Gunsmithing Mag feeding issue?

[LEG_X]

Morning everyone, I'm looking for a little help and guidance here. Mods, if this is in the wrong section please feel free to move it.

I just had my rifle rebarreled from 6.5 SLR to the 6.5CM. The SLR would not run an AICS mag because of the internal plate prevented me from loading out to distance. I used both the Accurate and Alpha mags with no issues, both ran full-length ammo without problems.

Since I've rebarreled though I can no longer use my Accurate mag even though the overall length is shorter. Anywhere from 2-5 rounds out of 10 will get caught up under the left side of the action preventing me from cycling the bolt. Always the left side. Even with a notch cut previously for the SLR. I've cycled about 100 rounds through each mag and the AICS and Alpha run great with no problems. I know the obvious fix is to run the good mags but I want to know WHY this is happening and it is driving me batty!! Anyone smarter than me have an idea?

<a href=""><img src="" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

 

[cwinner]

Try adjusting the feed lips..... pull the left one in a bit and the right one out, basically adjusting the alignment of the case between the feed lips in the magazine.

All magazines need a little tweaking over time to keep them running.

 

[DAVETOOLEY]

What he said but I'll add most run better with a little more nose up attitude. Slightly open both feed lips on the front.
Everyone should have one of these in their bag.

https://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-...ne-tools/magazine-feed-liptool-prod25049.aspx

 

[Bradu]

Bought one of those tools a few years back and is a must have in my opinion. I don't need it often but it works well.

 

[LEG_X]

Thanks for all the feed back guys. We’re definitely all on the same page because I had all of those same thoughts. I have MPAs feed lip tool and used it to try all those tricks. Nothing changed. It’s almost as if the top most round randomly pushes the round below it too far forward and to the left as it is chambered?

Maybe I’ll have to take it back to my ‘smith and have him check it out. Just sucks though because I’m shooting the AZ Guardian match next week and don’t want a lack of confidence in my rifle.

 

[DownhillFromHere]

I think your problem is addressed on MDT's metal magazine description/order page. Down near the bottom, it says this:
"The magazines without front binder plates allow a maximum cartridge overall length of 2.960”. These are compatible with all AICS-pattern bottom metal and chassis systems, but most common actions such as Remington 700 and Savage 10/11 will require modifications to the receiver (i.e. notching out the bottom of the feed ramp) to prevent the bullet tips from catching on the bottom of the feed ramp..."

If I read your post correctly, it says you've already got a notch. Maybe @MDT_Josh can weigh in.

 

[DAVETOOLEY]

Upon further review I'd suggest widening the notch in the action. Put a shallow forward angle on it also.

 

[MDT_Josh]

@DownhillFromHere thanks for tapping me in, and @LEG_X it looks like the notch in your feed ramp isn't wide enough. @DAVETOOLEY has the right idea, and most notched actions will extend the notch to both sides of the feed ramp, which moves a lot of material, but solves this issue.

My guess, without actually playing with it, is that your rounds, whilst transitioning from double stack to single stack (as they do in a DSSF) are offsetting the tips, and wanting to splay apart... which is normal. The downside is that by spreading apart at the tip, they are then catching under the feed ramp, and the reason it is only on the left side, probably has something to do with the follower design.

TLDR: extend the notch further left and right in your mag well and you should be good No need to keep playing with your feedlips.

 

[DownhillFromHere]

@DownhillFromHere thanks for tapping me in,

I have two MDT chassis and have two mags on order from the MDT black Friday sale. Your active participation in these forums is in keeping with the great support I've had from MDT.

 

[LEG_X]

Downhillfromhere, DaveTooley and MDT Josh thanks for the input and suggestions, I really appreciate it. The notch was initially placed by my 'smith when he trued up the action but I think I will try a little DIY and open it up myself. I can't imagine I can F it up that bad, wish me luck!!

 

[MDT_Josh]

I have two MDT chassis and have two mags on order from the MDT black Friday sale. Your active participation in these forums is in keeping with the great support I've had from MDT.

No worries, and I am always here for PM's as well as our customer support team at [email protected]. Also, SH is a great community and being a part of it, watching what is happening with the industry, and actively participating is my hobby/job, so none of this feels like work

Downhillfromhere, DaveTooley and MDT Josh thanks for the input and suggestions, I really appreciate it. The notch was initially placed by my 'smith when he trued up the action but I think I will try a little DIY and open it up myself. I can't imagine I can F it up that bad, wish me luck!!

No worries, and if you need advice, let me know.