Problem with H&R 38-55 Target Model

[Maverick]

I am having a problem closing the action on my H&R Target Model 38-55.  It does not want to lock up unless I close it very forcefully.  Even then, it does not always catch securely.   Has anyone else had this problem?   Does anyone have a fix short of returning it to H&R?

Maverick

[Badnews Bob]

Is that with a round in the chamber or not? Diffrent rounds can cause that.

[Maverick]

I had the problem with a round in the chamber.  I was using Ultramax 245 gr 38-55 WCF Cowboy Action ammunition.  I hope it was the brand of ammunition and not just the fact that there was a round in the chamber.

[handirifle]

Maverik
I have read threads here that mention the 38-55's have some throat dimension issues.  If the bullet has marks on it when you close the barrel like that is is being jammed against the chamber.  Not a good situation to be in.

Some bullets have a very fat ogive profile and that can make a difference in a tight throat.  If the gun closes normally when empty, it has to be the ammo.

[Maverick]

Problem solved.  It turned out that the rubber washer that I placed around the forearm screw stud was causing the problem.  I just automatically put the washer on it after reading that was being done to improve Handi rifle accuracy.  After I removed it, the rifle still took out the X-ring on my target at 50 yards with 5 rounds making one big hole.  Got pretty much the same result when I moved the target out to 100 yards.  

Mav

[Coastwatcher]

Glad you solved the problem.  You definitely do not want the forearm binding on the action.  That not only causes tight action opening and closing it also puts stress on the barrel that can change its shooting characteristics.  There are lots of articles around dealing with barrel vibration harmonics.  Some of them are very indepth and I don't understand most of it but I do know what works in my rifles.