Why some reloads won't chamber

[Kevin]

on a 220 Swift I was shooting yesterday two cases out of about 30 just wouldn't chamber. (brand new bolt action gun and I couldn't close the bolt all the way and I didn't want to force anything.)

At first I thought OAL was too long, but all rounds were loaded in one sitting with NEW BRASS. But what about inconsistencies with the size of brass or the rim being too thick???

Does anyone else have any ideas?

All the other rounds chambered without a hitch.

 

[pistoleer44]

Did you size the new brass before you loaded them? I have found that it works a lot ezier if I full length resize befo I load them.

Did you over crimp the load? I have found on some bottle neck cases that too much of a crimp with cause a little grief.

Just a few thoughts

 

[Rick Courtright]

Hi,

They're not definitive, but here are some things to think about and check:

Brand new rifle: did you do a field strip and clean it well before shooting to make sure the factory didn't leave you any "presents" in the form of crud, metal shavings, etc. that could cause the bolt to bind? And it's properly lubed, of course?

Brand new brass: did you size and trim it before loading? I know some folks don't do that, but such practice has been "standard" for decades, and some brands even say it should be done on their packaging. Brass can get banged around a lot between the mfr and the reloader...

Caliper time: have you measured the various parts of the offending cases and compared w/ "good" ones to see where the "oversized" areas might be? There may be a little scratching or shiny marks where the cases are sticking.

Also a little caliper work on the bullets might be in order to ensure a bad bunch didn't get out that's off a bit in diameter, possibly causing a slightly oversized neck. And, of course, the OAL of the finished rounds is ok?

A little more involved than the average guy might be able to do at home: is the headspace correct (requires go-no go gauges or other measuring device); is the chamber tight; is the chamber short; is the chamber smooth?

I'm sure there are other things to check, but those are the first ones I'd look at if it were my rifle...

Good luck!

Rick C

 

[Bucks Owin]

Sounds like you have minimal headspace which is a good thing! As long as you CAN close the bolt I wouldn't worry much. Let us know how a resized case chambers...JMO, Dennis

 

[Kevin]

Thanks for the quick replies. To answer the question, no I didn't size the brass straight out of the package. I'll try that before loading any more. I did notice some marks on the rounds which wouldn't chamber. I'll get out the calipers to check them closer next time. Like I said, all the others chambered so smooth my first guess was overall length, but I didn't have an calipers at the range with me to be sure.

 

[Bucks Owin]

These "marks" aren't at the case mouth are they? Check the length of the brass too. You don't want it to "crimp" in a shortish chamber, pressures will rise. (Altho' I doubt new brass is too long) I always resize and trim square any new brass as a matter of habit....FWIW, Dennis (BTW, you are talking of a the bolt encountering a little resistance halfway closed right?)

 

[Kevin]

Yes, I can close the bolt most of the way, and encounter resistance in the last half or quarter. The rifle is a Cooper, so I'm also thinking the chamber is on the tight side. More than likely resizing the brass will solve the issue.

Otherwise, the rounds which chambered shot just like they are supposed to and highly accurate as well.

 

[SBH4628]

I had that same problem with my 220 swift...Rim was to thin. Let me guess here (Winchester bulk brass)?

 

[Bucks Owin]

Yes, I can close the bolt most of the way, and encounter resistance in the last half or quarter. The rifle is a Cooper, so I'm also thinking the chamber is on the tight side. More than likely resizing the brass will solve the issue.

Otherwise, the rounds which chambered shot just like they are supposed to and highly accurate as well.

You're good to go... :wink: Dennis (Who LIKES to use WW brass! :lol: )

 

[SBH4628]

Bought 100 bulk Win. in .204 Ruger,Had to throw six away bacause of ill formed necks. :x That is all my dealer carries. Hate shipping charges if I know some will be junk.

 

[Kevin]

Ha, that's almost funny. Yes, it is Winchester bulk per 100. I've used them before on the .243 and those brass cases are extremely hard to prime. In other words, the primer pocket is tight.

 

[SBH4628]

Ha, that's almost funny. Yes, it is Winchester bulk per 100. I've used them before on the .243 and those brass cases are extremely hard to prime. In other words, the primer pocket is tight.

I only buy bulk because of the amount in the same lot number+ the price is right compered to a box of factory ammo