700's and Helos

[planalpha]

I competed in a match recently that had a helo stage (first time shooting from a helicopter for me) and had an issue with my SA 700. Every time I'd rack the bolt the spent case would wind up back in the chamber 180 degrees off. I didn't see it happen but I'm guessing the rotor's wind blew it back in? Or maybe it was the angle or combination of things, but I've never had a problem with this rifle ejecting before or after this helo stage. Is this pretty common under these conditions?

TIA

 

[KLin]

Re: 700's and Helos

sounds like just working your bolt faster would solve this problem.

 

[WhiskeyWebber]

Re: 700's and Helos

I had the same problem with my 700 (minus the Helo) and it turned out that I was hitting the bottom of my windage scope knob. Check the bottom of your knob and see if it looks nicked up. If it is buy some higher scope rings... that's what cured it for me.

 

[Willys46]

Re: 700's and Helos

I have fought this issue with my 700, One thing i noticed was when I was shooting it off had (Just like in the helo stage) when you rack the bolt you are not working it has hard as you normally do, resulting in a jam!

I will say that, mine started this way and only got worse. I ended changing the extractor and the plunger spring.

How many rounds do you have in the action

 

[planalpha]

Re: 700's and Helos

Hmmm. Some good things to check out. Willys46, this action only has 1238 rounds through it and the extractor looks good. I'll do comparison of the plunger spring with some other 700s and see if this one is too weak.

Thanks all. I'll start digging again.

 

[QuietShootr]

Re: 700's and Helos

Yup, something's wrong. I've shot a lot of .308 and .300WM from 700s out of a helicopter and never had that issue.

 

[tlg308]

Re: 700's and Helos

I have the same issue when running the bolt too hard on my 700. But no experience in a helo.

 

[sinister]

Re: 700's and Helos

Check your ejector plunger length. If correct, check the bolt against another 700 bolt -- occasionally they drill the hole for the ejector plunger pin in the wrong place.

 

[planalpha]

Re: 700's and Helos

Great suggestions. I'll check tonight.

Thanks all!

 

[quacktastic]

Re: 700's and Helos

I have the same problem when shooting from the back of my pet dragon... I just use his breath to anneal the brass prior to going out. That seems to reduce the malfunctions about 47% of the time.

 

[planalpha]

Re: 700's and Helos

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: quacktastic</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have the same problem when shooting from the back of my pet dragon... I just use his breath to anneal the brass prior to going out. That seems to reduce the malfunctions about 47% of the time. </div></div>

Hahah. This is awesome.
Like a T-Rex in a F14...

 

[gugubica]

Re: 700's and Helos

You shouldn't have to full length size brass in a factory chamber. Check your headspace.

 

[LoneWolfUSMC]

Re: 700's and Helos

Your extractor is going bad.

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[planalpha]

Re: 700's and Helos

That's exactly the problem, LW.
Are all 700 extractors the same or are there better ones to be had?

Thanks!

 

[LoneWolfUSMC]

Re: 700's and Helos

Original equipment is the only way to go IMHO.

Some like the Sako/M16 conversion (gunsmith work), but I prefer just replacing the factory part when needed (seldom).

 

[planalpha]

Re: 700's and Helos

Well, I got my new extractor today and put it in per the video. I still got it to feed and flip the case and get it stuck 180 degrees, so unfortunately it looks like it's not the extractor. The ejector seems in good working order and requires a lot of pressure to press it down, so I'd guess it's good.

 

[LoneWolfUSMC]

Re: 700's and Helos

Try it without the scope.

If it still does it, then you may need to cut a coil or two from your ejector spring. Too much pressure from the ejector can sometimes cause the case to release too early.