Howdy folks
I recently purchased a brand new rifle from a retailer.
Quite expensive
I have been having pressure problems indicated by pancaked primers and cratered primer strikes from factory ammo.
Additionally I have miced the once fired brass a 2 thou under SAAMI spec (tight chamber). Bolt will not close on steel cased 7.62 NATO ammo.
Should I make a stink about this?
Cheers
RC
RC, sorry to hear of your woes but from a competition rifle stand point, I would be happy.
As a "high end" rifle, the assumption may be that the shooter is a reloader and will cater to the chambers dimensions. There is a very good chance that the chamber is cut near or at min SAAMI spec and those dimensions may continue into the neck and throat. If this is what has happened, YES, typical factory ammo can show pressure signs.
First check, can you drop a bullet into the fired case neck or does it stop or not even enter? Check the necks for burrs from the industrial trimming process.
Is there a rub mark around the base of the case where the case web would be? Is there a rub mark around the shoulder/neck area?
Does the fired case show stretch marks in the case body? colour now dull with very fine lines all around the mid portion of the case?
What was the factory ammo?
If you plan to use factory ammo in this rifle, maybe a looser chamber is in order or different ammo. If you are going to handload and do a bunch of prep, you may just have a great shooter.
If the action is strong and the lock up is good, there is performance available not typical of reg factory rifles.
Send me an email if you want to discuss further.
Take care....
Jerry
PS, I wouldn't be using surplus ammo as a headspace gauge... I wouldn't use factory ammo either
