Difference between controlled round and push feed

Larry Potterfield, CEO and Founder of MidwayUSA, demonstrates the difference between a controlled round feed rifle action and one that is a push feed style action. Controlled round feed refers to an action that remains in control of the cartridge throughout the entire feeding process. As the cartridge is stripped from the magazine it slides up under the extractor and is held against the bolt face as it moves into the chamber. A push feed action, such as a Remington model 700, strips the cartridge from the magazine and uses it's forward momentum to chamber the round. The extractor does not retain the cartridge until the bolt is fully closed.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• MidwayUSA
• Larry
• Potterfield
• gunsmith
• guntec
• firearm
• Mauser
• 98
• gun
• shooting
• Remington
• 700
• rifle
• inspection

[patlfdunn101]

Larry rules!

[lmberish]

ALL remington 700's are push feed.

[drewnickel]

I think push feed is better for high pressure or overbore cartridges due to the ability to add a third locking lug depending on the action used, but for dangerous game the controlled feed should be the first option due to the lower chance of dropping ammunition if the gun is hit while you're cycling the bolt. Basically if you're looking for strength go for push feed, if your looking for reliability go for controlled feed

[MrMooseSlayer]

@TheAKOmnicide I don't get it. How do you figure this?

[R5H4D0W]

push feed seems like there would be less wear on the extractor... but gee, one can shoot out quite a few barrels before noticing significant wear

[cetoucool]

I love so much the sound it does when the cartridge is ejected

[LastCaress7]

Push feed por vida!

[shoespank]

@ramv36 Well, I was only about 15 at the time and have learned a bit since then. Dad and I now take the .17 cleaning rod with us if we take the .17 (usually SAKO .22-250 these days though...) I now have a son myself, (named 'Hunter') and he will be well instructed in the art let me assure you! :)

[ramv36]

Interesting to also note in this conversation is that nearly all automatic pistols use controlled round feed.

[ramv36]

@shoespank Sorry, but I HAVE to ask: You didn't bring along a cleaning rod on a hunt? What if you have a muzzle obstruction or a jammed case in the field. A cheap segmented rod is way lighter than a backup rifle.

Ok, mostly joking and just giving you a hard time, but I've learned that lesson nearly the same way already. Keep hunting, and teach someone new to hunt and enjoy it. It truly is a dying art.

[Gungeek]

@TheAKOmnicide How does that make it more accurate?

[TheAKOmnicide]

Controlled feed is the best in my opinion. Yes it may be prone to causing malfunctions in the rifle if the extractor doesn't immediately grip the bullet, but if the extractor holds the cartridge all the way through it's cycling it will result in a more accurate shot when compared to the push feed, where the bullet is just pushed in by the bolt and only grips the rim of the cartridge until the end of the bolt's cycling when it is closed.