Savage 12 Benchrest - Head space issue

[Tempest 455]

Update and to clarify on another post, my sons rifle is a 12 Model Benchrest, not F/TR as I had posted previously.

Because of the light primer strike issue, I got to checking head space w/ the tape trick on the case head. (I know not the most accurate). I checked w/ a fired round of box ammo and with a previously fired hand load and last a re-sized hand load case. Wanted to make sure it was not a re-sizing problem with the shoulder.

I kept adding tape and trimming until the bolt would not close. What I found was, it took anywhere from .009" - .011" on the case head to keep the bolt from closing. The fire formed box ammo (not re-sized) was the least at .009". The re-sized hand load was .011".

He shot it 70-80 times at last match and its a very accurate rifle, just 1 out of 20 or so are a FTF. So I'm guessing I have to have the head space adjusted before we shoot this again?

 

[Brux]

Similar problems with my son's,several misfires,light primer strikes.So its back at savage now getting checked out.I don't think mine is a headspace problem because the shoulders on my brass only stretched .002 with new case's and the bolt was hard to close with factory ammo so what I found out was with factory ammo seated at 2.810 it was jamming the bullet into the lands.I loaded some seated at 2.805 and the bolt would close fine.

 

[bigedp51]

One case out of 70 or 80 rounds isn't a headspace issue, firing pin protrusion is .040 to .050 and your cases ain't that short.

Disassemble and clean the bolt, I would be looking for a stray metal chip or something binding the firing pin.

Second I would be looking for primers seated too high and are not bottomed out in the primer pocket.

 

[Tempest 455]

One case out of 70 or 80 rounds isn't a headspace issue, firing pin protrusion is .040 to .050 and your cases ain't that short.

Disassemble and clean the bolt, I would be looking for a stray metal chip or something binding the firing pin.

Second I would be looking for primers seated too high and are not bottomed out in the primer pocket.

It's not one out of 70-80, it's one out of 20. He shot a match recently and had around 4 FTF. It happens w/ my hand loads or box ammo, so pretty sure it's not my primer seating. Firing pin protrusion is .058".

I'm reading some similar situation w/ others on Savage forums regarding the Accutrigger setting and how hard you close the bolt. I'm not convinced on this but will try that next time we take it out.

 

[918v]

.010" of headspace is normal. Have you tried sizing the case less? If you reduce the headspace by setting the barrel back you'll have trouble closing the bolt on factory ammo.

 

[CoryT]

Note that the FP is adjustable on the Savage system, it may only need a bit more protrusion. Rather than reinvent the wheel, see this page for adjustment instructions.

Savage Shooters

 

[Tempest 455]

Thanks for the comments on this. I will only hand load for this rifle. Just tried box ammo to see if that was problem.

I can adjust firing pin. However, really thought .058" was plenty. Also gave some thought to the Redding shell holders, so I can set how I want my brass to chamber.