Gunsmithing Browning A-Bolt - Bolt Lift issues after fireing

[hunter121]

Hey Gents I have a buddy with a Browning Abolt 243wssm that is haveing some issues and I was hopeing you guys can help me trouble shoot it a little bit to help give him a idea of whats wrong.

He says that the action is smooth is silk chambering and ejecting a unfired round but as soon as he pulls the trigger he needs a rubber mallet to get the bolt up. We are both working out of state right now so I cant check out his brass for overpressure signs.

So what do you guys think? A chamber issue of some kind? Headspace problom? Any help is appreciated,

Thanks
Hunter121

 

[Shortdraw]

Re: Browning A-Bolt - Bolt Lift issues after fireing

I would guess a headspace problem. Is this a new rifle and factory ammunition?

 

[fish30114]

Re: Browning A-Bolt - Bolt Lift issues after fireing

First key question is indeed is whether ammo is factory ammo.

I will relay several points of info I have experienced concerning the short mags and super short mags.

Despite many claiming the death of these cartridges and rifles produced for them, they have in fact sold well, and several calibers continue to do so. Chamber tolerances have been varied and min/max tolerance stack has caused issues more than once. If it IS factory ammo, I would suspect a tight chamber. In two instances in this same caliber, Browning returned rifles with a work ticket that simply said 'Chamber Polished' and whatever this actually consisted of fixed the issue, and subsequent to this, we actually polished a chamber where the issue you have was cured.

I suspect a chamber that is out of spec one way or the other is your issue, which could include headspace.

I would certainly be hesitiant to shoot it anymore without feeling like I knew something more than what you have outlined.

If he is shooting reloads--STOP--review the specs closesly, and try some factory before going any further.

 

[hunter121]

Re: Browning A-Bolt - Bolt Lift issues after fireing

Thanks for the responses so far, I am sorry for the vague info and hopefully I can clarify.

He is shooting factory ammo and has tried all the factory loads with the same outcome (bolt lift issue). He does say that the rifle is dead nuts accurate. He also bought the rifle when Browning first came out with the 243wssm offering in the abolt.

I am leaning towards a tight chamber like fish301 is suggesting, and I have told my buddy to contact Browning when we get home and see if they will flip the bill. He also says he knows a good smith by the name of Paul Day that might help him out.

Thanks again for the replys,

Hunter121