2X4 Metal Stud Actual Size. A metal stud is ductile and therefore can perform at a wide range of deflections. As a result you will get exactly what you order. Weight depends on the length and species, if it is pressure treated or not.
It has always been that way.
Typically stud framing in north america is based on wooden studs placed 16″ apart. Weight depends on the length and species, if it is pressure treated or not. Size doesn't matter much with metal studs. No body is cheating or cheapening the lumber. Their higher strength allows greater spacing between members when compared. Product dimensions will vary depending on moisture content. It doesn't take too much experience before you learn that the actual sizes of dimension lumber are quite different than the nominal sizes by which they are classified. A 2x4 would be a stud, not a board.
