Bolt Action Grendel

[BjornF16]

Magazine maximum length questions:

For bolt action rifles, is the .223 Rem maximum magazine length also 2.26 (like AR15 magazine)? What is the magazine maximum length for 7.62x39mm bolt action rifles (Savage, CZ, etc)?

I noticed that the COL for 7.62x39mm is 2.205"...I want to make sure I don't have a COL limitation due to magazine on a Grendel conversion.

[JASmith]

I am not an expert on this topic -- which is why I have posted the way I did.

What I do know is that the magazine-length is different, depending on the rifle. I have a circa 1964 Browning in 222 Rem Magnum that has a magazine length right at the COAL for most factory ammunition. My son can load longer COAL in his .223 AR and CZ 527.

[Opus Dei]

Bjorn, I see you registered over on the Savage forum. I'm starting my own project and got a 10 in .243 two weeks ago and have since changed boltheads. I'll be interested in what is said about the factory 7.62X39 DBM. Since I don't intend to use that cheap plastic stock with a blind magazine, I've been looking at alternative stocks/DBMs and have seen how 6BR shooters modded AI .308 magazines. Any stock that takes AI magazines/bottom metal for a CF Savage isn't cheap, especially with the DBM conversion factored-in.

[hm2 clark]

tho oal magazine max length in my 527 that started out in 7.63x39 2.162-or so.

[BjornF16]

So a CZ 7.62x39 conversion will have a shorter Grendel cartridge length than the AR based 2.26"?

Here is a comment from the SAVAGE forum regarding Savage 10 FCM 7.62x39mm Scout rifle magazine length:

"The FCM is set up for a standard short action detachable mag. The 7.62x39 mag that comes with it has an overall internal mag length (because of a spacer that Savage puts in the rear) of approximately 2.46 inches.

You could easily replace that mag body, spring & follower with a .223 mag body, spring & follower or a standard short action .308-family mag body, spring & follower if you so desired."

It appears to me that the Savage option is more attractive since it will allow for longer cartridges than allowed in the AR platform.

The 10 FCM is a AccuStock platform...if I go this route, I'll probably keep the factory stock and see how it shoots with a Pac-Nor barrel in Grendel Match. I think the 2.46" magazine would be plenty, so no need to switch to .308 magazine (and have to modify it for Grendel).

[JASmith]

Bjorn,

Thanks for the research -- it looks like the comment that "...You could easily replace that mag body, spring & follower with a .223 mag body, spring & follower or a standard short action .308-family mag body, spring & follower if you so desired..." means that one could use the 7.62X39 magazine in a .308 length magazine well.

[BjornF16]

it looks like the comment that "...You could easily replace that mag body, spring & follower with a .223 mag body, spring & follower or a standard short action .308-family mag body, spring & follower if you so desired..." means that one could use the 7.62X39 magazine in a .308 length magazine well.

Smitty, that is the way I interpreted it as well...

I think that also means you could use ANY .308 family Savage DBM rifle and convert it to Grendel using their 7.62 magazines and bolt.

McMillan has some stocks that would fit your .243 Savage.

[Opus Dei]

Smitty, that is the way I interpreted it as well...

I think that also means you could use ANY .308 family Savage DBM rifle and convert it to Grendel using their 7.62 magazines and bolt.

McMillan has some stocks that would fit your .243 Savage.

So does H-S and Manners. Problem is if you factor in DBM, the price gets high enough to look at chassis. I believe I'm going to order a McRee, if I'm in for that $. Too bad B&C Duramaxx only seem to be available only for the staggerfeed models.

[BjornF16]

Smitty,

Don't know if you've gone to SSS website or not, but here is a quote from their website that may help you with your blind box magazine to DBM conversion:

DBM & HFP MAGAZINE CONVERSION PARTS
Since the recent change over to the new center feed magazines, the system lends itself to be modular, and adaptable to most applications on current rifles. For the blind, detachable and hinged floor plate magazine configurations, the same magazine box is utilized. The blind magazine consists of a box and follower. For the detachable box magazine, it uses the same components, plus a snap on bottom cap. For the hinged floor plate model, the same components are used in conjunction with a magazine frame with the hinged lid. The detachable box magazine requires the appropriate magazine frame to retain the box. Both the DBM and HFP use the same stock; the inlet is the same for both sets of hardware.

With this in mind, we recently introduced a few new stock patterns to take advantage of the whole system of DBM, blind and HFP rifles. Now one may start with a blind magazine rifle and upgrade to DBM or HFP by adding the correct components.

http://www.sharpshootersupply.com/ - see "Original Parts"

[JASmith]

Thanks for the info!

My 116FC, however, already has a detachable magazine. Main question was whether I could use a 7.62x39 magazine in a rifle that normally uses .308-length magazines. Your research has helped build my confidence that that should work as well.

Of course, I will check to see If Grendel cartridges will feed OK in my .243 magazine!

Thanks again!