Rem 40X marking shell cases

[csimmons]

I purchased my first remington rifle about three weeks back.  The rifle is a late 1960's model 40X in 6mm Remington.  (My previous experience has been with Ruger, browning, and winchester)  I have only been able to take the rifle to the range once.  I was using Hornady and Federal ammunition.  The bolt slides in smoothly but required some force to turn.  As I was shooting, I was looking at the empty shells, each was marked on the end after having been fired.  Inspection revealed no indication of another issue, primer's looked fine and the cases were not being deformed in any manner.  Looking at the bolt face, it is apparent that the ejection button is marking the ends of the shells.  Brought the gun home.  The gun was pretty dirty and grimy inside. Thoroughly cleaned the gun.  Working with empty shells, I checked, and it still marks the shells.  Has anyone ever had this problem and can anyone suggest a fix?  I appreciate any comments before taking it to the smith.  May be nothing, but, why take the chance.

Thanks  

C Simmons

[gunnut69]

Check around the ejector hole in the bolt face for burrs. If the marks are scratches that is one possible answer, the other is more difficult. Does the ejector button on the bolt face move free when depressed by a thumbnail? It should move fairly easily.  If not it may be improperly installed or the recess may be so full of crud that ejector action is inhibited.  It may also have an incorrect(too stiff) spring installed or even an ejector that has the tail(spring guide) too long to allow it to fully retract.  The ejector must fully retract, flush with or slightly below the bolt face. It should have a smooth face.  Sounds likely you need to remove and examine the ejector. While it is typically not hard to remove there is danger as it's under spring tension.  it's best to use a jig to controlthe ejector while the retaining pin is driven out but most don't have the tool.  A correctly fitting pin punch is mandatory to remove the retaining pin and be sure to restrain the ejector when the pin punch is pulled out after driving the retaining pin out of its hole. Returning the ejector is the really dangerous time and until the jig I planted several ejectors and their springs in variuos hidden areas of my shop.  I finally took the advise of an old smith friend of mine and did the disassembly/assembly in a cardboard box with plexi glass over the top and 2 arms holes.  The blasted ejectors still sometimes escaped but non were lost..  Remember the ejector should be smooth and at or slightly below the bolt faces level..  Congratulations on getting a fine rifle..