Just for your information: Have been having a real time with H&R Customer Service. Again, it seems one hand doen't know what the other is doing.
Bought a used Ultra 223 that the previous owner had shortened from the original 24". This had been done by a gunsmith and had been finished with a recessed crown. On going to the range, found several brands (Remington, Federal, and PMC) would stick cases 2 out of 5. Also opened up on firing 3 out 10 times. Polished chamber as described by several experienced fellow members. (This was the first time I had attempted the polish trick, before I just considered it... junk and got rid of it.)
Back to range, with no improvement. The chamber was so rough that the fired cases clearly showed rings left from the rough chamber.
Called Customer Service, spoke with Mary. She said send it back. Did so.
Rifle returned to me. The chamber looked much better. Went to range. This time the opening on firing is gone, but still fails to eject 1 out of 4. Called Customer Service, spoke with Mary. She said to return rifle and they would replace barrel. Sent rifle off.
Got a call this AM from Customer Service, Jennifer. She stated that since the barrel had been shortened, they would not replace it, but the would try to fix the case sticking again. She could not answer what the shortening of the barrel had to do with their issue of not repairing the barrel the first time I returned it. She stated that if I wanted to replace this defective barrel I would have to pay for a new barrel. (??)
Now, when it is retuned, I will have the original cost, plus approx $30 invested in shipping and insurance. Maybe it will eject and maybe not. If it doesn't, I suppose it will make a adaquate tomato plant post. (MSP Ret: Did not know about "will call" shipping services. Mary never mentioned it either.)
Thanks for letting me get this off my chest. Of all my H&Rs, only the 223s and 243's have not been worth the trouble. (I know, others have had good luck with them) And all this testing and retesting has taken time away from my p-dog chores. Thank God I kept my Remingtons.
Wally
