As I said in the OP, I reload. So, within safe limits, I can get the most I want out of any chambering.
What I am really trying to determine is what advantage(s) I gain from 6.5 CM in the T3X versus another chambering in the T3X. I’m not interested in theoretical 6.5 CM vs another chambering in “any rifle.”
All these chamberings have 1:8 twist barrels in the T3X. That’s a constant. My assumption is that all will shoot “current” bullets equally well. Is that a valid assumption?
This is a hunting rifle. Max COAL is limited by the magazine and what will chamber. Single feeding is not an option.
The action length is the same no matter the chambering. The difference is in the magazine block and bolt stop.
Presumably, if I went with the 6.5x55, I would have the long action bolt stop and no magazine block. The case length for the 6.5x55 is 2.165” (55mm). The 6.5x55 lists 3.150” (80mm) as max length, but my Google Fu tells me that I can get 3.34” out of the T3X magazine. So, my max COAL would be limited my the magazine. And I could load whatever “current” bullets I want in it and have them perform just as well as in any other 1:8 twist barrel (up to the 3.34 COAL).
Likewise, if I went with the 6.5 CM, 7mm-08, or .308, I would have the medium action bolt stop and a magazine block. The case length for the 6.5 CM is 1.92” (48.8mm) The 6.5 CM’s max length is listed as 2.825” (71.8 mm). The 6.5 CM would have a small advantage in length vs the 7mm-08 (2.035” (51.7mm)) or .308 (2.015” (51.2mm)). So, presumably, with the same magazine block, the 6.5 CM can seat a longer bullet out a bit further than the other two in an unmodified T3X.
But, can the T3X be easily modified to take full advantage of the longer action by changing the bolt stop and magazine? What, if any, other modifications would be required to ensure reliable feeding? If that works, that might allow me to get the absolute most practical COAL out of one of the shorter cartridges, right?
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