Brass on the bolt face

[bdh308]

Is it pretty common to get brass shavings on your bolt face just cycling the bolt (not firing) just cycling? Also noticing on reloads and factory loads bolt not closing super easy like when I first recieved the rifle. Headspace issues after 900rds? This is a Remy 700 SPS tac 308. I do notice the plunger is pretty stiff and I have to push on it pretty hard to compress but hell its been like this since new. I also clean my bolt and internals quite often.

 

[Travelor]

Re: Brass on the bolt face

It is normal for your cases to "grow" a little with firing and if the resizing die is not adjusted to bump the shoudler back about about .002" you will get what you describe. It is normal and an easily fixed thing.

I usually just neck size my brass for 3 firings and then use a Redding body die to bump the shoulders back .002" on the 3rd reloading. This works very well for me.

George

 

[bdh308]

Re: Brass on the bolt face

Thanks George. I already use that procedure in my reloading. Im more concerned about about factory ammo and just cycling the bolt a couple of times puts brass on the bolt face head. Bolts kinda of stiff when I go to cycle a round that has been sized with the shoulders bumped and normal factory loads also. Its not like a crush fit or anything but its not as easy to cycle as it once was. Probably normal but still concerned none the less. Just wanted to see what some of the smiths on here said before I go hauling this off to get looked at because of my own paranoia. FYI- I removed the firing pin while checking this.

 

[Quicky06]

Re: Brass on the bolt face

Stupid question. Is everything lubed?

 

[bdh308]

Re: Brass on the bolt face

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Quicky06</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Stupid question. Is everything lubed? </div></div>

Yep. I always keep my bolt lubed. It gets disassembled quite often to check reloads etc. I use a little white lithium grease on the firing pin spring and I put a little on the lugs for the raceways.

 

[Victor N TN]

Re: Brass on the bolt face

Brad,

Measure the factory stuff against some of the handloads you have made for your rifle. Or even brass fired in your rifle. See if they measure near the same length at the datum points with the Hornady / Stoney Point headspace comparator.

I have seen factory chambers that were a bit short. That makes the rounds a tight fit when chambered.

Any brass shavings / chips may be the result of the type of spring type extractor used on factory Remington rifles. A small amount of brass shaving ins't unheard of. Just another reason I clean the bolt good with an old toothbrush and compressed air when cleaning the rifle.

 

[bdh308]

Re: Brass on the bolt face

Maybe this will help. I measured with a hornady headspace gage on digital calipers and this was the very interesting results.

New unfired lapua brass- 1.613"
1st fired lapua brass- 1.617"
Shoulder bump- 1.615"

Black Hills match factory ammo- 1.6125"

Funny thing is that some of my 1st fired measured a little smaller than the 1.617 which is weird. Some measuring at 1.615 and 1.616.

Im assuming I have a tight chamber or whats your thoughts?

 

[Victor N TN]

Re: Brass on the bolt face

Check the same cases at the case head and again in front of the extractor groove about 1/4" and see what you get.

 

[jakermeister]

Re: Brass on the bolt face

You should be around 1.629. That what my 700p is at. My hunting rifle was the same too (700 sps REGULAR).

 

[bdh308]

Re: Brass on the bolt face

Ok measurements of the head 1/4" in front of the extractor grove

Brand new lapua case- .467"
1st fired- .4705"
Sized Redding FL bushing die shoulders bumped- .469"

Black Hills match factory loaded ammo- .4635"

 

[bdh308]

Re: Brass on the bolt face

May need to move this to the reloading section. At first I thought it could be a headspace issue but havent had to many responses from smiths.

 

[sniperdude]

Re: Brass on the bolt face

might have some brass shavings in the plunger

 

[SPAK]

Re: Brass on the bolt face

I see the brass shaving on my howa action as well. I think the extractor might be a little sharp or some brass is stuck under it keeping it from slipping over the rim of the case smoothly.

I get the shavings from just opening and closing the bolt on fired brass. (properly sized)

new brass the rim diameter is only about .466" but fired brass is .470" which is still in spec if I remember correctly.

 

[GOING FOR 2000]

Re: Brass on the bolt face

Rem 700p-.308,

Never have shavings just rub marks on bolt face.

Neck size only, always a snug fit on closing, (not force fit),

I want case to fit the chamber as tightly as possible. Prefer 0 headspace on my loads.

 

[longshooter]

Re: Brass on the bolt face

You will probably find that the shavings are the result of the cartridge scraping the top lip of the magazine when chambering a round. The brass will collect on the bolt face, and in the action.

The magazine lip interference will need to be corrected.

Longshooter