S&L7x57
Well-Known Member
I am having a frustrating problem with sticky cases in my LH 308w Rem 788. Over half the cases extract quite happily with no problem but random cases do not move on primary extraction without significant effort on my part. All extract eventually once the initial 'stick-tion' is overcome. The cases come free with a distinct 'click' (no sound), they aren't stiff to withdraw once they have broken free. The lightly stuck cases can be removed with focused hand pressure but the seriously stuck ones need a soft mallet on the bolt handle! 
They are subsequently hard (but possible) to rechamber without FL resize.
Problem seems to be totally random irrespective of sizing (FL/NS), load and other pressure signs.
Cases are all PPU, bought new and reloaded in rough rotation, so far none has been fired more than 3 times.
Problem started on the first batch that were reloaded (ie once fired new cases). they had been NS'ed and I assumed that I was hitting too high a pressure level even though the pressure signs were modest.
Tried reducing the load, still some sticky cases.
Tried FL sizing versus NS, still problem persisted.
I tried 'smoking' (as in gunsmithing term) a couple of fired sticky cases, re-chambering them and once extracted, they showed a shiny patch about 1/3 of the length up the case its base of about 1cm and right round the case so I am assuming that this is where the 'grip' is occurring.
All loaded rounds have chambered just fine, giving no indication of the problem (or not) once fired.
Had an experienced riflesmith scope the chamber, 'seen worse but definitely not the best'. Dimensionally correct, no bulge.
His tentative suggestion was that (combined with a rather rough chamber) it was soft cases that are not 'springing' back to pre-fired dimension and gave me some once fired Hornady & Winchester to try. This is my next move unless anyone can suggest a better idea.
Also I haven't yet tried to see if cases that have stuck, do it again once FL'ed and reloaded and non-sticky cases visa versa.
He offered to drop the barrel and polish the chamber but I am trying not to turn this project into a money pit so not going that route just yet.
He also noted that the primary extraction had poor mechanical advantage due to the somewhat 'basic' design! However improving this seems to be only obscuring the problem rather than sorting it out.
Although this may be a red herring, I have noticed that the FL cases deliver consistently slightly higher ft/s, a bit more pressure sign on the primer and double the group size in comparison to NS so I would obviously prefer to not FL all my reloads if at all possible.
For those with experience of this mixture, I am loading a 130 Fox over 45.5gr-46gr of N140 giving a 2650-2750 ft/s out of a 19" barrel. Best groups are about 1/2" at 100 yds.
Any help appreciated.
They are subsequently hard (but possible) to rechamber without FL resize.
Problem seems to be totally random irrespective of sizing (FL/NS), load and other pressure signs.
Cases are all PPU, bought new and reloaded in rough rotation, so far none has been fired more than 3 times.
Problem started on the first batch that were reloaded (ie once fired new cases). they had been NS'ed and I assumed that I was hitting too high a pressure level even though the pressure signs were modest.
Tried reducing the load, still some sticky cases.
Tried FL sizing versus NS, still problem persisted.
I tried 'smoking' (as in gunsmithing term) a couple of fired sticky cases, re-chambering them and once extracted, they showed a shiny patch about 1/3 of the length up the case its base of about 1cm and right round the case so I am assuming that this is where the 'grip' is occurring.
All loaded rounds have chambered just fine, giving no indication of the problem (or not) once fired.
Had an experienced riflesmith scope the chamber, 'seen worse but definitely not the best'. Dimensionally correct, no bulge.
His tentative suggestion was that (combined with a rather rough chamber) it was soft cases that are not 'springing' back to pre-fired dimension and gave me some once fired Hornady & Winchester to try. This is my next move unless anyone can suggest a better idea.
Also I haven't yet tried to see if cases that have stuck, do it again once FL'ed and reloaded and non-sticky cases visa versa.
He offered to drop the barrel and polish the chamber but I am trying not to turn this project into a money pit so not going that route just yet.
He also noted that the primary extraction had poor mechanical advantage due to the somewhat 'basic' design! However improving this seems to be only obscuring the problem rather than sorting it out.
Although this may be a red herring, I have noticed that the FL cases deliver consistently slightly higher ft/s, a bit more pressure sign on the primer and double the group size in comparison to NS so I would obviously prefer to not FL all my reloads if at all possible.
For those with experience of this mixture, I am loading a 130 Fox over 45.5gr-46gr of N140 giving a 2650-2750 ft/s out of a 19" barrel. Best groups are about 1/2" at 100 yds.
Any help appreciated.
Seriously, I would like to hear any suggestions on my little problem! That is the rifle one, not the other one! 
