Problem with Ruger Hawkeye 308, bought used, had barrel shortened by reputable smith in BC canada.

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Jan 7, 2022
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Problem, fired four rounds of factory 147 gr loads and had to force the bolt to open.
Hopefully I can send photos of cartridge.
Any thoughts, thanks from Whitehorse Yukon Canada.
 

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Looks like the marks on the cases may indicate a problem with the chamber of the rifle. Unfortunately it may need to go back to Ruger. Unless you’re willing to possibly pay for a replacement barrel yourself.
 
If you used 147 gr FMJ, box probably said 7.62x51 (NATO), not .308. I think there really is a difference in the rounds, enough to cause problems in a tight-chambered rifle.
My opinion
 
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Problem, fired four rounds of factory 147 gr loads and had to force the bolt to open.
So let me get this straight....you tried only one type of ammunition and it possibly isn't even the correct ammunition for a 308 and you are questioning the fitness of the firearm?
 
If you used 147 gr FMJ, box probably said 7.62x51 (NATO), not .308. I think there really is a difference in the rounds, enough to cause problems in a tight-chambered rifle.
My opinion
This is very likely,. I once had some Venezuelan 147 gr FMJ 7.62 NATO, worked in my FAL, sticky bolt lift in my Ruger 77 mark II in .308 Winchester.

The range officer, a retired British SAS soldier, told me its the ammo, external dimensions may be close, but the brass and the load is different.
 
Just looking at the brass, it sure looks like there are ridges in the chamber that the brass fireformed to, causing difficult extraction.

7.62x51 is lower pressure, so unless it was made in a facility with questionable QC, that's probably not the issue.
 
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