I am hand loading for a new 308 Howa 1500. Everything seems normal but sometimes the bolt sticks closed. 60 shots fired now.
Bolt RAISE is easy. Rifle is clean. Pressures are moderate. 150 grain bullets and 45/46 grains precision rifle powder. But I can't stay in shooting position and pull the bolt back
Every 4th or 5th shot, I have to hold the gun vertical and bump the bolt to open it. This has happened with LC brass I'm loading, AND one Federal factory FMJ round im using for fouler shots.
What am I doing now? I am continuing load development. I am neck turning to 0.0145 wall thickness (removing the high spots) all the way to shoulder touch. I have noticed some assymetry in the brass relative to the neck ID - more than usual really. I think neck turning for a Sporter rifle may be total Overkill, but I have noticed the crappier the brass is the more benefit there is. At any rate with the next test lot, neck and shoulder conditions will be a total non-issue and if something sticks it's highly likely the gun.
Any helpful ideas to add?
Bolt RAISE is easy. Rifle is clean. Pressures are moderate. 150 grain bullets and 45/46 grains precision rifle powder. But I can't stay in shooting position and pull the bolt back
Every 4th or 5th shot, I have to hold the gun vertical and bump the bolt to open it. This has happened with LC brass I'm loading, AND one Federal factory FMJ round im using for fouler shots.
What am I doing now? I am continuing load development. I am neck turning to 0.0145 wall thickness (removing the high spots) all the way to shoulder touch. I have noticed some assymetry in the brass relative to the neck ID - more than usual really. I think neck turning for a Sporter rifle may be total Overkill, but I have noticed the crappier the brass is the more benefit there is. At any rate with the next test lot, neck and shoulder conditions will be a total non-issue and if something sticks it's highly likely the gun.
Any helpful ideas to add?