i've got a savage 110 in 270, i bought a box of shells from SIR, and my bolt is quite hard to close. It is not extremely tight, but requires more pressure than any other of the hundreds of shells i,ve tried. Took the shells back to SIR, they told me they were alright. Is it normal for the bolt to require some pressure to close? never seen this before.
headspace issues
- Thread starter bruno
- Start date
Are your ejector and extractor moving freely? Chamber clean? Any marks on the cartridges to indicate where the problem is? Front receiver screw isn't blocking the locking lug? Bolt operates freely without ammunition, or with different cartridges? It IS quite unusual for factory cartridges not to fit a factory chamber.
- Location
- Somewhere on the Hudson Bay Coast
If the .270 ammo you bought is loaded with a long heavy bullet, the throat ahead of the chamber might not be long enough causing the bullet to push into the lands, resulting in a tight bolt.
How would they know the shells are all right 
Are these of a different weight or brand than you have fired before? Dirty chamber, neck or throat as tiriag mentioned.
Did you do anything different, such as using a new scope base or removing the stock? The second base screw from the front can be too long and the front action screw can also be too long. Can you use a magic marker and coat the cartridge to see where it is hanging up?
If this rifle's barrel has not been previously removed, it is extremely unlikely that you have a headspace issue. They are headspaced and checked a minimum of 3 times before leaving the factory.
Are these of a different weight or brand than you have fired before? Dirty chamber, neck or throat as tiriag mentioned.Did you do anything different, such as using a new scope base or removing the stock? The second base screw from the front can be too long and the front action screw can also be too long. Can you use a magic marker and coat the cartridge to see where it is hanging up?
If this rifle's barrel has not been previously removed, it is extremely unlikely that you have a headspace issue. They are headspaced and checked a minimum of 3 times before leaving the factory.
Is there any signs of brass shaving anywhere? Marks on the bolt face.
My lean is definate in the direction of the ammunition. I don't know what brand you were using but i have had issues with Federal in the past, in a .270 no less. It would blow the primers out of the pockets. I bad box once.
Good luck with an ammo return at SIR. If the other rounds are fitting no problem than it is not likely a headspace issue. Toss the ammo and consider it a loss.
My lean is definate in the direction of the ammunition. I don't know what brand you were using but i have had issues with Federal in the past, in a .270 no less. It would blow the primers out of the pockets. I bad box once.
Good luck with an ammo return at SIR. If the other rounds are fitting no problem than it is not likely a headspace issue. Toss the ammo and consider it a loss.
bruno said:
3 thousands of an inch can be the difference between a bolt closing easily and where you can feel firmness...
You most likely encountered a box of ammo at the maximum tolerances... and I don't know how the store determined the ammo was okay... no way they could do that I am sure... it was probably easier for them to say that... The manufacturer should have been notified. They always have an interest in problem solving...
I tend to agree with the idea that the bullet is engaging the lands before the true reference, the case shoulder, of head space is. Magic mark the transition area of the bullet and close action on cartridge, eject and check marked area for land/rifle marks. Thn it's up to you if you want to fire as this type of engagement can creat higher pressures on firing.
If this is a factory barrel, I really REALLY doubt it's bullet interfering with the lands. Factory rifles tend to have pretty generous throats.
Is this a brand and style of ammo you've used before? I ask because I've got a .30-'06 that has a problem with Remington ammo, at least the couple boxes (from different lots) that I tried. Federal and Winchester were no problem; but the Remmys I had to hammer closed with the heel of my palm. And it was no pleasure to open either.
Is this a brand and style of ammo you've used before? I ask because I've got a .30-'06 that has a problem with Remington ammo, at least the couple boxes (from different lots) that I tried. Federal and Winchester were no problem; but the Remmys I had to hammer closed with the heel of my palm. And it was no pleasure to open either.
