First Reload Problems

[blueeyes]

Hi guys need some help I have just started reloading for my Rem 700 LVSF in .223 , went out yday to try some home loads , 55 grn V max and 40 grn Vmax and powder was V n133 at a mates recommendation I started both loads a couple of loads up from Min and then went up in .3 increments, the 55 grn ended up 24.00 and COL of 2.258 1 grain below max and the 40grn ended up at 25.8 and same COL all went well with the reloading all cases were trimmed to 1.750" flashhole deburred all charges were checked and double checked as this was my first time reloading, well all went well with the test as I was coming to the last two 55 grns Vmax testing the bolt was getting a little stiff but case looked fine , anyway fired the 40 grn , and as all my rounds tested went high and to the right I decided after about an hour to check my zero with my factory sako 55grn and it was off but went to open the bolt and it is very stiff fired another 6 rounds and the same, what I have noticed is when I dry fire the bolt is still stiff not as bad as when fired but stiff, when a round is chambered no problem bold glides in and out and ejects etc etc only when I fire or dry fire it happens any ideas guys as this is leaving a bad taste in my mouth with my reloading, another observation is some of the cases are not totally round some have a flat spot which I will try to show in a pic,these were the last three of the 55grn cases of my homeloads thanks look forward to your replies ps second pick had a small flake on it not a mark

 

[bluesako]

hi, first i would give your chamber and lugs a good clean, were your cases brand new or used, if used, i would try a batch with new brass, is the flat spot on the kneck? if it is, it might be the case hitting when you are ejecting it, maybe try a few factory rounds to see if the bolt is still stiff, if the factory rounds work ok, its probably down to the reload,s hope you sort it out dave.

 

[dodgyrog]

I suspect a dirty chamber. I had the same problem on my .270

 

[JTO]

I suspect a dirty chamber.

That was my first thought.

Was the rifle getting really hot during the test firing?

Does the problem occur when the rifle is cold?

 

[blueeyes]

hi, first i would give your chamber and lugs a good clean, were your cases brand new or used, if used, i would try a batch with new brass, is the flat spot on the kneck? if it is, it might be the case hitting when you are ejecting it, maybe try a few factory rounds to see if the bolt is still stiff, if the factory rounds work ok, its probably down to the reload,s hope you sort it out dave.

thanks for the relpy
brass was once fired Sako formed to my chamber
small mark was on the neck
my last shots were with factory rounds and it was still tight to open or do you mean after cleaning, whats the best way of cleaning the lug recesses in the chamber

 

[blueeyes]

yes it does it when cold, and also as I said only when fired, even dry fired thanks

 

[JTO]

yes it does it when cold, and also as I said only when fired, even dry fired thanks

Sounds like something in the front of the bolt may have gone out of shape. The extractor claw perhaps.
OR perhaps the cocking mechanism has got some foreign body within it. Have you spilled any powder anywhere near the chamber during your processes?
I've never had a Remington and assuming that opening the bolt does the cocking.

 

[blueeyes]

Sounds like something in the front of the bolt may have gone out of shape. The extractor claw perhaps.
OR perhaps the cocking mechanism has got some foreign body within it. Have you spilled any powder anywhere near the chamber during your processes?
I've never had a Remington and assuming that opening the bolt does the cocking.

No never had powder etc near it, and it was shooting and working like a dream prior to this, yes lifting the bolt cocks the pin, I have opened the bolt up and cant see any issue there just got me puzzeled thanks

 

[JTO]

Have you closed the bolt with the trigger pulled, as opposed to 'dry firing'. You could try it with or without a case in the chamber. It might help an aficionado who may be watching.

 

[JTO]

View attachment 100631

Are these the homeloads or the factory fired rounds? Some people might comment on the pressure signs.

 

[jcampbellsmith]

blueeyes

Some comments –

• Work up one load at a time.
• Find someone local who can look at what you’re doing and advise.
• Keep a log of your reloading activities.
• Use a phosphor bronze brush to clean the chamber.
• Cotton buds can be used at a pinch to clean out the bolt lug recess. An old toothbrush can be useful too. There are kits available, but easy enough to improvise.
• https://www.amazon.co.uk/BAC-BOLT-ACTION-RECESS-CLEANING/dp/B004Y7E4EI
• When you are load testing, don’t worry about where the shots go, all you are looking for is a group, once you are happy with a load, you can re-zero your rifle.

Have fun.

JCS

 

[blueeyes]

Are these the homeloads or the factory fired rounds? Some people might comment on the pressure signs.

these are home loads the last 3 fired on the ladder of the 55grns these and the 3 before were when the bolt started to get tight but both were under max load as be it 1 grain, but I went on to fire 15 rounds of the 40 grns no issues , then decided to check my zero with my factory rounds and stiff, just gave the bolt a clean there and gave the pin a bit of a polish it was blackish all over so gave it a light rub with very fine emery,cleaned the pin hole best I could and has helped , what I do notice no even with factory rounds and this was just prior to my testing that when I close the bolt I need to apply a bit more pressure than normally, what signs are you seeing with pressure the middle round had a small flake of something on it thanks

 

[blueeyes]

thanks JCS that was more or less what I was doing, all I am worrying about now is that I havnt done any long term damage but think if my gut feeling is right that chamber might be the cause so will get onto that thanks

 

[JTO]

Rather than rely on COAL, check the Base-to-Ogive measurement and compare that to the factory rounds.

 

[blueeyes]

some more pics of the last 6 rounds on the test of the 55grn V max

 

[blueeyes]

Rather than rely on COAL, check the Base-to-Ogive measurement and compare that to the factory rounds.

I was trying to get better with it being a tad closer to the lands but again I am governed by the magazine, so do you suggest I just more or less copy the Sako factory round measurements and go from there providing there is no lasting damage thanks

 

[JTO]

I was trying to get better with it being a tad closer to the lands but again I am governed by the magazine, so do you suggest I just more or less copy the Sako factory round measurements and go from there providing there is no lasting damage thanks

I am not really experienced enough to advise, but 'jamming' can cause pressure to surge, I believe, as can over compressing the powder charge, I think.

 

[dully1963]

Hi primers look flat so I've ran your numbers through Quickload and its saying you have a compressed load you have a cased filled to 110% not Ideal . I will have another look and see if I can sort a little better load out for you
all the best
Andy

 

[JTO]

Have you cycled the bolt with your unfired homeloads without leaving the bullet stuck in the chamber?

 

[JTO]

The primers shown in the opening post look as if they could have easily been blown out to me, but others might think differently.
I can't see any extractor marks on the case heads!
Have a look to see if the extractor is moving freely.