Encore Custom--Can't cock the hammer

[shotgun31]

Just received delivery of a .17 Ackley Hornet made by a custom barrelmaker last week.  I bought the frame, stock and barrel as a completed unit along with a set of Redding loading dies.

I made the first 100 cases, and of the 100 there are only 6 that will chamber and then I can cock the hammer.  I can close the action on the rest, but I can barely move the hammer and I'm not able to cock it.  When I open the action, there is definite resistance before the case is extracted.  I loaded a couple of primers in the 6 cases and they fire just fine. 

Of the 6 that appear to chamber completely, I'm not able to determine base dimensions that are outside 22 hornet specs from a loading manual.  Base just forward of the rim is .296, rim dia is ok, thickness OK.  The 22 hornet is a tapered case, entrance to the chamber appears to be .296-.300.  The barrelsmith informed me that he builds a tight chamber, the jAckley Hornet has straight sides and all I have is a dial caliper to measure.   

Has anyone had a similar problem?  I'm going to call the barrelmaker tomorrow but is anyone out there experienced with the Encore to give me any advice on how to get this rifle into operation!     

[Ireload2]

It sounds like you did not get the 17 caliber neck setback enough when you sized the cases.
Set your full length sizer down further toward the shell holder and resize a few of you cases and try them.
Once the rifle can close completely it should work fine.
 

[Davemuzz]

I agree 100% with Ireload2.

With either my Lee dies or my Hornady dies in bottleneck cartridges, I screw the sizing die down until it touches the shellholder, then I lower the shellholder and give the die another 1\2 turn. Then I size a few brass and try 'em in the chamber to make sure "all is well".

Re-read your Redding sizing instructions. But it certainly sounds like your sizing die is not seated at the proper depth.


Dave

[Redhawk1]

Sounds like Ireload2 has it right.

[shotgun31]

Thanks guys, you got it right!  It was the neck/shoulder that was causing the problem.  The barrelsmith said to really lube up the case, and the expander ball, and go slow.  That solved the problem.  I loaded up 10 rds, and just got back from the range.  Success!

The hornet case is really delicate, and I discovered I was collapsing the neck just a nit.  Couldn't even detect it by looking at it but it was enough to keep the action from completely locking up.

I think I'm going to like this .17 hornet/Encore combination.   Just can't wait to get it into a prairie dog town.   

[shotgun31]

I sent the whole rifle back to the barrelsmith for evaluation Monday.  10 rds worked just fine, fireformed OK.  The next day I loaded 25, and was only able to get 3 of that group that fit well enough to allow me to cock the hammer.  I cut 5 of them off 1/2 way with a hacksaw, they looked like 32 short rounds.  They still wouldn't allow the hammer to cock and there was definite resistance when I extracted them.  I worked with the barrelsmith, took all his suggestions, still no joy.

The problem appears to be a constriction in the chamber dimensions, the diameter right ahead of the rim.  Over the phone, they thought it may be a minimum tolerance chamber vs max tolerance sizing die.  They're Redding dies, but everything has some degree of tolerance, right?

I'll post more when I have more information for everyone's education.
Gunner       

[Davemuzz]

Please post the outcome. I would be happy to hear it.

Dave

[shotgun31]

After discussions with the barrelmaker we agreed that it would be best if I sent come cases that fit the chamber, the fireformed cases, a (dummy) loaded case and my cut off cases to them, and returned the complete rifle. 

I got the rifle back quickly with a 1 day turn around in the shop.  I couldn't detect or see any changes in chamber dimensions, however I kept one fireformed case to measure against the newly fireformed cases as personal interest, just to see what dimensions had changed.  What's important to me  is that now now every one of my formed  cases, loaded rounds and fireformed loaded cases fit.   I couldn't be more pleased with the fitting but I haven't fired it yet;  I hope my enthusiasm is not premature.   

We're going on a prairie dog hunting trip tomorrow morning, we'll see how it performs.

I'm no machinist but I conclude that the barrelmaker achieved close to the minimum edge of tolerances when they cut the chamber, and the diemaker achieved closer to maximum tolerances when cutting the sizing die.  Even though the dies were made by Redding and the barrel maker is unquestionably reliable, (claims "tight" tolerances) they were both "within tolerances" and in this case they were not compatable.  It was fixed without fuss, and I don't think more than a thou was taken out of the chamber! 

More when I have it.
Shotgun


     

[Davemuzz]

It certainly sounds like the custom barrel maker is taking care of you. That turn around time is fast for a customer problem...but it's certainly what you would want as a customer, especially in the hunting season that you bot the caliber for.

Give us the report when you shoot the barrel.

I hope it works out for you.


Dave.

[shotgun31]

Took a trip out to Philip, County South Dakota this weekend with the 17 AH.  Sighting in groups were tight.  First blood taken at 175-200 yds, PD just fell over dead, didn't move at all.  @1" exit hole &  instant death.  Others took flips, just aerobatics.  Recoil on the 17 AH/Encore combination is so low that the shooter can watch the whole thing through the scope.  The shooter can do his own spotting hits that way, too.

It's not like the 223.  Doesn't hit as hard.  I'm using 20 gr VMaxes in the 17 AH and 40 gr VMaxes in the 223 at abut the same velocity.

Pushing a cleaning rod through this barrel is smooth--not like my 223 Remington 700.
All in all, I like this one!
Shotgun     

[Davemuzz]

That's great news! It's always good when a varmit barrel makes the little critters fall over.

Congrats!

Dave