Howa 1500 Feeding Issues

AB3006

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I was out at the range yesterday, trying out 3 different factory loads in my Howa 1500 in 30-06. Looking to select a hunting load for this season.

The Sako 150gr and Federal 165gr loads fed beautifully. I wanted to give the 180gr Sellier and Bellot round noses another chance as well. However, the internal box mag wouldn't take more than 3 (it would take 4 of the other two) and tried to feed two rounds.

I wanted them to feed better, because they shot quite well when they fed (unlike my previous experience with them).

Do you think it's a loose wingnut on the steering wheel (IOTW operator error) or is this a potential issue with these rounds?
 
Hard to say without seeing it working, but it sounds like the profile of that bullet just doesn't jive with your magazine/feed ramp. They're being presented at the wrong angle.

Maybe I'm misunderstanding your post, but is this problem new, like you've shot them previously and this didn't happen? When you place them in there carefully and work the bolt slowly, can see you what makes them misfeed compared to a longer/spitzer bullet?
 
Maybe I'm misunderstanding your post, but is this problem new, like you've shot them previously and this didn't happen? When you place them in there carefully and work the bolt slowly, can see you what makes them misfeed compared to a longer/spitzer bullet?
Last time I fired them, I seem to remember that I single-fed them. The bullets are definitely bulkier, and like I said, I wasn't able to get 4 in the internal mag, so to quote Richard Dreyfuss in Close Encounters "This must mean something".

Now, the double-feed occurred only once, but I only shot a group of 5 with this load this time around. I'll be out again later this week and give them another go. I'll give the barrel a good clean as well, before I do. I've had 40-50 down the tube now. It shouldn't matter, but control all variables, right?
 
Thorough researcher...I like it haha.

Good luck, sorry to hear that a load you like is messing with you man. Would be real informative to load that bullet out a bit longer in different cases.

Out of curiousity, have you tried Remington's 180gr Core-Lokt Round Nose? Have found it shoots well across a variety of thuddy aught sixes.
 
Out of curiousity, have you tried Remington's 180gr Core-Lokt Round Nose? Have found it shoots well across a variety of thuddy aught sixes.
No, I haven't. I'll try to pick some up soon. The S&B is the first 180 gr I've ever shot. Only shot 150s and 165s before. The kick on the 180 is definitely more pronounced. I'll try to shoot them as the first load out next time, before the lighter stuff beats me up too much.
 
Good idea! Hope they work for you, if its as accurate, must do pretty much the same thing. Its a good round nose sp that people have loved for years.

Maybe the cartridge has a profile that feeds slick for you
 
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