As I recall, the only valid reason for controlled round feed (other than if you shoot a bolt action rifle while hanging upside down in a tree AND need more than one shot) is because of the danger of short stroking during the excitement of a dangerous game hunt.
Mauser originated the controlled round because their military rifles were going to be used by scared, conscript soldiers who had no experience with guns and were likely to short stroke the action when excited.
I recall an article by John Barsness in which he talks toungue in cheek about certain "cults" and of course that old devil, Double Loading, is mentioned. He claimed that 90 percent of the guides in Africa, Australia and Alaska use Weatherbys, Post-64 Winchesters, or Ruger 77's, usually chambered for 460, 458, or (in the Ruger) 338. The reason? Price. And availability. And, when asked about double loading, the answer was "They simply don't short-stroke the action."
I'm guessing there are other factors involved with controlled round feed that I am unaware of but I haven't found the lack of it to seriously restrict my hunting to date.
Dan R
Not
