PUMP ACTION RIFLE, which one?

[sobo4303]

I'm thinkin your gunsmith is biased against pumps for some reason. They are easy to load for and will accept surprisingly heavy loads w/o problems. Sounds like a resizing die problem.

Are you using small base dies? Although they are recommended for pumps and semis, I've never needed them for pump rifles. A regular FL resize die will work fine w/o any of the problems you describe.

The gunsmith was the fellow whom sold me the rifle and spoke very highly of them, so no, not too biased. He had indicated that determining headspace on these was a bit of a challenge. On the first rifle, he found that headspace was ok. After that I loaded brand new "virgin" Win brass with 85 gr nosler loads. Very nice consistent groups. After first firing, the shiny ring appeared. After second firing of the 20 I loaded, 9 were already split about 1/4" from the head. It was at that point he suggested to send to Gravel's. They replaced rifle with another great shooter. Same brass issue.

Traded rifle off. Maybe it was a particular production run of those rifles, I dunno. I have a buddy whom had a slightly older one, no issues at all.

 

[SuperCub]

They replaced rifle with another great shooter. Same brass issue.

What type of dies were used?


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[TheTooner]

You won't be disappointed with a Rem 760 or 7600.

Lots of them come up for sale on the EE in the $500 range. The trigger can be tweeked, bbl shortened to 20" and a recoil pad added for a perfect handling rifle, that shoot well and will be dependable.

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E.g. I just listed a 7600 new in the box for $525 shipped. But it has a synthetic stock so not quite to Onty's taste.

 

[sobo4303]

Regular RCBS dies. Not small base. No other issue with my other 243's.

That was why I used the virgin brass, so I could rule out the issue of being once fired in another rifle.

I have not heard too much about this year's batch, but based on my experience, am a wee bit leery now.

 

[lister]

Ive got a 7600. Nice gun, very reliable. Good gun for the bush. Ive handled but never shot a BPR. Nice gun as well, but ive heard their were some ergonomic issues with it like pinhced fingers in the pump and such. Interesting gun though.

EDIT - Accuracy wise my 7600 in 3006 is about 1.25 MOA. Suitable for 99% of ON big game situations.

Agreed, and ditto.

 

[SuperCub]

Regular RCBS dies. Not small base. No other issue with my other 243's.

That was why I used the virgin brass, so I could rule out the issue of being once fired in another rifle.

I have not heard too much about this year's batch, but based on my experience, am a wee bit leery now.

That's weird. I've loaded for several 760/7600s over the years and not had a problem like that. All used full length resizing w/o problems.

I've had ...

223 (x1)
35 Rem (x1)
358 Win (rechambered)
270 (1)
308 (x2)
30/06 (x2)
35 Whelen (x3)

 

[sobo4303]

The really weird thing about it for me was that the problem occurred in TWO different rifles from different sources. One I bought locally, and the other was the replacement rifle from Gravel's. The serial numbers were quite different too.

The nearest thing I can determine, is that there might have been an error on the manufacturing side of things (batch of bolts, receiver, who knows).

Both rifles shot extremely well and functioned flawlessly once the bolt track was lubricated with a little oil. The magazine was a little flimsy, but that's nothing new with any manufacturer (even Tikka).

 

[OneBarfly]

my '50's era 760 shoots like a laser beam. no problems with reloaded ammo. I have another 7600 in .308, but the price for a NIB example as listed above is a very good deal. I woudn't sell my very well "hunted" .308 for less than $500.00 as is.

Below is a pic of my go to in 30-06 (replaced with carbine length barrel)

Not a big fan of the remy semi. Gave one away to a friend last year.

 

[Waterfowler]

my '50's era 760 shoots like a laser beam. no problems with reloaded ammo. I have another 7600 in .308, but the price for a NIB example as listed above is a very good deal. I woudn't sell my very well "hunted" .308 for less than $500.00 as is.

Below is a pic of my go to in 30-06 (replaced with carbine length barrel)

Not a big fan of the remy semi. Gave one away to a friend last year.

Nice!!! Love the laminate.