Got a 224 valkyrie last spring and worked up some handloads to take to the range. Most of the loads would not chamber. It slams hard on an empty chamber but with a loaded round it doesn't want to slam it in hard enough to lock the bolt. Could I need a small base die?
224 valkyrie chamber problems
- Thread starter The Dirt Guy
- Start date
Last loads were 75 gr hornadys 75 gr. Hpbt. Overall length is 2.25. They fit in the mag with room to spare.
Doesn't matter about the mags you need to seat them where they aren't jammed into the lands. If I remember those are pretty stubby similar to a 77smk. I think I had to seat those around 2.15. You could start setting them .010 deeper and try them in the chamber after every setback.
You have already tried an empty case and you said it slammed hard, small base dies aren't going to change anything. The neck diameter is controlled by the diameter of the bullet inside the neck.
Color the bullets near the mouth of the case with a sharpie, chamber it, remove it and look for marks left by the lands.
Color the bullets near the mouth of the case with a sharpie, chamber it, remove it and look for marks left by the lands.
@Constructor
I wouldn't call the tipped 88 ELD's stubby.
I think the OP is stating Total Length of 2.25 when he also loaded the 88's.
Aren't MOST folks loading the ELD-M's at close to MAG Length??
Didn't say the bolt closed on an empty case, closed on an empty chamber.
Sounds like the sharpie test as well as a little more testing/measuring of sized cases is in order.
I wouldn't call the tipped 88 ELD's stubby.
I think the OP is stating Total Length of 2.25 when he also loaded the 88's.
Aren't MOST folks loading the ELD-M's at close to MAG Length??
Didn't say the bolt closed on an empty case, closed on an empty chamber.
Sounds like the sharpie test as well as a little more testing/measuring of sized cases is in order.
You are correct. Bolt slams hard on empty chamber.i have tried two brands new cases both went through my sizer die. And three different bullets. All loads are shorter than the overall lengths I have seen listed. That's why I am thinking I have a tight chamber and maybe need a small base die.@Constructor
I wouldn't call the tipped 88 ELD's stubby.
I think the OP is stating Total Length of 2.25 when he also loaded the 88's.
Aren't MOST folks loading the ELD-M's at close to MAG Length??
Didn't say the bolt closed on an empty case, closed on an empty chamber.
Sounds like the sharpie test as well as a little more testing/measuring of sized cases is in order.
Does a new EMPTY case chamber by easing the bolt down?
Isolate case fit issues from cartridge fit issues.
Isolate case fit issues from cartridge fit issues.
Unless you have a long history with a particular caliber, the process of reloading should be first to prove you have the proper headspace with your sized brass. Also, neck diameter WITHOUT a bullet will be smaller than loaded with a bullet.
Then, dummy rounds to find OAL lengths that load.
Until you know you have the proper headspace, A loaded neck diameter that fits into your chamber, then an OAL that is not jamming hard don't load live ammo.
Dummy rounds with minimum neck tension will sort of self adjust
Then, it's off to the range with LIVE ammo.
Then, dummy rounds to find OAL lengths that load.
Until you know you have the proper headspace, A loaded neck diameter that fits into your chamber, then an OAL that is not jamming hard don't load live ammo.
Dummy rounds with minimum neck tension will sort of self adjust
Then, it's off to the range with LIVE ammo.
Sadly enough I have discovered my oal is too long. Going back to the bench to seat bullets deeper. My oal is not as long as some numbers I have seen but are too long for my rifle. Back to the bench . thanksUnless you have a long history with a particular caliber, the process of reloading should be first to prove you have the proper headspace with your sized brass. Also, neck diameter WITHOUT a bullet will be smaller than loaded with a bullet.
Then, dummy rounds to find OAL lengths that load.
Until you know you have the proper headspace, A loaded neck diameter that fits into your chamber, then an OAL that is not jamming hard don't load live ammo.
Dummy rounds with minimum neck tension will sort of self adjust
Then, it's off to the range with LIVE ammo.
