Are dbm magazines preferable for multi cartridge rifles over bdl?

Im doing lots of reading and evaluating of different options for a rifle project that will eventually become a switch barrel.

I much prefer a bdl style bottom metal for carrying rifles in hand as they just fit better with the barrel lengths/balance points I prefer.

However this rifle if changeable bolt head may be asked to run multiple case size/types, ie a 6.5CM and 270wsm

Or maybe its 284win, 25-06, and 257wby.

Knowing that certain actions are somewhat troubled with feeding 284s, short mags and such. Would it be preferable to go with a flush fit aics style bottommetal and magazines instead?

My thinking is perhaps this is easier as then its a magazine per case type that likely feeds fine already?
versus a few mag boxes and followers where each box feed lips need to be tweaked n tried until they feed correctly.
That seems daunting.

Ive read a few times some folks wish they hadnt gone the extended wyatts setup because of this task.

Help me get my head around this.

Q: Are dbm magazines preferable for multi cartridge rifles over bdl?

A: No!

It boils down to personal preference.

Having built many switch barrels, having DBM is a big no from me, as is having multiple cartridge head sizes.
Number one is, a WSM is not gonna feed in a rifle that uses a 6.5CM without serious tweaking.
The feasibility of numerous cartridge head dimensions poses far too many variables.
Sure, you CAN get around it with a DBM set-up some of the time…

Cheers.

My last 2 full custom, and 3 semi-custom are all DBMs, and no issues.

There is not a simple answer to your question. It REALLY depends on the combination of cartridges. That said, the high end makers of multy cartridge guns, whether one head size or more, like Blaser, Sauer and the like, didn't originally use detachable mags but they do have interchangeable magazine inserts. The new R8 Blaser has detachable magazines. If I wanted a multi Cartridge rifle I would buy the new Blaser R8, because I know they work perfectly. Every one I have shot has been flawless. You can do a tremendous amount of messing around and never get close to satisfactory performance.

Modularity

The Blaser R93 is a truly modular system built around an aluminum alloy frame, offering differing stocks and barrels varying length and thickness available in chamberings from .22 LR to .375 H&H Magnum/.416 Remington Magnum/.458 Winchester Magnum size. It also came in caliber 28 (13.97 mm; 0.550 in) as a shotgun/slug barrel.

The barrel has a quick-change design which lets the user switch barrels using two screws and a hex key. Different bolt heads for different groups of calibers and magazine inserts are also user changeable, making the Blaser R93 a modular firearm capable of using a multitude of calibers in its chassis.[1]​ A R93 Rimfire conversion kit was also available in .22 Long Rifle and .17 HMR consisting of a new magazine, barrel, bolt head and bolt catch insert.

The rifle has a shorter overall length compare to more traditional designs due to the trigger being placed under the magazine. The rifle also has a reputation for being easy to disassemble and reassemble which can be an advantage when doing maintenance or during travelling, and has a reputation for having a repeatable zero upon reassembly.

Depending on the cartridges used that dictate the amount it'll hold, then yes........or no. Use also plays a part in the equation.

MagnumManiac said:

Having built many switch barrels, having DBM is a big no from me, as is having multiple cartridge head sizes.
Number one is, a WSM is not gonna feed in a rifle that uses a 6.5CM without serious tweaking.
The feasibility of numerous cartridge head dimensions poses far too many variables.
Sure, you CAN get around it with a DBM set-up some of the time…

Cheers

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Thanks for this. Its good to know what the limitations are. Not gunna worry bout fussin with bolt head changes then.

Thanks for the info gents. Makes perfect sense. Not gunna look at the bolt head changes any further. Seems like thats potentially a pain in the butt for the kind of rifles i enjoy.

I prefer DBm by a large margin in the field, personally. But that comes with caveats 1. I'm mainly running older style savages with the flush mags so the carry is the same 2. having switched barrels from a 6.5CM to a 7saum I can say it literally is change the bolt head, set headspace, put in the other mag, and shoot. that won't always be the case with other makers.

Granted in that case you're stuck owning a savage, that's not everybody's thing. Also, I eventually decided it was easier to just buy a second action to house the original barrel.

I have a stiller predator LA now that I love but loading and unloading with the scope rail on is deeply annoying. But that's totally personal pref. If I were to make it a switcher I would probably go 25-06, 35 whelen, something like that, keep it in the same case family. I've always thought a 6.5 prc/300 wsm on a medium action would be a gas.

JakeC said:

If I were to make it a switcher I would probably go 25-06, 35 whelen, something like that, keep it in the same case family.

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Thats where Im at now. Keep it straight forward and reliable.

Wilderness Blacktail said:

Thanks for the info gents. Makes perfect sense. Not gunna look at the bolt head changes any further. Seems like thats potentially a pain in the butt for the kind of rifles i enjoy.

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There are several companies that have a quick change bolt.

100%, dbm can fit a multitude of magazines that can run from 6.5cm to 338 lapua.

Was a big BDL fan but I'm slowly warming up to the DBM. In the scenario you described, I would 100% use a DBM. You could get a single action, like a TL3, and swap barrels, bolt heads and mag whenever you pleased. Stock and bottom metal stay the same. Often wish I just started with a TL3 and was done with it doing exactly that.

I like the Hawkins Hunter style mags, personally.