Blown primer. New rifle. Only 1 round fired.

[Robobiss]

Since we are all spitballing here and OP is definitely going to send it back, I’ll throw in a scenario just for fun.

What are the chances that it is chambered correctly in 280AI like a lot including OP seem to think, but they accidentally chambered a .277 barrel in 280AI instead of a .284? What else would cause crazy pressure like that aside from some seriously effed ammunition?

Anyone?

 

[Jason Snyder]

What else would cause crazy pressure like that aside from some seriously effed ammunition?

Excess headspace.

 

[Robobiss]

Excess headspace.

Come on now, let’s not be too realistic. I really thought I was onto something

 

[Harvey_NW]

Excess headspace.

Can you explain? I understand that excess headspace can cause pressure signs because there's extra space in the chamber and the case head slaps the bolt face typically leaving an ejector mark and/or swipe, but to cause an actual pressure spike to this extent I just don't see how it's possible. If anything I would suspect an under spec chamber, or with that much pressure something like a 277 bore.

 

[SDHNTR]

A cartridge rattling around all sloppy inside an oversized chamber can cause all sorts of problems. Misaligned bore. Dramatically stretched out brass (you can see that ring indicating near case head separation). Primer gas escaping and popped primers as the case head bounces off the bolt face. None of it good.

 

[Jason Snyder]

Can you explain?

Too much clearance between bolt face and shoulder, case head separates because it’s not fully supported by the bolt face. Primer blows out for the same reason.

I’m not saying something else isn’t going on in addition to, but this chamber is clearly not to specs and likely that caused the head separation.

 

[pods8 (Rugged Stitching)]

Too much clearance between bolt face and shoulder, case head separates because it’s not fully supported by the bolt face. Primer blows out for the same reason.

I’m not saying something else isn’t going on in addition to, but this chamber is clearly not to specs and likely that caused the head separation.

I believe a very hot load could do that in an in spec chamber. I don't think we can diagnose from a distance on this one.

 

[PNWGATOR]

FWIW I was shooting with a friend this morning who has two 280 AI’s and guess what:

 

[PNWGATOR]

One blown primer in his Montana and one blown primer in his Alterra.

He’s going to reach out to Federal.

 

[fuzzymarindave]

Hello,

This is my first post here and my first on any firearm or hunting related blog.

I bought a factory new Weatherby 307 Range in 280 AI for my first elk trip in November.

The following day I mounted a scope and headed to the range. On the very first cartridge, the primer was blown out and the extractor was shattered and in two pieces. The primer was not pierced. But the case head was deformed and the extractor damaged the case head as well.

The ammo was/is factory new Federal Terminal Ascent 155 gr. I do not reload.

Obviously, the blown primer is a sign of high pressure. But what caused the high pressure? Is it simply due to hot factory ammo? Or, could it be a tight chamber? Should I buy GO/NO-Go gauges? Am I safe to try factory new Nosler Accubond 160gr?

If I experience a similar issue with the Nosler ammo, I’ll be sending the rifle back to Weatherby.

Weatherby is aware. They’re sending a new extractor, pin, and spring. I’ve ordered new ammo (Nosler Accubond) and will put the Federal ammo aside.

I’ve emailed Federal twice detailing my experience as well. No response.

Thank you for your guidance. Any help is appreciated.

Weatherby will email you a shipping label for free all you have to do is box it up and drop off at a FedEx. They will return it to your house for free after their review/repair/replacement for free and should be no FFL needed.

 

[The Guide]

Weatherby will email you a shipping label for free all you have to do is box it up and drop off at a FedEx. They will return it to your house for free after their review/repair/replacement for free and should be no FFL needed.

*unless serial numbers change*

Jay