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Bolt verses lever gun accuracy

n/an/a Member Posts: 168,427
edited September 2013 in Ask the Experts
Most say a bolt is more accurate. Comparing the same caliber, bullet weight and barrel length why would this be true or not true?

Thanks

Sage1

Comments

  • Ray BRay B Member Posts: 11,822
    edited November -1
    "in general" a bolt action is more accurate than a lever because the turn-bolt has more leverage on the final lock-up so can obtain a tighter fit with the cartridge. The tighter fit can result in more consistency of fit which results in less deviation in the paths of the bullets, which means more accurate. However, this is not to say that a lever is inaccurate. The tubular magazine attached to the barrel contributes to variation, which results in less accuracy. When unencumbered by a magazine, a lever can be quite accurate. I had an article published about twenty years ago regarding a Winchester 1885 that I shot groups at 200 yards that went into an inch, fine accuracy for even a bolt action.
  • charliemeyer007charliemeyer007 Member Posts: 6,572 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Generally bolt guns are in a one piece stock.
  • n/an/a Member Posts: 168,427
    edited November -1
    I must be missing something. Are bolt action chambers machined differently than lever guns. If not, how would the cartridge fit tighter?
  • n/an/a Member Posts: 168,427
    edited November -1
    Thanks for all of your input guys.

    Sage1
  • iceracerxiceracerx Member Posts: 8,860 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Most lever guns have tube mags (Savage 99 and Win 1895 being but two exceptions) and thus require round nose or flat nose bullets.

    Bolt guns can fire any projectile shape, with a Spitzer or Spire point being more accurate than the round nose at greater distances.

    "All things being equal" I would suggest there would be no difference in performance between the two types of rifles.

    Bolt action 30-30s were very popular 'brush' guns for Michigan white tail.
  • JimmyJackJimmyJack Member Posts: 5,486 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Another exception would be the rotary bolt and the Winchester 88 action.
  • JimmyJackJimmyJack Member Posts: 5,486 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Another exception would be the rotary bolt and the Winchester 88 action.
  • yoshmysteryoshmyster Member Posts: 21,829 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    So I guess it boils down to bullet shape. Those tipped rounds for the lever guns must be more "accurate" then the regular rounds of the same weight and charge.
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