What Bolt Actions handle gases in the event of a cartridge or primer failure best?

[Rocco490]

Odd question here but came across a statement somewhere that the Model 70 Action does not protect a shooter/operator as well as some other common actions in the event of a case or primer failure. Hopefully I never come across any bad brass or primers or improperly loaded ammo but in the event of any such failure what actions are safest for their handling of the gasses and brass particles? What Bolt Actions handle gases in the event of a cartridge or primer failure best?

 

[TucsonFX4]

This is not something I’ve ever researched, or even paid much attention to with my own rifles. I can say that I just purchased a Win M70 in 375H&H. During my initial thorough cleaning, there was what I would describe as a “large” hole on the bolt side at the base of the cartridge when chambered. I would guess it is there for that purpose?

 

[baxterb]

The model 70 does not have a large gas block flange on the rear of the bolt like a Mauser. Which “leaves open” the left raceway for gas. Classic model 70s have a gas block that rides opposite the extractor. Pre-64s don’t have that block.

i would have to check mine, but my memory says the holes on the underside of the bolt are also larger on the Mauser to allow gas to vent in the mag box. The original C-ring of the Mauser has also been called superior to the open model 70 with the coned beech.

I have and like both.

 

[Longwalker]

the definitive work on the subject is "Bolt Action Rifles" By Frank de Haas, & Wayne Van Zwoll. In that book at least, the Mauser 98 and CZ / Brno / FN etc. variants are generally considered "best" at handling escaping gasses from a ruptured case. Some others get honourable mention. There is quite a bit of detail and analysis about each common action type and their particular strengths and weaknesses. Even though some of the newer action types are not represented in that book, I have not found a better analysis and summary for my reference library.

 

[BourbonTrail]

Weatherby Mark V is designed for wildcats and hot loads….it’s a solid bolt with 3 gas vents built into it.

 

[Wyatt Smith]

I also recommend “Bolt action rifles” by Frank de Haas. Very informative.

 

[marksman]

the M98 and the Weatherby mark v vent the gasses out the magazine bulging that area
l have seen both blow up and both did the same with the shooter not hurt
l have also seen a rem not blow up but vent the gas back at the shooter and just about destroyed the trigger mech

 

[Clodo Ferreira]

Hello,

To me, the Mauser M98. The Weatherby Mk V is almost as good, as the Ruger M77 as well.
By the way, the Mauser do not vent the gases into the magazine! When the bolt is closed, the venting windows in it are oriented to the left side, not to the magazine. The Ruger venting windows are oriented to the magazine.

 

[baxterb]

Hello,

To me, the Mauser M98. The Weatherby Mk V is almost as good, as the Ruger M77 as well.
By the way, the Mauser do not vent the gases into the magazine! When the bolt is closed, the venting windows in it are oriented to the left side, not to the magazine. The Ruger venting windows are oriented to the magazine.

My mistake. you are right. They would have to be behind the right lug to vent into the magazine. A product of only being able to see those holes when the bolt is removed!

 

[KIH]

It have been discussed in a Norwegian Forum, and is tested in real life in a product development phaze (for Schultz & Larsen as i understand). It is rupture of case from primer pocket to rim that is most Dangerous. They said that it is the number of 90 degres turns gass have to take before hitting shooter that counts, and served a matemathic formel for enegergy disipation for eatch turn. And the conclusion was that Reminton 700 and Schultz & Larsen is the safest.

 

[gprippers]

Just went thru this on Remington 700 design as well as Ruger 77 and the Remington made me glad i had glasses on and the Ruger prevented that "blow back". Gent at the range said he was having issues with his rifles and i asked me to take a few shots with both rifles. It was loaded 270 Winchester that was older ammo that he had cleaned up and i didnt think twice about it...well i did after second split case and blow back!

Anyway, the Rem spit back at me pretty good and the Ruger was nominal if at all. I had a friends ammo case rupture in my Weatherby 338-378 and was not an issue other then it ticked me off! LOL!