Gunsmithing binding bolt while feeding

[BradfromND]

A couple weeks back, I got my 300WM barreled action back from my gunsmith. It is a Stiller Tac300 action and Bartlein barrel. I bedded it in a new McM A3 stock. Since it's a hunting rifle, I stuck with a PTG bdl floorplate and factory mag box and follower. It has a minimum spec chamber and is custom throated for 210 Bergers to touch the lands at 3.600. Here's my issue....

When chambering a round, the bolt binds up about an inch before I can lock it. The round is completely free of the mag box when it happens. If I release pressure from the bolt, the case head pops up into alignment and finishes chambering easily.

It's almost as if the feed ramp is too tall and the case binds up as the case head tries to align itself with the rest of the chamber. Is this plausible or is it more likely that the short throat is binding on the bullet as the shell is trying to pivot into place? Also, would a Wyatt's center feed mag box be a better idea as then the case wouldn't have to pivot from the side and up to be chambered? If so, how do you load rounds into the box? Do the lips allow you to "snap" a round into place as you obviously can't slide a round back like with an AI mag?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Brad

 

[lockedandloaded]

Re: binding bolt while feeding

Possible your bedding raised the action too high, changing the feed angle

 

[BradfromND]

Re: binding bolt while feeding

I don't see how that is possible. The magazine box fits up against the bottom off the action. I actually had to shorten the magazine box about .020 so it wasn't pushing on the bottom metal.

It will do it even if I just drop a round in, not even loading it into the magazine box.

Here's a pic.

 

[Wylie Custom]

Re: binding bolt while feeding

I would call Russ or Jerry tomorrow. This is direct from their website:

"NOTICE: A few actions were shipped with ejectors too long. IF your ejector protrudes past the end of the bolt it can cause issues with feeding. Contact us for a replacement."

I had one like this and it was fixed in less than 2 minutes.

 

[lockedandloaded]

Re: binding bolt while feeding

Okay. Some people tend to bed loose, then over-torque action screws to align.

Have you tried indexing unfired rounds to observe for odd extraction marks?


N/M, sledgehammer posted above before me.

 

[300sniper]

Re: binding bolt while feeding

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sledge Hammer</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would call Russ or Jerry tomorrow. This is direct from their website:

"NOTICE: A few actions were shipped with ejectors too long. IF your ejector protrudes past the end of the bolt it can cause issues with feeding. Contact us for a replacement."

I had one like this and it was fixed in less than 2 minutes.

</div></div>

i don't think it is even making it to the point where an extractor would cause an issue.



is the end of the chamber's edge broke with a chamfer or radius?

 

[BradfromND]

Re: binding bolt while feeding

The ejector does protrude past the end of the bolt! It's only a couple thousands but it definitely does. I will call Stiller tomorrow.

Here's a pic.

 

[beanland]

Re: binding bolt while feeding

The ejector is causing it. I have seen it many times. I have to grind some of of the ejector pin to make them feed sometimes. If you will take a little off of the end of the ejector and radius the edges a little more, it will work.

 

[BradfromND]

Re: binding bolt while feeding

Thanks Sledge Hammer and Beanland and everyone else for their ideas. If I run a stiff piece of paper across the end of the bolt, it will snag on the ejector. It makes perfect sense now if you look at the picture I took where it binds up, it is right where it would come in contact with the ejector. Easy fix!

 

[stiller]

Re: binding bolt while feeding

Call or email us tomorrow and we will send you another one. You can grind .020 off the end and radius the corners a little and it will be the same as the one we send you if you dont want to wait.

 

[kjcpoint]

Re: binding bolt while feeding

The ejector is your problem for sure. I have had a few stiller actions in the last couple months with the same problem. Russ will take care of you.

Kyle

 

[ackleyfan]

Re: binding bolt while feeding

Yep the ejector is pinching the case to the right side of action, shortening or a slight bevel will cure it..BTDT

 

[BradfromND]

Re: binding bolt while feeding

I talked to Russ at the shop today. He's definitely taking care of me! Super nice guy and great customer service.

Now I just need to get out and shoot this thing.

 

[BradfromND]

Re: binding bolt while feeding

My new ejector showed up today. Problem solved. Thanks to Stiller for taking care of me and to every one who pointed out the issue.