Gunsmithing Brand new 300 win mag, slight extraction issue - advice?

[Ryguy]

I just had a custom 300 put together. Krieger barrel, PTG bolt, M16 extractor. It is accurate enough but while going through load development today, some cases failed to extract. They were not "stuck" in the chamber, they may have fallen out if I shook it enough as the cleaning rod barely had to touch them to get them to come out. If I slammed the bolt forward hard enough, they would extract but only of I slammed the bolt. Rounds extract fine when they are unfired. Thanks in advance.

 

[ShtrRdy]

Does the extractor seem to have sufficient tension on it?

If you take the bolt out and place the rim of a fired case against the bolt face, under the extractor, can you pull straight forward on the case without it slipping out from under the extractor?

 

[Ryguy]

I tried what you described and the extractor has sufficient tension. Also, the ejector spring has some serious tension on it. I have never seen a bolt action throw brass that far and be so hard to depress. Could that be the issue? Would cutting a coil or two from the ejector spring cause me to have to order another one?

 

[Turd in the Pool]

I tried what you described and the extractor has sufficient tension. Also, the ejector spring has some serious tension on it. I have never seen a bolt action throw brass that far and be so hard to depress. Could that be the issue? Would cutting a coil or two from the ejector spring cause me to have to order another one?

First remove he ejector/spring and make sure the hole is clear. Many times there will be bluing salts or blast media taking up space. An 1/8" drill bit by hand works well. If things look good, try shooting it without the ejector. Then decide if you need to cut the spring ;-)

 

[DAVETOOLEY]

Common problem with new ammo. I don't know where you are in the reloading cycle with this brass but here's what's going on. The ejector is pushing the case forward in the chamber. This doesn't allow the extractor to snap over the rim. That's a good thing really. Minimum clearance under the extractor means maximum extraction with the bolt handle. If during your shooting sessions this happens and you want to remove an unfired round. Take the palm of your hand and bump the bolt handle forward. This compresses the ejector and allows the extractor to fall over the rim. After fire forming your brass your sizing die should be adjusted to match the chamber. Your problem will be gone. Shortening the spring just decreases the distance the empty brass travels. That's not bad but doesn't address your current problem.The ejector still pushes the case forward in the chamber.

 

[Ryguy]

Thanks Dave. You were spot on.