So say I'm building a switch barrel set up on a short action with m5 bottom metal to accept AI style mags. Obviously when switching from 223 based cases to 308 or other short action cartridges the bolt head has to be changed. But will the bottom metal work with the appropriate mags? Thinking of doing a 22 creed, 6 creed and 7 saum.The other option is using a wyatts box but I'm sure the internals like followers would need to be changed. Thanks.
M5 bottom metal question
- Thread starter cajun
- Start date
Help Support Long Range Hunting Forum
Sweet. That's what I figured. Thanks.
Now I see some actions are cut with 700 feed lips and will take a bdl or m5 bottom metal and ai mags. Others that are Just cut for ai mags which I assume does not have feed lips On the action just the mag. Is there an advantage to either set up.
If you never plan to run BDL then it generally doesn't matter however the only real issue is trying to fit 2.95" cartridges in a rifle set up for BDL as they are limited to 2.8" unless you notch the feed ramp.
Kmccord
Well-Known Member
Since you mentioned the cartridges you plan to use, I would give you another option for the mag type. Take a look at Hawkins Hunter DBM, I would go a step further and say put them in a long action. Hawkins has a spacer kit you can use to run the Creeds and 7/08. If you decide to run a 7PRC or 300 PRC you have it all in one rifle. Just a thought for you to consider, more options are always a plus.
You're confusing the inlet and the design a little, in hopes to help. BDL and M5 are bottom metal inlets. While yes most BDL are internal boxes and most M5 are mag fed…you can find the opposite in each. Examples, HS Precision makes a very good (but expensive) BDL inlet mag system and Hawkins makes a very nice BDL bottom metal Obendorf BDL system. I'll probably get some disagreement but at this point, all stocks should be inletted for M5.
The action being cut for internal mag versus external is the key here. An external mag will be better set up for a switch barrel when you change case head sizes. Reason being, you buy a 308 cut action and the 22 Creed would work perfectly but when you switched to the 7 saum you'd lose the ability to load from the top. You'd always have to load the bdl from the bottom. Can it work, yeah but it's not ideal and likely require some tuning. You would also have to change box and follower (as mentioned above) with each barrel swap.
The Hawkins Hunter setup is what I've built my switch off of but I find I don't switch often. Good luck!
Thanks. I know zermatt offers the origin which has feed lips and can also use AI mags. I would think having feed lips on the action and using a mag could create problems
I've used Origin short action on one 300wsm and the Hawkins Hunter DBM with no issues. The mag lips sat inside and didn't touch the action.
Most of the other mag based shells I've built have been on TL3's or SR3's. The Origins I've done were mainly 308 based heads. I can only think of one 22 Creedmoor that's been BDL…the rest have been Hawkins hunters.
Most of the other mag based shells I've built have been on TL3's or SR3's. The Origins I've done were mainly 308 based heads. I can only think of one 22 Creedmoor that's been BDL…the rest have been Hawkins hunters.
Thanks for the recommendation guys. If you have any questions about running a 308/6.5 CM and a 223 in the same action let us know! As mentioned, the magazines will work in actions with feedlips as the case presents between them.
We did a video going over common questions on action features too if that helps.
We did a video going over common questions on action features too if that helps.
Very informative video, nicely done HP!
