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Stupid 6.5x47L Question

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I say it's not necessary, because it's not necessary. If it were, the three rifles I have wouldn't shoot lights out. They also wouldn't handle high pressure loads as easily as they do. Its fine to do it, but not necessary.

edit: I'm talking about Rem700's

So what you're really saying is "it hasn't been necessary in my rifles"? To make a blanket statement that "it's not necessary at all" is a little broad, and incorrect. If it isn't necessary, then I wonder why just about every custom action mfg has switched to small pins and holes? I personally would not shoot a small primer cartridge with a large firing pin set-up. There can be issues, and why take the risk?

OP, I have a TL2 (small pin) and shoot some loads on the edge, and have not had issues (yet!!!).
 
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Yes you might be able to get by with out it. But you will also show false over pressure signs using the large firing pin hole. Have it bushed and turned down to proper size. Then you can achieve really good load development
 
I was piercing and popping primers like crazy before I had my smith change to a small firing pin. I'd bushing it and turn the pin down if I were you, but that is only from my own experience
 
I have a Savage 6.5x47L and they are notorious for having ugly primer srikes. I do'nt have any problem with piercing or cratering so I don't worry about it. I don't think it's necessary until you run into problems or you know you are going to shoot some incredibly stout loads. Also a good custom action will likely not have as much of an issue as something stock from the factory.
 
The issue isn't the pin size, it's the clearance around the pin and the bolt body. My old smith didn't have a surface grinder to reduce the pin size when he bushed a couple of my old M70s. Large pin with a tight fit works fine.

I prefer a small pin on everything, large rifle or small, but that's just ease of use. I can swap to whatever I want and never give it a second thought knowing if a manufacturer put a small pin in it's going to be tight (that may well be a poor assumption). A well made custom action should have minimal clearance between the pin and bolt, no matter what pin size they use. FWIW, I do NOT include older AI actions in that statement. They are a "combat" action designed around 308, 300wm and 338LM, not all the fucking small primer ninja rounds we use today. In their intended roll, they are exceptional. New AIs with small pins are almost certainly a result of us (myself included) using the actions for chamberings they weren't intended to use. Doesn't make them better,(well better for stuff like 6BR/Dasher/47L) just shows AI is listening to their customer base and current trends.
 
In my limited understanding.... The 6.5 x 47L is designed as a high pressure round. A bushed or small firing pin should handle the higher pressure better. If your not pushing pressure it shouldn't make a difference but then your not really using the cartridge to its full design potential either.