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Bolt-Action Rifles – A Brief Overview
Bolt-action rifles are a popular choice among hunters and shooters for their accuracy and reliability.
In this article, we will be providing a basic rundown of some of the most common calibers and barrels used in bolt-action rifles, as well as some other considerations to take into account when choosing or building a rifle.
Bolt-action Rifle Calibers and Barrels
When it comes to calibers, there are dozens of options available, but we will be covering the ones that we most commonly use and see being used.
.30-.06 Springfield
The .30.06 Springfield is known as the “Great Grandaddy” of calibers and is still a popular choice for hunting deer, sheep, and predators. Its muzzle velocity is 2600-2900 FPS, and it has an energy of 1100 ft./lb.at 500m, 395 ft./lb. at 1000m, and 265 ft./lb. at 1500m.
The average barrel life for the .30.06 Springfield is 5,000 rounds.
.308 Winchester
The .308 Winchester has remained relevant for over 50 years and is the most popular hunting round and precision shooting round. Its muzzle velocity is 2700 FPS on average, and it has an energy of 1340 ft./lb at 500m, 550 ft./lb. at 1000m, and 300 ft./lb. at 1500m.
The barrel life for the .308 Winchester varies widely depending on the grains used, but the average is 7,000 rounds.
6.5 Creedmoor
Developed in 2007, the 6.5 Creedmoor is designed to improve on the .308. It is a flatter shooting round with a better trajectory than the .308. Its muzzle velocity is 2800 FPS on average, and it has an energy of 1300 ft./lb at 500m., 515 ft./lb. at 1000m and 325 ft./lb. at 1500m.
The average barrel life for the 6.5 Creedmoor is 3,000 rounds.
.300 Winchester Magnum
The .300 Winchester Magnum is a popular choice among military snipers and long-range hunters. Its muzzle velocity is 2975 FPS on average, and it has an energy of 2115 ft./lb at 500m, 2115 ft./lb., 940 ft./lb. at 1000m, and 425 ft./lb. at 1500m.
The average barrel life for the .300 Winchester Magnum is 1,500-2,000 rounds.
.338 Lapua Magnum
The .338 Lapua Magnum is known as the bridge between the .308 and the .50 BMG. Its muzzle velocity is 3,030 FPS on average, and it has an energy of 2755 ft./lb. at 500m., 1345 ft./lb. at 1000m, and 610 ft./lb. at 1500m.
The average barrel life for the .338 Lapua Magnum is 2,500-3,000 rounds.
Other Considerations for Bolt-action Rifles
When choosing or building a bolt-action rifle, there are a number of considerations to take into account, such as caliber, manufacturers, budget, etc. To us, the most important factor is always the barrel and then what you plan on using the rifle for.
Hunting/field considerations such as weight, compactness, and durability/reliability are the most important factors to consider when taking any firearm to the field. Materials used in the chassis and stock can greatly impact the overall weight of the firearm.
Composite materials such as carbon/fiberglass are common and help greatly reduce weight. When it comes to durability and reliability, buying from reputable manufacturers with a proven track record is always recommended.
Companies that cater to the huntsman, such as Remington, Daniel Defense (Delta5), Christensen Arms, Tikka (T3), and many others we are failing or forgetting to mention, are some examples of manufacturers that design rifles specifically for the field. Building a rifle is always the best way to get the rifle you want, but it’s not an option for everyone who lacks the time or skill set to complete such a project.
When it comes to barrels, most are made of steel, but carbon barrels are becoming more popular because they help greatly reduce the overall weight of the weapon. Carbon barrels are designed to cool off faster than steel barrels, but they also heat up much faster. This can lead to reduced accuracy. Additionally, carbon barrels have a shorter life than steel barrels.
Therefore, we don’t suggest carbon barrels due to the heat factors discussed and the longevity of the barrel’s life. Barrel length is also something to consider when choosing or building your rifle. For hunting, a preferred barrel length is more than 22 inches, while for range shooting it is less than 22 inches.
Range/precision rifle shooting considerations when choosing or building a rifle strictly for range shooting, any and everything is up for your choosing. Considerations such as weight, barrel length, etc. don’t matter as much when you aren’t humping in and out of the field and only have to haul your gear a few hundred yards at the most.
Longer barrels for further range and better stabilization of the bullet and better accuracy are an option here, round/caliber options are up to you as weight isn’t an issue. Really any and everything can be considered if you are purchasing or building a rifle strictly for this role.
Final Thoughts
Bolt-action rifles are a great choice for hunters and shooters due to their accuracy and reliability. When choosing or building a rifle, there are a number of considerations to take into account, such as caliber, manufacturers, budget, etc. The most important factor is always the barrel and then what you plan on using the rifle for.
While there are many calibers and barrels to choose from, some of the most common include the .30.06 Springfield, .308 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, .300 Winchester Magnum, and .338 Lapua Magnum. Additionally, when hunting, weight, compactness, and durability/reliability are important factors to consider, while for range shooting, any and everything is up for your choosing.
Be sure to read our other guides here!