Correct. For similar reasons (less material and machining) they are also lighter than a semi-auto in the same chambering.
Figure for the same amount of material, machining, and length you could get an intermediate powered semi-auto or a full powered bolt action. A bolt action theoretically is about half as long as a semi-auto action, since the bolt doesn't have to cycle inside anything. Sure there are ways around this, but they add complexity and cost money.
So figure for roughly the same cost ($400-600), size (36-40"), and weight (7-8lb) you could have a 16" barreled carbine in 223 or X39 or a 20" barreled 30-06. This is pre-Obama prices that actually reflect reasonable costs.
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Last edited by BattleRifleG3; 01-08-2009 at 01:03 PM.
What is long range? 600 yards? 1000yards?
We are still shooting 600 yards with M1 Garands, M1As and AR type semi auto rifles.
The 30 cals can have trouble staying hypersonic at 1000 yards. I've heard there is a new 90 grain .223 bullet capable of going the distance.
Harmonics play a big portion in semi-autos vs. bolts.
Bolt rifle barrels can be very thick thus reducing vibration.
Bolt rifles can and do have shorten actions there by reducing action twist as the bullet explodes down the barrel. That bullet is trying to twist the barrel off.
The semis have lots of moving parts. Lots of unnessessary vibration.
Not just long range, short range ones as well. Most competitive small bore target rifles are bolt action these days; in the past a lot were Martini actions.
The rifles were developed for the sport; if you are shooting Traditional full bore target shooting, you will be shooting very slow, deliberate shots; you don't even need a magazine, all you need is a decent barrel, a strong rigid action and good sights (real target shooters use micrometer iron Peep sights). Self loading rifles can put you at a disadvantage.
From a reloading stance in a Bolt Action you can also used a fire form cartridge that with hand loads that place the bullet on the lands before it is fired. Both of these practices add to accuracy and can not be done with semi-autos.
From a reloading stance in a Bolt Action you can also used a fire form cartridge that with hand loads that place the bullet on the lands before it is fired. Both of these practices add to accuracy and can not be done with semi-autos.
Gotta call you on that one; what about single loading which is quite common with semi-auto shooters during certain practices.
The bolt action lends itself to extremely precise machining. Is is often a matter of the slightest variables such as a true flat bolt face mating to the bullet, the alignment of the barrel, chamber, and bolt, the equal caming action of the bullet on all areas, and so on that make for the minute advantages necessary to hit at long ranges.
Gotta call you on that one; what about single loading which is quite common with semi-auto shooters during certain practices.
Didn't really think about that, still with when you fire a semi-auto I am sure the action of ejecting the cartridge and the bolt opening can't help accuracy. Also I am not sure if you can use fire formed brass in a semi-auto. But I guess everything is possible. If there is a will there is way.
Also variations in gas usage to cycle the semi effect the accuracy.Not easily notciable but it will always plague the semi autos.
I know that has always been the case, but it seems like that theory may not hold water forever... I used to laugh when I saw people trying to shoot their AR's on a long range but now its commonplace.. Anybody in Wyoming can tell you that black guns are EVERYWHERE when it come to hunting prairie dogs at 400-600= yrds.. They have got to where they hold 1moa all the way out which may not match the bolt guns yet, but who knows... I guess what I'm trying to say is.... never say never!
I know that has always been the case, but it seems like that theory may not hold water forever... I used to laugh when I saw people trying to shoot their AR's on a long range but now its commonplace.. Anybody in Wyoming can tell you that black guns are EVERYWHERE when it come to hunting prairie dogs at 400-600= yrds.. They have got to where they hold 1moa all the way out which may not match the bolt guns yet, but who knows... I guess what I'm trying to say is.... never say never!
-RJ
I know what you're saying; I shoot both my M14 & AR15 clones at 600m (Iron sights) and wiped the smile off a few traditional Target shooters faces with my performance! Only difference is my Rifles are British Spec and are not semis, just look like em!
Compensating for all the drawbacks of semi-auto accuracy can be done. It just has its tradeoffs. Each application has a level of accuracy it requires. Most of the applications that require semi-autos don't require maximum accuracy.
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