Gunsmithing Fluted Bolts And Cartridges In Magazine

Re: Fluted Bolts And Cartridges In Magazine

I have a rifle that if you let the mag lips contact the bolt while closing it, the flutes will crimp the feed lips closed and screw the magazine up until you can bend them back into shape.

It annoys me greatly and I actually shoot the rifle very little due to that.
 
Re: Fluted Bolts And Cartridges In Magazine

Your magazine doesn't fit correctly. That needs to be fixed. I'm talking about the cartridges contacting the bolt with a properly fitted magazine.
 
Re: Fluted Bolts And Cartridges In Magazine

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Edds</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Your magazine doesn't fit correctly. That needs to be fixed. I'm talking about the cartridges contacting the bolt with a properly fitted magazine. </div></div>

Actually, the mag fits and feeds fine usually, it's an issue with the bottom metal allowing the mag to travel higher into the action than it should. There's nothing to stop the magazine from moving up into the action if there is pressure applied to it which would be an inherent weak spot on the DBM design used.

The fluting style is what causes the lips to be pulled though, deep milled fluting with a square edge.

The cartridges will always contact the bolt body in a properly fitted magazine, otherwise there's no way to strip the next round from the mag unless it's an AR style bolt where a 6 oclock oriented locking lug is what strips the round out. On a Mauser 98 style head (basically all the modern 2 lug head designs) the bolt body contacts the body of the cartridge below in the magazine.
 
Re: Fluted Bolts And Cartridges In Magazine

Actually your mag doesn't fit fine, If it did you wouldn't be having the problem you are having.

I know the cartridges will be contacting the bolt, that's why I asked the question.
 
Re: Fluted Bolts And Cartridges In Magazine

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Edds</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Has anyone ever had any issues with interference between the cartridges in the magazine and bolt flutes when cycling the bolt? </div></div>

Sharp fluting will shave brass off the cartridge when you are closing the bolt, but otherwise, no problems.
 
Re: Fluted Bolts And Cartridges In Magazine


Back on topic:

No, the brass is unaffected, and you can't lock up an action with fluting getting stuck on the brass case without also running into issues with the magazine lips. Brass transfer to the bolt body and possible shaving if the fluting edges are sharp (or don't have a corner break).