Gunsmithing Virgin Brass Failing to Extract

[samb300]

I have an AIAT in 6.5x47L that I just got a new barrel for. The rifle was sent in to be measured so the barrel could be properly headspaced.

The problem I'm having, which I also had with the original 6.5x47L barrel, is that when virgin brass is chambered, it will not extract. Meaning, I don't hear the extractor "snap" over the case rim at any point during chambering, so when I cycle the bolt open the case is just sitting in the chamber. The same thing happens if it is just an empty case, or if it's a loaded round with the bullet seated off the lands. This phenomena was a pain for me with the last barrel, especially when I timed out in comps and had to show clear but the gun wouldn't extract.

So my question is: is it universal that a virgin case by itself should extract when chambered? Is there something going on with my extractor? I haven't shot the new barrel yet but it was done by a reputable smith so I am confident it was headspaced correctly.

Thanks!

 

[AIAW]

There could be a burr on the extractor (maybe one of the corners). How does it look underneath?

Other culprits - Barrel headspace, possible faulty lot of brass.

Since you don't have any once-fired brass for that chamber obviously, you'll have to use the standards... http://www.chuckhawks.com/6-5x47mm.htm

Measure the cartridge headspace to see if it's out of spec.

 

[samb300]

Do you know how to remove the extractor from an AI bolt?

I don't think it's the brass; when it happened with my last barrel that was a completely different lot # of Lapua brass than it is now.

I'm leaning towards the extractor, as the barrel was just made with my rifle measurements to ensure min headspace. Who knows though, stranger things have happened.

 

[DAVETOOLEY]

The ejector is pushing the brass forward into the chamber to the point that the extractor won't lock over the rim. Try this. Remove the firing pin, insert virgin brass, close bolt, bump bolt handle forward compressing the ejector. I'll bet the extractor catches the rim. Brass can be up to about .015" shorter than the chamber when new and still be in spec.

 

[samb300]

Thanks Dave, I will try that when I get the chance. With my old barrel and lot # of brass, if I chambered it and worked the bolt up and down slowly it would eventually click over the rim. That brass grew 0.007" on first firing, which seems like a bit much but not excessive like 0.015".

Still, it almost seems like a tolerance stack issue or something. Case rim is maybe thick, extractor is thick or has a burr, headspace is longer than min spec.

It's really just not acceptable IMO because I shoot competitions where you are required to quickly and safely unload your rifle if you time out of a stage. Sitting there dicking around with getting a live round out of the chamber is not fun, plus when you have a ton of virgin brass, it's not economical to only shoot them for practice/fireforming loads.

 

[DAVETOOLEY]

I understand your dilemma. Those are the manufacturing tolerances used industry wide and are within SAAMI specs. The solution maybe as simple as bumping the bolt handle. I doubt there is an issue with your extractor since this is a replacement barrel. I hesitate to say this but there maybe a mod you can do that will help deal with the issue. Before anyone asks I won't put it out for general consumption. I'm out of the shop till Monday but feel free to give me a call next week. That's my plan but there's an increasing chance it may be longer than that. family business 704-864-7525

 

[samb300]

Dave,

Thank you for your response and insight. Upon removing the firing pin assembly the extractor does catch on the case rim with a forward bump. I also ran a pick under the extractor and didn't really feel any burrs or anything sharp there, but I'm not sure how to remove it completely from the bolt.

Looks like I'll be in the same boat as I was with the last barrel. Not a deal breaker but unfortunate nonetheless.

 

[ugsly]

If its not catching the brass something is wrong. Dont settle with it not running 100%, send it to a good smith and have them fix it. I may be way off but to me it sounds like someone needs to double check some measurments and maybe tweak it some to get proper case protusion so the extractor will pick the case up.