sticky bolt issue from reloads?

teufelhawk

teufelhawk

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Hi,
I've had a issue with my reloads and I'm wondering if anyone has any idea what is causing a "sticky bolt" and how to fix it.
Now the details: bolt action savage 10 fp in 308. there is no issues with factory ammo. But randomly with my reloads once i've taken my shot the bolt is "frozen" in place and it takes a lot of force to move it and extract the shell. The shell seems to be fine, no cracks or anything.

With the reloads I've been trying, mixed brass, IMR 3031 and a assortment of bullet weights.
For the powder, 40 grains of the 3031 and I disassembled the remaining reloads to confirm the powder volume. The shells have been trimmed to meet the lyman 48th ed reloading dimensions.
Any ideas?
I've been reloading for years, pistol calibers, and i've not come across this before.
Thanks in advance,
 
You're loads are right in the ball park for bullets up to 165 grain, I didn't check heavier.

Did you buy the rifle new???

Are the cartridges tight going into the chamber? If they are, you may need small base dies. Tight chambers can be a real blessing or a real bear. Are you setting back the shoulder enough? Are you seating your bullets tight into the leade? Are there any marks from the bolt face on the cartridge ID face? Can you post some pics of the fired cases?
 
A few questions:
  • Are the cases that stick of the same brand or mixed?
  • How are you preparing the cases?
  • Once you have prepared the case (but before priming, charging or seating a bullet) does the case cycle through the rifle smoothly?
  • Are the fired cases you are using all from the same rifle they are sticking in?
 
ok, these are mixed brass from a few sources. The brass that has been sticking has not been from the same source/brand.

The rifle was brand new. I'm not able to post any pics, I've taken apart all the reloads I had ( all 12 or so left) to check powder weight etc. I'm not seeing any marks on the bolt face/cartridge id face. I have some brass, but I just finished running it though the tumbler yesterday. I'll take some pic's, maybe it'll show something...

I've treated the brass by putting it though a tumbler and then checking the length of the case, as by the dim's listed in the 48th lyman reloading manual. Then running it though the dies.

The rifle accepts all the ammo (new or reloads) the same, easy in, and then every few rounds from the reloads, the bolt gets stuck.
 
teufelhawk said:
Hi,
I've had a issue with my reloads and I'm wondering if anyone has any idea what is causing a "sticky bolt" and how to fix it.
Now the details: bolt action savage 10 fp in 308. there is no issues with factory ammo. But randomly with my reloads once i've taken my shot the bolt is "frozen" in place and it takes a lot of force to move it and extract the shell. The shell seems to be fine, no cracks or anything.

With the reloads I've been trying, mixed brass, IMR 3031 and a assortment of bullet weights. For the powder, 40 grains of the 3031 and I disassembled the remaining reloads to confirm the powder volume. The shells have been trimmed to meet the lyman 48th ed reloading dimensions.
Any ideas?
I've been reloading for years, pistol calibers, and i've not come across this before.
Thanks in advance,
Click to expand...

same powder volume with different bullet weights?
 
With the reloads I've been trying, mixed brass, IMR 3031 and a assortment of bullet weights. For the powder, 40 grains of the 3031 and I disassembled the remaining reloads to confirm the powder volume. The shells have been trimmed to meet the lyman 48th ed reloading dimensions.
Any ideas?
Click to expand...

Mixing brass is a good way to run into problems, as is mixing bullet weights. Stick with one brand of case, and work up a load with one particular bullet at a time. It sounds like you have pressure issues.
 
~ High pressure.
~ Cartridge OAL too long, or too short.
~ Ejector binding.
~ Dirty Chamber.
~ Trim brass after sizing.
~ Lube bolt cam.
~ Bullets being seated deeper due to recoil, if yes then high pressure.
 
I'd back off 2-3 gms powder & see if you have the same problem.
Could be a number of things mentioned above or just simply to hot a load!
I'd also suggest you make sure chamber is free of oil, case lube or cleaning solution, that to can cause a tight bolt.
 
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