Ruger American Ejector Marks

[Pickle Rick]

So my Ruger American gen 2 is leaving ejector marks on what I would think are mild loads. The ejector seems to stick up higher than my other bolt guns (including gen 1 American) and seems pretty stiff too. I got these marks on

UPDATE WITH VELOCITY:
20” Odin Works Both 123gr hpbt:
IMR 4895 (38.8gr 2775, 39.2gr 2828)
Staball Match (39.5gr 2813, 40gr 2841, 40.5gr 2879)

I took a couple coils off the ejector spring and ran this test again. No ejector smears, although I know I am too hot with the top Staball load, which is .2gr under Hodgdon max.

 

[straightshooter1]

So my Ruger American gen 2 is leaving ejector marks on what I would think are mild loads. The ejector seems to stick up higher than my other bolt guns (including gen 1 American) and seems pretty stiff too. I got these marks on

Both 123gr hpbt:
38.8gr IMR 4895
39.5gr Staball Match

I did put the barrel on myself but headspace seems to be fine. With Hornady headspace comparator: new alpha brass: 1.533”
Fired brass: 1.536”

So it’s expanding three thou from factory alpha

Could something be up with my ejector? Or does my barrel just run hot?

Velocity data along with what you provided would really help!

 

[Doom]

I am suspicious about how you set your headspace on the barrel. IF you used an unfired case ( and tape) to set your headspace then you really don't know if you have set it correctly.

 

[Im2bent]

What happened to the primers?

 

[Pickle Rick]

Velocity data along with what you provided would really help!

I know I know…I need to stop buying rifles and get the Garmin. I’m

What happened to the primers?

they’re fine

 

[WasNH4X]

What happened to the primers?

They fell out when case was ejected......duh

Sorry, I couldn't resist the temptation .....I'm not grouchy....yet

 

[918v]

So my Ruger American gen 2 is leaving ejector marks on what I would think are mild loads. The ejector seems to stick up higher than my other bolt guns (including gen 1 American) and seems pretty stiff too. I got these marks on

Both 123gr hpbt:
38.8gr IMR 4895
39.5gr Staball Match

I did put the barrel on myself but headspace seems to be fine. With Hornady headspace comparator: new alpha brass: 1.533”
Fired brass: 1.536”

So it’s expanding three thou from factory alpha

Could something be up with my ejector? Or does my barrel just run hot?

What about loaded neck dia before and after?

 

[spife7980]

I am suspicious about how you set your headspace on the barrel. IF you used an unfired case ( and tape) to set your headspace then you really don't know if you have set it correctly.

If it’s expanding forward 3thou on the shoulder it’s fine.

Were your velocities in line?

 

[Doom]

Question is how much under max the case actually is. May be fine but that is just an assumption.

 

[Pickle Rick]

I am suspicious about how you set your headspace on the barrel. IF you used an unfired case ( and tape) to set your headspace then you really don't know if you have set it correctly.

I used a fired case

If it’s expanding forward 3thou on the shoulder it’s fine.

Were your velocities in line?

going to test same loads tomorrow and chrono them.

 

[Pickle Rick]

What about loaded neck dia before and after?

Loaded round .292”
Fired round .295”

 

[918v]

Try that load in Hornady brass. Also does factory ammo show the same ejector marks?

 

[Pickle Rick]

Velocity data along with what you provided would really help!

20” - both 123gr hpbt
IMR 4895 38.8gr 2775, 39.2gr 2828
Staball Match 39.5gr 2813, 40gr 2841, 40.5gr 2879

2900 with a 20” is certainly up there

 

[straightshooter1]

So my Ruger American gen 2 is leaving ejector marks on what I would think are mild loads. The ejector seems to stick up higher than my other bolt guns (including gen 1 American) and seems pretty stiff too. I got these marks on

UPDATE WITH VELOCITY:
20” Odin Works Both 123gr hpbt:
IMR 4895 (38.8gr 2775, 39.2gr 2828)
Staball Match (39.5gr 2813, 40gr 2841, 40.5gr 2879)

I took a couple coils off the ejector spring and ran this test again. No ejector smears, although I know I am too hot with the top Staball load, which is .2gr under Hodgdon max.

20” - both 123gr hpbt
IMR 4895 38.8gr 2775, 39.2gr 2828
Staball Match 39.5gr 2813, 40gr 2841, 40.5gr 2879

2900 with a 20” is certainly up there

So . . . velocity looks to be just about right, therefore I don't see any issue regarding pressure due to the amount of powder being use. Though the amount you're using for IMR 4895 looks like a low case fill (like maybe something like around 90% or less ), which normally is not a big deal at 90%, but a bit far from ideal. StallBall being a spherical powder, low case fill can have the same issue.

I'm kinda leaning toward there being a headspace issue using virgin Alpha brass with a newly installed barrel. And that low case fill with a hot primer might add to it. I'd try loading up a couple of the same loads with some other brass to see what the result is. . .

. . . but I wouldn't try factory Hornady cartridges as I've heard reports that they tend to be a little hot to start with.

 

[Pickle Rick]

So . . . velocity looks to be just about right, therefore I don't see any issue regarding pressure due to the amount of powder being use. Though the amount you're using for IMR 4895 looks like a low case fill (like maybe something like around 90% or less ), which normally is not a big deal at 90%, but a bit far from ideal. StallBall being a spherical powder, low case fill can have the same issue.

I'm kinda leaning toward there being a headspace issue using virgin Alpha brass with a newly installed barrel. And that low case fill with a hot primer might add to it. I'd try loading up a couple of the same loads with some other brass to see what the result is. . .

. . . but I wouldn't try factory Hornady cartridges as I've heard reports that they tend to be a little hot to start with.

I checked headspace. The issue was the extractor was a little proud and spring too stiff, as well as moisture on the cases last time out. I shot same loads again today after modifying spring and didn’t get any marks.

2900 from a 20” barrel seems to be a bit extreme to me though, but I’ve never shot the 123’s before so idk.