Gunsmithing Rem 700 Bolt Sticking

[jmb1911]

I've had my Rem 700 .308 for a good while now and run all kinds of ammo through it.

On an outing Saturday, I loaded some Tula .308 150gr and the bolt was very difficult to close. It loads and extracts just fine, but when closing the bolt it sticks and has to be whacked to go into battery. I threw in some Hornady Superformance 165's and they fed and shot and shot perfect...no problems closing the bolt. Went back to the steel and the issue persisted.

As mentioned above the problem disappears with brass ammo, but I've used steel cased ammo before with no issues and I'm looking for an explanation of some sort and can't seem to find it.

I know, don't use Tula ammo. I get it.

After searching for several hours, I hadn't seen a post here (or on Google provided results) that mirrored my problem.

Info for those willing to take a stab: the rifle is a few years old. Maybe 12 hundo rounds down it. A quarter of those (maybe) being steel cased Wolf or Tula. Problem suddenly arose Saturday. Tried several specimens from different boxes (of the steel stuff). After cleaning, loaded Remington Core-Lokt and BH 175 match (just like the brass Hornady had in the field), both loaded and ejected just fine but the issue again persisted (bolt was a bear to close) with the steel stuff.

I've got a couple ideas, but do any of you true operators have any idea what the issue could be?

Anything helps. Even insults

.

Thanks!

 

[CleanMoostang]

Re: Rem 700 Bolt Sticking

My guess is going to be OAL or brass size.. All ammo is different, even if its .30 cal.

Ive reloaded lots of .308 within the last year or so and only time Ive had this problem is when I didnt size it correctly.

Tight is good, but too tight can be BAD...

 

[Barney88PDC]

Re: Rem 700 Bolt Sticking

My guess is either out of spec cases or very likely could be a build up of that lacquer on the steel cases in your chamber. You need to clean the piss out of your chamber. I am not sure what is a good cleaner to use to remove it. I avoid steel ammo for that reason alone. Even in cheap blasting guns. I wouldn't dream of using it in a precision weapon.

 

[jmb1911]

Re: Rem 700 Bolt Sticking

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Barney88PDC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My guess is either out of spec cases or very likely could be a <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="color: #FF0000"><span style="text-decoration: underline">build up of that lacquer on the steel cases in your chamber. You need to clean the piss out of your chamber.</span></span></span> </div></div>

That was my guess.

Anyone know what solvent I should try?

 

[wilecoyote]

Re: Rem 700 Bolt Sticking

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jmb1911</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Barney88PDC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My guess is either out of spec cases or very likely could be a <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="color: #FF0000"><span style="text-decoration: underline">build up of that lacquer on the steel cases in your chamber. You need to clean the piss out of your chamber.</span></span></span> </div></div>

That was my guess.

Anyone know what solvent I should try? </div></div>acetone

 

[jmb1911]

Re: Rem 700 Bolt Sticking

Its a polymer coating...

Acetone still?

 

[wilecoyote]

Re: Rem 700 Bolt Sticking

try acetone first_if don't work,try with gel paint remover & brass brush_ after that,wash with acetone,water,guns oil or whatever you have and blow all with compressed air_use proper gloves and keep away any painted/plastic/part_

 

[wilecoyote]

Re: Rem 700 Bolt Sticking

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: wilecoyote</div><div class="ubbcode-body">try acetone first_if don't work,try with gel paint remover & brass brush_ after that,wash with acetone,water,guns oil or whatever you have and blow all with compressed air_use proper gloves and keep away any painted/plastic/part_ </div></div>can be I have misunderstood,therefore: if you won't harm YOUR polymer coating,try paint thinner first_if you want REMOVE something that you think can be poly.etc.,go with gel paint remover_I apolgize about my eventual mistake_

 

[2156SMK]

Re: Rem 700 Bolt Sticking

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jmb1911</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I know, don't use Tula ammo. I get it.</div></div>

Do you really get it?
If so, what is this thread about again?

 

[jmb1911]

Re: Rem 700 Bolt Sticking

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 2156SMK</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jmb1911</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I know, don't use Tula ammo. I get it.</div></div>

Do you really get it?
If so, what is this thread about again? </div></div>

Yea, I get it.

What I get: don't use Tula ammo in your beater .308 unless you want it to not work correctly.

What I need help with: what to do to ensure my beater rifle doesn't blow up; which includes fixing the problem I caused by me using Tula ammo (which won't happen again).

I guess if you don't understand English or context clues, it isn't clear.

Thanks for the insult California.

 

[CDAT]

Re: Rem 700 Bolt Sticking

jmb FYI,I had a simular problem with my Rem 700 and it may or may not be the cause of you chambering issue, but its something else to check. Turns outs mine was was a build up of crud/dirt under the extractor. This restricted its movement and was not allowing the extractor lip to easily slip over the case rim, making chambering a round difficult. Once I removed/cleaned the crud out, the problem went away. Now I check the extractor spring for proper movement ever time I clean the bolt.

CDAT

 

[lhouston78]

Re: Rem 700 Bolt Sticking

measure the case over all length and the length to the shoulder. Measure the length to the ogive and the case to see if it is sized right. If it is a poly or lacquer problem or anything like this ask your local paint store they will know.
I know its new rounds but weird things happen.

 

[jmb1911]

Re: Rem 700 Bolt Sticking

If this is searched, I want to post the cause of the bolt sticking and the measures taken to remedy.

I only own 1 Remington 700. So, I took the rifle to my folk's house. Dad has 4 SA 700's. I took the stock bolt on his VTR .308, slapped it in mine, took a steel and brass round and the problem disappeared.

It wasn't the chamber (at least, I'm 99% it isn't the chamber).

Took my bolt and put it in the VTR with the steel and brass rounds. Sticking problem repeated.

As CDAT indicated above, when I looked and compared the extractors in both bolts, mine was slightly raised while the one on the VTR was nearly flush with the bolt face.

I promptly ordered a couple extractors from Brownells and problem solved.

All is well, for now.

I appreciate all the helpful responses guys.

 

[LRI]

Re: Rem 700 Bolt Sticking

If I understood you correctly you shot brand X and it created issues.

You then switched to brand Y and it functioned as it should.

Using a simple process of elimination it would seem plausible that Brand X has issues. Be it too much lacquer, polymer, unobtanium, poor quality control in terms of case dimensions, etc.

The definition of insanity as I know it is repeating the same process again and again with the expectation of a different result. Not trying to be an asshole, just pointing out that I think you've already learned the answer to your dilemma.

Junk ammunition is junk ammunition. The money saved at the cash register is often over shadowed by the aggravation experienced while trying to enjoy your hobby.

Based on how I read your post I don't think acetone is the solution to your problem.


Good luck.

C.

 

[Deadshot2]

Re: Rem 700 Bolt Sticking

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CDAT</div><div class="ubbcode-body">jmb FYI,I had a simular problem with my Rem 700 and it may or may not be the cause of you chambering issue, but its something else to check. Turns outs mine was was a build up of crud/dirt under the extractor. This restricted its movement and was not allowing the extractor lip to easily slip over the case rim, making chambering a round difficult. Once I removed/cleaned the crud out, the problem went away. Now I check the extractor spring for proper movement ever time I clean the bolt.

CDAT </div></div>

I had the same problem and it turned out to be the extractor as well. Too many overlook this little "springy thing" as "too simple to be the source of the problem".

Cleaning out mine and putting a drop of oil on each end had eliminated the problem.

 

[fox.josh]

Re: Rem 700 Bolt Sticking

cases are out of spec.