Mossberg 4x4 cycling

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kwmack

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I recently picked up a new Mossberg 4x4 in .270 wsm. I haven’t fired it yet, but took it out to try cycling a few live rounds through it (safely of course). Closing and opening the bolt with the live round was really hard. I’ve never seen an action so stiff. It almost felt like I had to force it. It cycles fine with no round in it. Anybody know if this is normal with these guns where they’re budget priced or any ideas how to loosen it up?
 
A strong magazine spring can make pushing the bolt forward difficult. If that is what seems to be the problem work the bolt forcefully, or just partially load the magazine. If the problem is turning the bolt handle down on a loaded round, perhaps the bullets are seated out too long for the length of the chamber lead, seat them a little deeper if you're a handloader.
 
Boomer said:
A strong magazine spring can make pushing the bolt forward difficult. If that is what seems to be the problem work the bolt forcefully, or just partially load the magazine. If the problem is turning the bolt handle down on a loaded round, perhaps the bullets are seated out too long for the length of the chamber lead, seat them a little deeper if you're a handloader.
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The problem is more with pushing the bolt down I think. I’m not a handloader, just using factory ammo.
 
I’ve got a 4x4 in 300 Win Mag and am quite happy with it. Few hundred rounds through it. Your issue sounds like a tight chamber or headspace. Some brass is thicker than others. Reloaders can verify this. Try a different brand and cycle it, see how it feels.
 
Check the cases for scrape marks or any sign that they were scuffed by the chamber while the bolt was being closed. If there are no marks on the case and the bolt is moving forward relatively freely it's likely not a tight chamber but a headspace issue. Will have to send it off to their warranty center, Grech. Unfortunately they are one of the worst in the business.

As someone else also mentioned it could be a brass issue. The WSM cases have known to have uniformity issues.
 
I have a Mossberg marine coat .270 and handload for it. I have to stick pretty close to Hodgdon's recommended OAL, or the bolt won't close either. Just because the round fits nicely into the mag, does not mean it will chamber. I load mine so the bolt closes easily and there are no rifling marks on the bullet.
 
I would clean the chamber first. Then worry about ammo. I had a 270wsm that had a tight chamber and wouldn’t feed. A few problems. It was a model 70 so price isn’t always the reason something doesn’t work. I have a mossberg patriot and it’s a little rough but feeds and shoots very well. I think it was the best cheap gun I have purchased.
 
kwmack said:
But wouldn't it close hard with an empty chamber too if that was the problem? Serious question...I'm no gunsmith.
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Yes and no. If you have a headspace issue this may help the bolt close a bit smoother but wont change the fact that there's still a problem.

You could also have an issue with the ejector or extractor. If the ejector is sticking out too far or the extractor is having trouble slipping over the rim it could cause excessive bolt tension on closing. Check the cases for marks around the rim or headstamp.
 
I bought one of the Marine Cote 4x4 7mm's, skeleton stock, totally didn't need it but it was $300 new and I wanted to check them out. It looks like a transition piece to the Patriots as it has the LBA trigger and spiral fluted bolt, but same 4x4 angled bolt handle.
Metal finish is pretty decent, no complaints there, stock it flimsy garbage and ugly as hell. I haven't even fired it and I'm too embarrassed to list it on the ee to dump it lol. I'll have to take it to the Smith for consignment I guess.
 
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