Bolt not closing on all rounds

Kenjames

Kenjames

CGN Regular
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Northern Ontario
My recent 3006 reloads are not closing on all rounds. About 30 percent fail to allow the bolt to close. I make sure all rounds are trimmed to length. OAL is all consistent. I use a small based die as I also reload for my pump 7600.
The die is a Lyman and its now 25 years old. Is it possible dies wear out? Everything is clean. Not sure what I am doing wrong. Appreciate any help in this regard.

Thanks,
Ken
 
Is it possible you have a dirty chamber? Is it possible your die moved on you and the shoulder is making contact too soon? Did you use different slugs; maybe the slug is engaging the rifling early due to different shape?
 
As others have said the list of possibles include:

1) Too much headspace (I shoot for 0.002")

2) Different shape of bullet / longer bullet which is engaging in the rifling before the case is fully in the chamber.

3) Burr on the case mouth (can be caused by cleaning method when the cases bash off each other - I had this exact issue once).

4) Dirty chamber

What is odd is that you are good for around 70% and 30% are bad. I would do some detailed measuring between a good round & one that is giving trouble and then do a "Spot the difference" to see where your problem lies.

Good luck.
 
The rounds that the bolt won't close on, were likely fired in your 7600. Your 7600 likely has a larger chamber, and the case is springing back, after sizing. This is why I keep cases separate, if I have multiple rifles in the same chambering.
 
Take a felt pen and colour around the shoulder of the case and the bullet that the bolt won't close on and then try to chamber it a few times. The marks should show up. If the cases have pushed the shoulder out, try annealing them. It's pretty easy to do a few with a propane or butane torch. Makes the brass pliable again.
 
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