove to the mall and discovered a 1903A3 on the rack of a store that sold guns and blue jeans. It was $55. I drove straight home, got my life savings out of my drawer, and went back and bought it. These were the days when a young guy could walk through the mall with a rifle in a long plastic bag, out to his car, and not draw undue attention (or fire, for that matter!) ;)

Ah, the good old days. At least I still have that Springfield. Never took an animal with it but it did go with me on a few hunts.:D

RE: Who makes the most rugged bolt action and why?
 

The article is in P. O. s Handbook for Shooters and Reloaders, Volume I, I believe. Not only is it too long to type in, it would be a violation of copyright, and I don't need the FBI pullin' a Ruby Ridge in Tennessee. [:o] I believe you can still find the Handbook at gun shows. ;)

RE: Who makes the most rugged bolt action and why?
 

Slam,
I'm agreeing with you. I was just curious about what may have been produced SINCE the Ackley tests, which took place some time ago. Some of the modern actions that have been produced may have surpassed the strength of the Arisakas. That was the documentation I was talking about..... Something that would prove it is now stronger than the Arisaka was/is.

RE: Who makes the most rugged bolt action and why?
 

Mosin Nagants are the absolute toughest bolt action rifles in the world.

Kindest Regards,

-Will in Maryland

RE: Who makes the most rugged bolt action and why?
 

I doubt anybody makes a stronger action, because no country has the heat treating knowledge of the Japanese. From that point on it's a matter of design. I like the Remington 700 because of the gas handling. If a cartridge seperates in the chamber the first ring around the head (the one on the bolt) obturates and keeps escaping gas in the chamber, except for the little bit that gets through the firing pin hole. I don't think they are stronger than other actions though.

RE: Who makes the most rugged bolt action and why?
 

If I recall correctly, I read an article regarding a guy who purchased a M38 in 6.5x50 caliber that had been rechambered for the .30-06 cartridge. When he was shooting a few rounds through it, he could not tolerate the unpleasant pulsation he was taking from the recoil! He then took it to a gunsmith and found out it had a 30-06 chamber, but still the initial .264" bore. Just visualize firing a .308" diameter bullet down a .264" bore at the pressures produced by the .30-06 cartridge. The piece of writing said the gun held up under this!

RE: Who makes the most rugged bolt action and why?
 

I'm not saying you didn't read it......................But I don't think it's possible. Maybe it was rechambered for 6.5/06...That would make more sense. If he sent a .308 diameter bullet down the tube with a /06 charge behind it there would have been more to reckon with than "unpleasant recoil".

RE: Who makes the most rugged bolt action and why?
 

8mm/06, I found the article. It's the seventh paragraph down. Clickhere.

RE: Who makes the most rugged bolt action and why?
 

Springfield 30'06, Mod 98 Mauser, Pre 1972 Sako Bofors steel with 3 lug bolt. Love those Sakos!!!!