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The terms short-action, long-action, and magnum action are used to describe the length of a rifle’s receiver and bolt. The length of a rifle’s action is determined by the caliber the rifle is chambered in. This is important to know if you are building a bolt-action rifle or want to change/upgrade the rifle stock on a bolt-action rifle, as you must get the correct length to ensure it shoots properly and safely. This guide explains the difference between the action lengths so you can identify what you have or select the best setup for your build.
What Is the Difference Between a Short-Action and Long-Action Rifle?
The cartridge a rifle is chambered in will determine the action length of that rifle. Short-action rifles have an action length of 2.3”-2.8”, long-action or standard length actions are 2.8”-3.34”, magnum actions are 3.6”, and the mini-action is 2.3” or less. Certain rifle manufacturers do not make rifles with various action lengths. Some manufacturers will make all their rifles with a long-action including rifles chambered in short-action cartridges. The benefits of a shorter action over a longer action do not impact most shooters or the type of shooting they are doing. So it is best to choose the cartridge and rifle you are using not based on action length but rather the specific use you have for the rifle. However, it is still useful to know the exact action length of your rifle, as this information helps you select compatible parts, accessories, and tools.
Is a 6.5 Creedmoor a Short-Action or Long-Action?
Short-Action
Short-action rifles have an action length of 2.3”-2.8”. These rifles are chambered in cartridges similar to .308 Winchester. Some common short-action cartridges are the following:
- .308 Winchester
- .243 Winchester
- 7mm-08 Remington
- 6.5 Creedmoor
- 6.5 PRC (Precision Rifle Cartridge)
- 300 WSM (Winchester Short Magnum)
- 270 WSM (Winchester Short Magnum)
- 7mm WSM (Winchester Short Magnum)
What is the Advantage of a Short-Action Rifle?
The benefit of a short-action rifle is there is less weight due to less material in the action. Also, the distance needed to cycle the action or pull the bolt back is less. Some shooters claim this impacts accuracy and speed. However, most of these benefits are very small compared to a long-action rifle.
Is a 30-06 Long-Action or Short-Action?
Long-Action
Long-action rifles are often called standard action rifles and have an action length of 2.8”- 3.34” and were designed for cartridges based on the 30-06 Springfield. Some long-action or standard-action length cartridges are the following:
- 30-06 Springfield
- .270 Winchester
- 25-06 Remington
- 300 Winchester Magnum
- 7mm Remington Magnum
- .280 Remington
When people compare short-action and long-action rifles they often discuss that there are no real benefits of a long-action over a short-action. The short-action is going to be slightly lighter due to less material and faster to cycle due to it having a shorter length. Since the differences in weight and speed of cycling the action are small, some shooters don’t notice this difference. Whether or not the slight difference in weight and length is a benefit is up to you as the shooter. However, one benefit of a long-action rifle is having a rifle chambered in one of the cartridges listed above. These cartridges are extremely popular for a reason, as they have proven themselves to be very effective, especially for hunting, and are easy to find.
Magnum-Length Action
Magnum length actions have an action length of 3.6” and were designed for cartridges based on the 375H&H or similar length cartridges. The following cartridges are for magnum-length actions:
- 375 H&H Magnum
- 300 Weatherby Magnum
- 270 Weatherby Magnum
- 300 PRC (Precision Rifle Cartridge)
- 300 Remington Ultra Magnum (RUM)
Magnum actions are longer and heavier than short and long-actions. However, if you are using one of the cartridges listed above or another magnum-length cartridge for a specific reason then the weight and length of the action will not necessarily outweigh the reason for using a magnum-length action.
One Last Note: Mini-Action Rifles
Mini-action rifles have an action length of 2.3” or less and are designed for cartridges that are shorter than most short-action rifle cartridges. Not all rifle manufacturers will have a designated mini-action for these cartridges and will just chamber short-action rifles in these cartridges. Some cartridges that are often found in mini-action rifles are the following:
