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Reloading Question: Measured COL won’t fit magazine
I am loading my own cartridges for my T3 Compact 308 and I have run into an issue. I decided to get my own length gauge to determine the OAL instead of using the tables. Doing this I was able to considerably tighten the accuracy of this rifle … BUT … Using the measured OAL the resulting cartridges, while perfectly matched to my rifle, will not quite fit into the magazine. I have to budge the bullets in a bit so as to get clearance with the magazine. This shortens the OAL enough to get the cartridge into the magazine but it probably is costing me some accuracy. I will also have to deal with other issues when doing this with a compressed charge. My only other options are to either not use the magazine or to mod that magazine … something I'm contemplating doing next …
Has anyone else had this issue? If so how did you solve it?
Thanks,
Paul -
8 Replies
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Looks like you've already figured out the solutions to your problem. There are different bottom metals for the T3's available that accept AICS mags that have a longer COAL. Other than that, it's one of the three options you listed before.
If you're single feeding, there are a few mag inserts to make it easier as well.
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Looks like you've already figured out the solutions to your problem. There are different bottom metals for the T3's available that accept AICS mags that have a longer COAL. Other than that, it's one of the three options you listed before.
If you're single feeding, there are a few mag inserts to make it easier as well.
Thanks, I'm still learning my way around here … Will have to search for these things and see what is there
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Shoot a few rounds at the shorter COL and compare to the length you want to make sure it is really less accurate
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I think the T3 Compact is still using the standard set up. So here is your solution! Get a T3 30-06 mag and file your bolt stop to make your longer than factory rounds fit in your same rifle. For $60 bucks or so you can get a long magazine and by filing the bolt stop you can draw the bolt back a bit further. You can also pay big bucks to buy a long action bolt stop and the same magazine and get the same result. If your cartridges fit in the standard .308 mag, then just file the bolt stop a bit.
Good luck friend, btw there is an Australian company that sells longer .308 metal magazines (10 shot) that you might be willing to pay for, though im not sure if you need to modify the bolt stop. look at general post to find the company.
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Paul, you can go the long bolt stop/magazine route (which is the best way), or you can gain .040″-.080″ by opening up the front of the magazine. I always do this if I just need a little.
The magazine has to be perfectly level, and leave some meat up front or the front of the mag will chip out.
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I'm thinking this is the way I want to go. I don't have the machining capability but there is a machine shop nearby that does small jobs.
Thanks
Paul, you can go the long bolt stop/magazine route (which is the best way), or you can gain .040″-.080″ by opening up the front of the magazine. I always do this if I just need a little.
The magazine has to be perfectly level, and leave some meat up front or the front of the mag will chip out.
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Hey Yukonal, how much material do you recommend leaving at the front?
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Pleopard, that's just an end mill bit in a drill press…and a fancy X-Y vise that moves on two dimensions. 😉
Eric, at least .030″ for some structural strength. If you need just a little more to make room, you'd still be o.k.
Any more, you might as well go the other route.
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