Carbon Classic tight Chamber and hot factory loads? 300 wsm

[ceng]

Just took my new 300 wsm carbon classic out to break in the barrel. I purchased some nosler trophy grade 180 ab ammo to do the break in and harvest the brass. From the first shot I noticed a fairly hard bolt lift, after inspecting the case there where two very pronounced rings on the case head from the double ejectors. The primers were slightly flattened but not too bad. I did t notice any cratering. I thought it was a bit odd, but continued to work through a couple shots and cleaning. Same thing every time. I guess they are some hot factory loads. On at least one of the shots I took, the bolt lift was hard enough I couldn't do it while keeping the rifle mounted to my shoulder. I've heard that nosler brass can be a bit soft? Does anyone have any experience with it? Do you think I should just buy some Norma brass for my hand loads? I'm guessing that the gun may have a chamber on the tighter end of the spectrum? Does that sound right to you guys? May just be a fluke, but I guess I better really start slow and work my way up carefully once I get to hand loads.

 

[ceng]

I just realized I posted this in long range. I meant to post in rifles. Oh well.

 

[PathFinder]

It's not too unusual really. Like you say, just make sure to start low when reloading for it. Different brass will behave differently, you may have better results with harder brass.

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

 

[Jon Pynch]

I haven't had factory ammo run hot like that. with that being said, I don't shoot factory ammo hardly ever, so it could be an ammo issue?? hard to say

on another note. nosler brass is norma brass. nosler just puts their headstamp on it. If i were you, just take that fired brass and work up a load as normal.

good luck

 

[ST52v]

Compare some of the fired brass to unfired and see what you get. Get a measurement to the lands and compare it as well. I run Nosler brass and a charge of 72.5 grains of H1000 in my 7mag with no issues. It's pretty hot.

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

 

[Josh Wright]

I think the chambers are very tight. I'm shooting 86.7 gr of US 869 in mine. That's 1.3 below max and am still shooting 3300 fps in my 26 nosler. That's over anything book says for a 142 gr bullet.

The nosler trophy grade did exactly what you are saying in both my ridgeline and nosler m48 last year. I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[dotman]

I prefer Winchester brass over Nosler/Norma brass. I've had the same issues with my 270win using Nosler brass. I say pick up some ammo with win brass and see if it still happens, maybe some HSM.

 

[GKPrice]

For the past 3 years, or so, I've been using Nosler brass whenever I can get it, I find it to be very good brass - Sometime back I was told that for toughness you won't find any better brass for the WSM's than Winchester's because W-W was under a lot of pressure to market the WSM line and the last thing they wanted was pressure troubles due to poor brass ("toughness" and "production quality" are not necessarily the same thing) I've experienced good results from both brands of brass but prepping is called for when using W-W if you're so inclined - Can't say I favor FC much though - I seldom use factory ammo either but I have noticed great consistency from W-W WSM's when I have shot it as well

 

[Stid2677]

I like to run nickel plated brass on my dangerous game rifles and hot loads. Fresh brass will be stickier and harden as you fire it. I own several WSMs and have noticed hot factory loads in these calibers, I had similar results as you describe when I was looking for factory loads for my wifes 270 WSM.

 

[ceng]

Thanks guys. I figured it was kind of a combination of tight chamber etc. I've heard that nosler can be a bit soft. I do plan on hand loading, but thought this would be a good way to get brass and break in the barrel at the same time. It's crazy that 25 empty casings cost $50-$62 and a box of loaded ab or ablr in the same brass are $52-$60. Well now I have my cases and am off to try and develop a new load. I was just surprised to see factory loads that were showing pressure signs much beyond what I would be comfortable to hand loading. Even so much as to mess up a chance at a follow up shot for a sticking bolt. I might see if I can find some Winchester brass to test out also.

 

[wind gypsy]

The 300wsm nosler brass I've used has been great. It has 7 loads on it at or over book max and going strong. Half of it came from the same nosler 180AB loaded ammo you shot.

 

[ckleeves]

Some of the Nosler factory ammo is pretty hot. I picked up some 300 RUM 180 accubond for cheaper then I could buy brass and shot a few for fun. They left light extractor marks and slightly hard bolt lift. I can't remember what they chronographed at but I was impressed. The soft brass doesn't help either. Some Federal Premium loads will do the same thing.

 

[deadwolf]

I also have a 300wsm in the Ridgeline and have run into similar issues as you, although I haven't had any super hard bolt lifts, I have had plenty that took more force than I'm used to from my Kimber Montana or Remington rifles. I am reloading with Winchester brass and also bought some, shot it, and am using it for my reloads. I found the exact opposite of the Nosler Trophy Grade ammo I bought, thinking I'd like to test the Nosler brass with my reloads...the Nosler shot 100fps slower than advertised on the box, although that could be attributed to a 26" vs 24" barrel. I feel the chamber is likely tight on all the Christensens, and maybe this will break in over time to a certain degree.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[jrnorton4]

I had a similar issue with my X-Bolt, using Federal brass, and found there was brass buildup in the chamber. It was tough to open or close it. After cleaning the chamber out well, it cleared up the problem.