Sticky extraction

[WestMOhunter]

Possible pressure issue, but under max, no ejector swipe, primer good, bolt lift fine. Problem is I’m getting a hard extraction. Specifically, raise the bolt, pull back and bolt doesn’t want to come. I bang the bolt up and then I get it free. Carbon ring? I’ve not seen this before so a little confused. Thoughts? Thanks.

 

[Vern400]

Had that problem with a brand new Howa 308 browse developing loads for, for a family member.
I looked around online and the feedback was, "occasionally they do that. There's some special grease stuff you're supposed to use on the lugs.".
Not sure I buy that.

You probably need to borescope it and see if you have a really rough surface finish in the chamber.

It was the exact same situation. I could actually close a loaded round in the chamber and then have trouble getting it out. All my centerfire rifles are Savage and remington. Never seen one do that.

Maybe you should add details about what rifle you're having trouble with, and how many miles are on it.

 

[WestMOhunter]

Appreciate it. This is a custom chambered Proof that’s shot 150 rounds with no issues. The trued action is properly lubed and runs smooth. It may just be excess pressure with a different powder/bullet combo, but this brass and rifle have been consistent when I start seeing pressure - ejector swipe and primer flow.

 

[Axlrod]

Appreciate it. This is a custom chambered Proof that’s shot 150 rounds with no issues. The trued action is properly lubed and runs smooth. It may just be excess pressure with a different powder/bullet combo, but this brass and rifle have been consistent when I start seeing pressure - ejector swipe and primer flow.

What brand is the action?

 

[06 SB]

It sounds like the primary extraction is not properly set. I am not sure how to check it on your action but I know on Remington 700s it is pretty easy to notice.

 

[WestMOhunter]

Yes, sorry I thought I included Remington 700. The face has been trued and lugs lapped. Barrel was chambered and headspace set by a reputable gunsmith. I’m unfamiliar with setting primary extraction. Possible that wear can cause it to go out of time? Any resource out there to illustrate the visual so I can check?

An added note to why I’m scratching my head about being doubtful about pressure, and maybe less so now…

I went from a 168 ABLR to trying a 162 ELDX. Even though lighter bullet, the bearing surface may be longer (?) and or harder jacket so I backed off 0.6 grains. When I was looking for ejector swipe and primer condition I wasn’t seeing anything. Upon further inspection I have a couple that have slight ejector marks, primer good. I dropped the worst one in and chambered… it’s pretty tight. Might just be a case of brass (Peterson) hiding more pressure than I realize. I’ll back off a full grain and try again.

 

[sdupontjr]

Yes, sorry I thought I included Remington 700. The face has been trued and lugs lapped. Barrel was chambered and headspace set by a reputable gunsmith. I’m unfamiliar with setting primary extraction. Possible that wear can cause it to go out of time? Any resource out there to illustrate the visual so I can check?

An added note to why I’m scratching my head about being doubtful about pressure, and maybe less so now…

I went from a 168 ABLR to trying a 162 ELDX. Even though lighter bullet, the bearing surface may be longer (?) and or harder jacket so I backed off 0.6 grains. When I was looking for ejector swipe and primer condition I wasn’t seeing anything. Upon further inspection I have a couple that have slight ejector marks, primer good. I dropped the worst one in and chambered… it’s pretty tight. Might just be a case of brass (Peterson) hiding more pressure than I realize. I’ll back off a full grain and try again.

Have him check the primary extraction as mentioned above. I had a SS rem 700 in 308 that did similar (don't have it anymore for pics to show you). My smith had to Tig weld up the area for primary. You had to really look hard to tell where he did it but made a huge difference. If he trued the action and all, then he can easily do this or know someone who can.

 

[06 SB]

I figured it was a 700. Here is a video on it. Jump to 3:05 for an explanation of primary extraction.

700 Primary Extraction

 

[Vern400]

O6 SB good video.
Should be able to measure primary extraction with feeler gages on a stripped bolt. I learned something.

I just got a 700 action trued and rebarreled. It feels a little different now but works perfect. It had about 4,000 down the pipe when I installed a new barrel.

And I suspect the Howa 308 I loaded for had the same problem with primary extraction. It absolutely would not run with LC brass because it's a little thicker and has a little more grip on the chamber after it's fired then the thinner commercial brass. I ended up using FC brass because it's among the softest and gave the least trouble. Didn't want to stir the pot with a family member who just bought a new rifle. It would stick with a fully resized case, bottomed out, not even looking for a specific shoulder bump.
That wasn't right. I was not impressed. But it shoots ok. Anyway, all these comments have been very helpful for me and I'm not the original poster.