BLR Extraction problem

[7mag]

Has any one had any extraction issues with a Browning BLR? I built a load up for a friends BLR in 300WSM and you almost need a crow bar to pull the lever down after firing. Im using Federal brass and 64grains of H414 with 165 grain TTSX bullets. There are zero pressure signs. I have heard in the past that some autos and lever guns need a small base die? Could this be the case with this rifle?
Thanks for any input...

 

[Lefty Dick]

If they chamber smooth, you don't need a different die.
If they are hard to extract after firing, it's a sign of high pressure!
How did your stepped up loads do? We're they hard to extract? You stepped up your loads didn't you?

Relying on primer flatness alone is a poor indicator of pressure.
Actually all the overt pressure signs, like primer flatness, tough extraction, extractor marks, are signs you are way over pressure, by like 20% or more.

 

[7mag]

Yes I worked up to that load and beyond as 64g isnt even max load in the manual. They all seemed hard to extract.

 

[Lefty Dick]

How does factory ammo extract after firing?

I've seen a few rifles where as little as one grain up from minimum, showed pressure signs. Manuals are just guided start points, that's all.

The powder manufacturers data shows your load 1.5 gr over their maximum.

What is your chronograph showing for velocity?

 

[RifleDude]

Yup, I bet you're getting close to 70,000PSI with that load, better back off a couple of grains. Also check for loose primers in the fired cases.

 

[7mag]

Factory ammo shoots good. Barnes loading manual #4 says 65 grains is max load with H414. Never thought going with less than max load would create issues. Will back off and or try another powder.

 

[bigedp51]

7mag

In the book below Glen Zediker answers your question about what type die to use.

Measure a new unfired case at several points along the body.

Measure the case again after it has been fired.

After sizing the case it should be at least .003 smaller in diameter and preferably .005 smaller for proper extraction.

Your doing this measuring because dies vary in size, my Lee .223 FL die sizes the cases smaller in diameter than my RCBS small base die does.

Question, was your buddy there when you "almost needed a crow bar to pull the lever down" and did he say anything about shooting you if you ruined his rifle?

Bottom line, make a work up load starting at the suggested start load and work up. That way there is less danger of being beaten to death with a crowbar.

 

[7mag]

7mag

In the book below Glen Zediker answers your question about what type die to use.

Measure a new unfired case at several points along the body.


Measure the case again after it has been fired.

After sizing the case it should be at least .003 smaller in diameter and preferably .005 smaller for proper extraction.

Your doing this measuring because dies vary in size, my Lee .223 FL die sizes the cases smaller in diameter than my RCBS small base die does.

Question, was your buddy there when you "almost needed a crow bar to pull the lever down" and did he say anything about shooting you if you ruined his rifle?

Bottom line, make a work up load starting at the suggested start load and work up. That way there is less danger of being beaten to death with a crowbar.

you dont actually need a crow bar! Just saying its hard to cycle... Must be just too hot a load. I will start from scratch with a different powder. Never really been a big fan of H414. I just learned of another fellow having pressure problems with a 300wsm bolt gun as well with the same powder and Barnes load data.

 

[FLHTCUI]

Are you using these RCBS #: 30803 small base dies?
If it where me I would be using those dies mentioned above, but I gave up on perfecting the perfect load many years ago.
I have succumbed to..limited to if you will... dare I say it in the reloading thread, shooting factory ammo
What cases are you using?
Brass or those nickle plated ones?
Rob