Ammo Issue or Rifle? - Pierced Primers

Yogi05

Yogi05

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Near Ottawa Ont.
So I took my type 38 Arasaka out for the first time in 25 years.
I've only ever fired four rounds through it...ever. (A long story on
another post). First couple rounds were alright, then a series of
misfires. More than not, when it fired, primers were pierced, and
backed out. Lots of smoke around the chamber when this happened.
I know nothing about loads, pressures, etc.
I am using store bought Norma 6.5 Jap ammo, although it is now
very old (25-30 years, but stored properly).
So can anyone tell me what's causing this? Old ammo, or something
wrong with the rifle. All rifle hardware is in good shape including
the barrel. Thanks for any opinions...er, reasonable opinions
related to the rifle that is......(see pics below). Or maybe I should have sold it to the guy at the range who wanted it?
PIERCED_.jpg

RAISEDPR.jpg

NORMABOX.jpg

FIREDOK.jpg

ARIBORE1.jpg
 
I have another box of the exact same ammo but maybe a year or two newer. Any idea what would cause a pressure issue with store bought ammo?
 
You do not have a pressure issue.
The rifle may have excess headspace though.
Two things to check:
The firing pin spring may be weak. This is why the rifle was misfiring, and it also contributed to the pierced primers - pressure was able to set the firing pin back, causing the primer to fail.
How is the fit of the firing pin tip to the boltface? Is it sloppy?
 
Thanks Tiriaq. I don't know how to check headspace, although when I first bought this rifle 25 years or so ago, I brought it straight to a gunsmith to see if it was safe to fire (becuase of it's age and beat-up-looking condition. He measured the headspace then and said it was fine, go ahead and shoot it. Since then it's been sitting in the safe so I don't know why it would be any different now. I agree on the weak firing pin spring. That occured to me as well, but I thought the actual piercing wouldn't happen with a weak spring although it would explain the weak indent on the primer when it misfired. I'm thinking now I should have grabbed the offer at the range :)
 
Assuming that headspace is an issue, handloading is the easiest solution. Rebarrelling a 6.5 Arisaka is possible, but its likely not practical.
Expand the case necks, then size them back down to hold the bullets, leaving a false shoulder to hold the case in position with the casehead against the boltface. After the cases are fireformed, necksize only, or size just enough for the rounds to chamber freely, without setting the fireformed shoulder back.
 
A pop can is 4 thou thick. with a pair of scissors, cut a few dime - sized shims. Chamber a factory virgin round with one shim behind the case head. Is there any resistance to closing the bolt? If not try again. repeat until you feel resistance. You should feel some resistance with two shims. For sure with 3.

I suspect rifle needs a new mainspring in the bolt. Check with Wolfe in the usa. they make springs for most uns. Will cost about $10.
 
Thanks for all the ideas. I'm sure the original gunsmith is long gone, but in his defence, he was very well respected in my area. Doesn't matter. As for hand loading etc, this Ari is nowhere near worth rebarrelling or even reloads for that matter (I hear they're very expensive to reload). I am heading to a shop Monday and will bring the shells to show a smith and see what he thinks as well. More and more I'm thinking I should have taken the offer for it at the range. Maybe I'll run into the guy again. Thanks all and I'll post what the smith tells me as well.
 
Spoke briefly with a gunsmith today and showed the shells to him. He agreed with you all. Headspace or simply worn out chamber. I have to see him at his shop on another matter tomorrow so I'll bring the ari for him to see and get a final definate answer, but I think I already know it's as you guys all said. It'll be a wall hanger. Too bad. The only reason I even tried it again was my nephew wanted to shoot it becuase that gun is in all the wwII video games. He lit up when he found out I actually had one :) It would have been nice to let him try a few rounds.
 
Check for excessise firing pin protusion or jagged or sharp firing pins may cause primers to pop out with breech over pressure. Solution ,remove firing pin and measure overall firing pin length and stone in a light "s" pattern the firing pin to ensure a smooth rounded surface
 
Ok. Thanks Airborneboi69 . Pretty much what you told me today. If I don't see anything obvious I'll throw the bolt in my "kit" until I run into you again.

BTW... you may be about to get trashed for digging up a year old thread :):)
 
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