Accuracy Internationa .338 Lapua Problem....

[twogunjay]

Hi,

I recently acquired a AI AW series rifle in .338 lapua. The rifle is in good clean condition and has been well cared for. Yesterday, I took it out to shoot and took NIB Hornady match ammo with me. The rounds were easily chambered into the gun. However, round one was difficult to extract after being fired and round two was even more difficult. After round 3 was fired, the bolt did not want to open. After forcing it open with an open hand and forcing the bolt back, it was observed that the that the brass was stuck in the chamber and that bolt had simply torn off part of the brass rim. As a result, the empty brass had to be tapped our of the chamber and shooting was concluded. Any thoughts as to what would cause this problem?

 

[SScott]

Re: Accuracy Internationa .338 Lapua Problem....

If it is a used rifle, what shape is the chamber in?
You might consider taking it to a smith with a bore scope to take a peek.
????
SScott

 

[Dirty D]

Re: Accuracy Internationa .338 Lapua Problem....

Contact Stacey at Mile High Shooting Accessories http://www.milehighshooting.com/ for a recommendation on how to troubleshoot, Stacey used to be the AI rep for the US, probably your best source for AI info.

1-877-871-9990

 

[jagged77]

Re: Accuracy Internationa .338 Lapua Problem....

Certainly worth having the barrel and chamber inspected and head spaced. Is it an original AI barrel or a replacement?

If all is ok after the checks try some different ammo.

 

[twogunjay]

Re: Accuracy Internationa .338 Lapua Problem....

It's a factory AI original barrel. I was definitely gonna try calling mile high tomorrow when they are open again. The brass did seem a little soft. Especially to tear off part of the rim without that much effort.

 

[Ts1]

Re: Accuracy Internationa .338 Lapua Problem....

I had the same issue last time I was at the range. Fortunately, we were able to get the stuck brass out. My rifle is pretty new. It does have an non-AI barrel. I encountered the stuck brass using both Southwest Ammo and BH. Both were 175 gr. I did not have any Fed GMM with me last trip. I am going to make a trip out this week and test this out. If I do have the same issue with the Fed GMM, I will likely give Stacey a call.

 

[poison123]

Re: Accuracy Internationa .338 Lapua Problem....

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ts1</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I had the same issue last time I was at the range. Fortunately, we were able to get the stuck brass out. My rifle is pretty new. It does have an non-AI barrel. I encountered the stuck brass using both Southwest Ammo and BH. Both were 175 gr. I did not have any Fed GMM with me last trip. I am going to make a trip out this week and test this out. If I do have the same issue with the Fed GMM, I will likely give Stacey a call. </div></div>

What barrel? Who installed it?

 

[110len]

Re: Accuracy Internationa .338 Lapua Problem....

rough chamber

 

[tomirwin]

Re: Accuracy Internationa .338 Lapua Problem....

Just another thought....contact AI
Tom Irwin
Accuracy International

 

[helotaxi]

Re: Accuracy Internationa .338 Lapua Problem....

I've heard of lots of problems with Hornady brass in the .338LM.

 

[Dirty D]

Re: Accuracy Internationa .338 Lapua Problem....

I missed the Hornady part on my first read. I had the same thing happen with a lot of Hornady 6.5/284 brass, I called Hornady and they had me send it all back so they could check the hardness of the brass. Hornady checked the hardness and replaced all 150 cases and sent me an extra 82 cases for my troubles! Make Hornady customer service your first call, their customer service is excellent and they will check out the brass for free.

 

[Ts1]

Re: Accuracy Internationa .338 Lapua Problem....

Poison,

I think it is a Rock Barrel. That is what Stacey believed it to be last time he saw the barrel but this was not 100% confirmed. It is a 20inch fluted barrel.

 

[BLANKSGUNS]

Re: Accuracy Internationa .338 Lapua Problem....

Hello Gents, to the .338LM issue, I would highly recommend you ensure the barrel and chamber are thoroughly cleaned, try some other ammo such as Lapua and see what you get before you move on. There could be several issues such as the brass, chamber, pressure from carbon/fouling, so you need to take that one more step in trouble shooting for more information. If the Lapua works well you should contact Hornady for customer assistance on the ammo. If after this and you still have the same issue, I would recommend you contact AINA @ (540) 368-3108 for service/warranty repairs.

Ts1, same thing on the chamber, if I remember correctly that barrel has a "tight" chamber, shoots great but if you have the fouling/carbon issue then hard extractions can be fluid as well as we discussed. Feel free to contact me for further assistance and I will be glad to work with you as always.

 

[Ts1]

Re: Accuracy Internationa .338 Lapua Problem....

Thanks Stacey. Will let you know how it goes.

 

[Texas-C.O.]

Re: Accuracy Internationa .338 Lapua Problem....

I actually have 2 boxes of the same ammunition en route back to Hornady for the same problem right now, both HSM and Lapua extracted fine every time, while the Hornady 285g Match the bolt would rotate but not extract without excessive force.

 

[BLANKSGUNS]

Re: Accuracy Internationa .338 Lapua Problem....

That is good information, but did you see signs of pressure or deformation with the Hornady?

 

[greentimber]

Re: Accuracy Internationa .338 Lapua Problem....

I love Hornady products. Have many thousands of cases, AMAX projectiles and ammo on my bench right now. However.... I have seen this exact problem from a number of 338 rifles with their earlier lots of 338 ammo. Haven't tried any more recent batches, but take this for at least a data point to consider.

 

[Texas-C.O.]

Re: Accuracy Internationa .338 Lapua Problem....

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Stacey @ MHSA</div><div class="ubbcode-body">That is good information, but did you see signs of pressure or deformation with the Hornady? </div></div>

Zero signs of pressure or deformation, if you ignored the headstamp you would be hard pressed to tell the Hornady from the Lapua brass just by looking at em, with the exception of a black soot ring on the outside of the neck of both Hornady cases.

 

[BLANKSGUNS]

Re: Accuracy Internationa .338 Lapua Problem....

Wow, then leads me to think of a brass issue, much like we saw years ago with the Norma brass. It would stink in the chamber and create hard extractions as well no matter which weapon fired out of. Interesting and hope to hear of a solution to this one which is very simple as well.

 

[Texas-C.O.]

Re: Accuracy Internationa .338 Lapua Problem....

Just a follow up, Hornady has 2 boxes of the ammo and supposedly I'll have an answer from them tomorrow. Best answer would be "what can we do to make this right"

 

[Victor Co Heather]

Re: Accuracy Internationa .338 Lapua Problem....

I bet it's the ammo. I only shoot Laupa or Black HIlls if I shoot factory 338. I've heard iffy things about Hornady. It's best to load your own if you can.

 

[Texas-C.O.]

Re: Accuracy Internationa .338 Lapua Problem....

Just talked to Hornady, he is 99% sure it is the case web being too thin. He's going to cut one open tomorrow to verify and replace the ammo with new boxes with thicker webs like Lapua has had all along. I do load my own but I had bought 2 boxes of the Hornady while I was waiting for my reloading dies to arrive. I'll give these new boxes a shot but my main load will remain Lapua brass, Federal 215m, 300g SMKs over 91.9g of Retumbo.