CA Ridgeline Issues

[JBahr]

Picked up a Christensen Arms Ridgeline in 300 WSM after a lot of research and help from the guys here on Rokslide. Followed CA's break-in instructions to the T, shoot, clean, wait, repeat. 55rds in, bolt will lift but not eject, no horizontal movement. I know these actions are tight, and I've read that some had issues with that, but I've never heard something like this. I'm shooting factory Federal Fusion 180gr at about 2900 FPS for break in and the brass, not a hot load at all. I noticed after some shots I had a hard bolt lift and ejection, one where I had to get off the rifle and pull down vertically to eject the spent casing. I just figured this was normal throughout the break in period. Anyone here have any experience with this? I sent the rifle in to CA not having the time to address the issue myself.

Another thing I noticed is that I am well outside MOA at 100 and 200 yards. I know a lot of it was me getting used to the rifle and trigger break. However; even after I calmed down and got out the lead sled and bags I could not tighten up the groups. Very random groups almost as if something was loosening up or my scope was walking right and up, I had a linear group moving up and right. Tightened rings and base to spec with torque wrench. Scope is a Vortex Viper HS LR 4-16 x 50mm. Thoughts?

Appreciate any help guys, just bored waiting for second rifle to come around in Colorado. Hoping I don't have to borrow a rifle...

 

[cuerro viejo]

Grease the bolt lugs!!

Tight tolerances also apply to bolt lugs. Use gun grease not lube, and it's the backside of the lugs... The rear facings

 

[JBahr]

I did grease the lugs multiple times, should've mentioned that. Thanks. Again the bolt lifts, so the lugs have to be disengaged I would think.

 

[CareyJAF50]

I did grease the lugs multiple times, should've mentioned that. Thanks. Again the bolt lifts, so the lugs have to be disengaged I would think.

I cant speak to the bolt lift issues, but initially on my new Ridgeline (7RM), I was having accuracy issues as well during my load workup using an intermediate seating depth. I was specifically using the 162 Hornady ELDX. Thanks to the advice and knowledge of Ryan and Justin Crossley, I discovered that these rifles are incredibly sensitive to seating depth. So I loaded up throughout the spectrum and got everything from north of 1.5" @100 while others just above .5" all with an identical powder load. So naturally with factory ammo, it will likely be extremely hit or miss on what will shoot, depending on the specific bullet and how far it has to jump. On the ELDX I had the best results at .010" off the lans and half decent results at SAAMI 3.29" OAL, obviously the complete opposite ends of the spectrum, but everything else in between shot like crap for the most part for my particular rifle.

 

[cuerro viejo]

I did grease the lugs multiple times, should've mentioned that. Thanks. Again the bolt lifts, so the lugs have to be disengaged I would think.

Well so much for the easy fix. Sorry man. Goes up and down but not back? Correct? And only stick with fired shells?

 

[JBahr]

Well so much for the easy fix. Sorry man. Goes up and down but not back? Correct? And only stick with fired shells?

Correct, up and down, not easily mind you, but yes. No, will not eject the 55th round. Short of taking a hammer to it I did everything I could to manually eject the shell with the bolt lifted all the way. Did not stick with unfired rounds, cycles cleanly.

 

[4ester]

I cant speak to the bolt lift issues, but initially on my new Ridgeline (7RM), I was having accuracy issues as well during my load workup using an intermediate seating depth. I was specifically using the 162 Hornady ELDX. Thanks to the advice and knowledge of Ryan and Justin Crossley, I discovered that these rifles are incredibly sensitive to seating depth. So I loaded up throughout the spectrum and got everything from north of 1.5" @100 while others just above .5" all with an identical powder load. So naturally with factory ammo, it will likely be extremely hit or miss on what will shoot, depending on the specific bullet and how far it has to jump. On the ELDX I had the best results at .010" off the lans and half decent results at SAAMI 3.29" OAL, obviously the complete opposite ends of the spectrum, but everything else in between shot like crap for the most part for my particular rifle.

Don't tell CA you reload as it will void any type of guarantee.


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[flyinsquirel]

Seriously? ^^^^

 

[Ryan Avery]

They will still help you even if you reload. They have to put that in their legal jargon because there's a bunch of dumbasses out there reloading.

 

[4ester]

They will still help you even if you reload. They have to put that in their legal jargon because there's a bunch of dumbasses out there reloading.

