77/22 poor ejection problems

[Bungalow]

My old 77/22 has generally been very reliable but occasionally does not like to eject the spent cases very well. It extracts as it should but does not kick out the case. I have only used Ruger factory magazines, the flat bottom ones designed for the 77/22. I have not taken the time to test to see whether the brand of ammo makes a difference. Is this a common problem? Should I get new magazines? Are certain ammo brands better than others?

I bought the rifle used many years ago and have only used the magazines that came with it.

 

[Delbert]

First things first. The magazines shouldn't have one-iota thing to do with shell extraction. They will however have things to do with feed problems, but not anything to do with extractions. Since you're using Ruger magazines, rule this out with your problem.

Yes, ammo will have an effect with how the gun shoots accurately and only you testing out the many different brands can determine this. Let the rifle say what it likes the best, not you. It's a long process and not just a few shots. At least 10 shots from each brand and go slow with the shooting as you don't want the barrel to get too hot from being in a hurry. Clean barrel well after each brand to eliminate any residue from the previous shooting, to throw off the next brand's accuracy, or shotgun results.

Sounds like your ejector needs looked at. Might need a new one, or replacement of ejector spring as it may of weakened from use/time, since the extractor's claw is working properly with extracting the spent shell from chamber.

 

[Jeepnik]

Step one, and what I recommend as a start to almost any problem, "CLEAN IT THROUGHLY". Even "clean" guns are often gunked up in tiny nooks and crannies.

 

[contender]

We had a similar discussion recently about a MK pistol doing much the very same thing. A good cleaning,, and all was right again.

Follow Jeepnik's advice,, CLEAN it first.

 

[Bungalow]

First things first. The magazines shouldn't have one-iota thing to do with shell extraction.

Extraction is fine. Ejection is the problem. It does eject better with the magazine in.

Sounds like your ejector needs looked at. Might need a new one, or replacement of ejector spring as it may of weakened from use/time, since the extractor's claw is working properly with extracting the spent shell from chamber.

I am not sure how you replace the ejector and do not see any type of ejector spring. I always assumed the little notch in the magazine lip was the primary ejector since it rides in the groove in the bolt and because the solid piece mounted on the floor plate that rides in that same groove is lower than the lip of the magazine. I will give it another good cleaning and then try several different brands of ammo.

 

[contender]

Clean the bolt,, especially the extractor area. Also,, clean the area around the bolt channel. I do not think the ejector is part of the magazine. I'll look at one later to determine if I'm correct.

 

[Mobuck]

I just took a look at my old, well used 77/22's extractors. They're filthy and covered with bullet lube and burned powder residue but were working fine last November. Hose out the bolt with 'brake cleaner' and blow it dry with compressed air. Make certain all the extractor bits are present and the 'points' of the extractors aren't damaged. Put a drop of CLP on each extractor pivot & spring. I'll bet all works fine again. Contender is correct, the ejector is NOT part of the magazine and the one pictured does not look damaged.
Also, since the ejection is a function of bolt travel, the speed with which the bolt is cycled affects the ejector's effectiveness.

 

[Bungalow]

I have been tinkering with it trying to get a handle on what is happening. I am using Federal ammo and may try others later. I limited the rearward travel of the bolt and found that it would eject the live round before the front of the bolt face got to the rear of the magazine lips. That indicated to me that the little notch on the magazine lip can cause ejection. I tried working the bolt with the magazine removed and was only able to get the round to eject by very rapid movement of the bolt. That showed me that ejection can occur without the magazine being present.

I will do some cleaning of the extractors to see if that makes any difference.