Savage build question - difficult bolt lift

[nfoley]

Bought a savage model 12 VLP action and headspaced a barrel from 10FP with forster go-gauge.
Bolt closes easy on the go-gauge, then with scotch tape on go-gauge would not close past about 20 degrees.
So, took it to the range and with some Federal Hi-Shok 150g factory ammo shot it a couple times. Noticed it was pretty difficult to lift the bolt after each shot. Below are the pics of the brass - shiny ejector marks but no other signs of pressure. The ejector does push through the bolt head fairly easy using a small punch. Any suggestions? Does this possibly mean the headspacing is a touch too tight? Appreciate any input.

 

[jwpark]

Re: Savage build question - difficult bolt lift

Savages are known for it's out of the box hard bolt lift. You can fix it though. See this thread

http://snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads....177#Post2943177

 

[RonHam]

Re: Savage build question - difficult bolt lift

Looks like cratering of the primer, a sign of high pressure. Since its factory ammo you might consider adjusting the head space a bit.

 

[Ring]

Re: Savage build question - difficult bolt lift

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2961675&page=1
read 1st and last post...

 

[SmokinAce]

Re: Savage build question - difficult bolt lift

I just replaced the spring for my ejector on a 10fp and was getting the same marks for the first 20-30 times it was chambered (used once fired brass till this stopped to work the spring in a bit). If it is a new action this can happen also take the ejector out and roll it on a know flat smooth surface. I ran across one that was slightly bent and it moved easy in the bolt but would bind a bit when rotated by the bolt.

 

[bas402]

Re: Savage build question - difficult bolt lift

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RonHam</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Looks like cratering of the primer, a sign of high pressure. Since its factory ammo you might consider adjusting the head space a bit. </div></div>

That's not cratering of the primer, That is a hard firing pin strike and allot of Savages do that.

 

[turbo54]

Re: Savage build question - difficult bolt lift

To me, that cartridge shows high pressure. The primer looks flat, and the "cratering" (or whatever you wanna call it), is exactly what my Savage does with high pressure cartridges. What my rifle DOESN'T do, however, is leave a swipe mark on the casehead.

My take on that picture is too much pressure. Being it's just a run of the mill, low mass bullet, factory cartridge, I'd lean towards the improper headspace diagnosis.

 

[nfoley]

Re: Savage build question - difficult bolt lift

I wasn't that impressed with the casings, would probably have ignored them if it weren't for the hard bolt lift. Having a couple of you comment on the casings makes me want to re-do the headspacing and make sure it isn't headspaced incorrectly.
Thanks for all the input. Will post on results.

 

[jamesZ71]

Re: Savage build question - difficult bolt lift

Check the case length after it has been fired compared to a unforeseen unforeseen one.federal brass is softer and tends to expand a little more the others with hot loads

 

[jamesZ71]

Re: Savage build question - difficult bolt lift

Unfired one

 

[nfoley]

Re: Savage build question - difficult bolt lift

Compared with unfired the fired case stretched about .002. Fired case actually fit in my dillon headspace (and OAL) gauge and looked like I had already resized it.

I marked barrel position, took it apart and headspaced again. Came to almost exact same position. Checked to make sure headspace gauge was correct - Forster go gauge in 308. Checked length of scotch taped gauge and it was between .002-.003" longer. Go gauge goes in easy, with scotch tape stops.
Everything seems okay. Will head back to the range and try different ammo.
Any other suggestions? At this point if I'm still unsure I think it's time to get a real smith involved. Was hoping to avoid that getting a savage but rather be safe and not do anything stupid.

 

[topgun99]

Re: Savage build question - difficult bolt lift

check your front action screw...i installed a new stock on my savage using the original screws and the front was just a touch long causing tightness and a hard bolt lift.

 

[nfoley]

Re: Savage build question - difficult bolt lift

Topgun99,
Did you notice hard lift when you were cycling the bolt with the rifle unloaded? I don't have the problem with it unloaded, only after each shot.

 

[topgun99]

Re: Savage build question - difficult bolt lift

it was tight all the time but much worse after the shot.

 

[nfoley]

Re: Savage build question - difficult bolt lift

Well, sent the rifle to Kevin Rayhill at Stockade. Talked with him for a while on the phone - he was very helpful and offered to look it over. Figured might have him bed the action anyway, so will let you guys know what he says about the bolt throw.