Well a good friend of mine bought a 26 Nosler from them. The gun would not shoot anything, factory or reloads. He contacted them about it and they would not do anything about it. They said it was because he used reloaded ammo. This man has built dozens of precision rifles, and knows his stuff. And this is why personally I will never own a CA. What's the use of owning a rifle like that if you can't use precision reloaded ammo that I control.


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[JBahr]

Yeah I did read that in their legal jargon. In this case I have not shot a single reload through the rifle. Just the same Federal Fusion 180gr $37.99 box cheap stuff. This season I am out of time to work up a load. I was planning on switching to Nosler Accubond 180gr after 60 rounds and use that this year... Never got there.

 

[GrantMan]

For those having accuracy issues I would suggest bedding the scope base. I was having problems with fliers on my 300 WM and I bedded the scope base and touched up the action bedding and now it is driving tacks. I also didn't find any sensitivity with seating depth using 200 gr ELDX's but I did give up on them because my accuracy node was up there in pressure and it was hammering my brass. I am now shooting berger hybrids and only found about a .5-.75 moa group size in the whole range of seating depth.

 

[JBahr]

***Update***

I got my Ridgeline back today from CA. New barrel, new trigger assembly and new stock. I noticed a minor hairline fracture in the forearm before I sent it back and I included that in my report. Seems they thought it was worth replacing. Didn't get much of an explanation as to what they found that was out of spec but happy that they just took care of it. They also shot it and provided a detailed report. I didn't have to plead with them to do any of this, they just stepped up and did the right thing and did it quickly. Thanks Christensen!

Now I have a few days to break the rifle in and get it on target before I leave for a week of work out of state. Two days back in town then off the grid for my 2nd season Colorado hunt. Here's to hoping I don't experience any of the same issues, I don't have time for that!

 

[GKPrice]

For those having accuracy issues I would suggest bedding the scope base. I was having problems with fliers on my 300 WM and I bedded the scope base and touched up the action bedding and now it is driving tacks. I also didn't find any sensitivity with seating depth using 200 gr ELDX's but I did give up on them because my accuracy node was up there in pressure and it was hammering my brass. I am now shooting berger hybrids and only found about a .5-.75 moa group size in the whole range of seating depth.

that sure doesn't sound like something that should "need" to be done on a rifle that costs what these do ??

 

[BigDog00]

Im not sure if its been mentioned but you might try some different ammo. I used the same Federal ammo on my Rem 700 .300 WSM and I couldn't get anything closer than about 4". I picked up some Nosler ammo and it shot sub MOA.

 

[GKPrice]

when a person pays $2500 and up for a firearm, in today's world, that should mean "TURNKEY" period ..... you can purchase a Kimber Montana (with threaded barrel) and "IF: it doesn't shoot well no matter what you choose for a remedy when it's all said and done and the rifle is "shooting" it will most likely be a whole lot less $$$ than this "shitshow" JBarh is forced to endure for an apparently over hyped product

 

[rodney482]

My buddy bought one in 7mag.. it was a pleasure to shoot.
Not a huge fan of the Burris illuminator 3 he stuck on it. (Clarity is terrible at max x) but it still shot moa at 200 yds with factory nosler

 

[JBahr]

GKPrice, the rifle is available under $2K if you're looking in the right place. Glad CA stands behind their product. Mistakes happen, machining and fabrication are never identical unit to unit, that's why every gun shoots different. I've heard horror stories from every manufacturer at this point from my days working in the outdoor stores, Kimber, and CA included. I went with the Ridgeline because it met more of my requirements than everything else I was comparing.

I know that Federal Fusion is crap, just wanted the brass and cheap ammo for break in. I plan to shoot Nosler Accubonds once I'm done with break in, which is the bullet they tested with. After talking with them I am confident I can get it within MOA.

 

[SabinoCarl]

GKPrice, the rifle is available under $2K if you're looking in the right place. Glad CA stands behind their product. Mistakes happen, machining and fabrication are never identical unit to unit, that's why every gun shoots different. I've heard horror stories from every manufacturer at this point from my days working in the outdoor stores, Kimber, and CA included. I went with the Ridgeline because it met more of my requirements than everything else I was comparing.

I know that Federal Fusion is crap, just wanted the brass and cheap ammo for break in. I plan to shoot Nosler Accubonds once I'm done with break in, which is the bullet they tested with. After talking with them I am confident I can get it within MOA.

Hi JBahr,

What was the resolution on your Christensen Arms Ridgeline? I am having the exact same problems.

Any advice is appreciated.

 

[Ridge86]

You’d think for what they cost there’d be no issues at all?