Author Topic: Switching ammo caused stuck brass!!! (Read 520 times)

270Handiman · « **on:** December 22, 2004, 07:13:10 PM »

I went to the range this weekend with my 270 problem child after doing some "modifications" to the forend to relieve pressure on the barrel (I have been trying to stop some BAD vertical stringing). I have been shooting Rem 140 core loct's for about the last 100 rounds, without ever having a stuck case (I had previously had stuck cases with Hornady light magnum 140' as well as some 140g hornady BTSP reloads a buddy put together for me). Anyway, besides adding an O-ring and sanding the barrel channel for clearance, I thought I would also try some 130 grain bullets after shooting up my last few 140's.

I fired five of the Rem. 140's only to discover that the vertical stringing is still taking place. In disgust, I pulled out the box of Win. 130g supremes I picked up at Bass pro. After letting the barrel cool for about 30 minutes, I fired one of the 130's. I noticed the recoil felt different, but didn't think anything about it until I opened the breech. Sure enough, there was a stuck case. Luckily I always carry my cleaning kit to the range, so I popped the brass out by dropping a cleaning rod piece down the muzzle. Thinking it was a fluke, I tried four more times. EVERY one of the little suckers hung up. Just to see, I fired two more of the Rem. 140's, with no hung cases.

At this point I was out of ammo that would eject from my gun, so I had to leave the range early. Talk about frustrating :x I haven't had a stuck case in a year or so.

Has anyone else had a particular load or brand that stuck consistently?

I guess I'll have to wait until I find bullets that won't hang up before I can get back to the vertical stringing problem. :roll:

JPH45 · « **Reply #1 on:** December 22, 2004, 08:05:10 PM »

Does your first shot always go to the same place?

Fred M · « **Reply #2 on:** December 22, 2004, 08:18:38 PM »

270Handiman.
Vertical stringing has nothing to do with the forearm as you have proved to yourself. Your Winchester load is too hot for your rifle. Your chamber may need a good polish too. The Handi action is quite reliable to 50kpsi plus your occasional plus or minus 10%. But some 270 Factory loads hit 64kpsi. Take a close look at the latch engagement.

270Handiman · « **Reply #3 on:** December 22, 2004, 08:19:42 PM »

Yep! First shot is always 1-1/2" high at 100 yds, which is where I want all of them to be, lol. But they tend to climb about 3" per shot until I let the barrel cool completely. Then, we start all over. For hunting, I'm just not comfortable with it. It makes me a LOT nervous!!!

But, it always makes for an interesting discussion at the range, as people gather around to see the gun that strings shots vertically until you just get all the way off the paper-then repeat, lol.

270

270Handiman · « **Reply #4 on:** December 22, 2004, 08:22:30 PM »

Fred,

What exactly am I looking for? Is there a tell tale sign here?

PS - Is that your deer quick posted?

Fred M · « **Reply #5 on:** December 22, 2004, 08:41:01 PM »

270handiman.

You may find some answer here on my web page?

http://www.angelfire.com/ma/ZERMEL/tweakultra.html

270Handiman · « **Reply #6 on:** December 23, 2004, 06:08:24 AM »

Thanks Fred, I've read your site before, but I'l go back and go thru it all again.

I thought of one other thing about my vertical stringing. There seems to be a consistant pattern of rise every time you start with a cool barrel. If I use the same target, the holes will line up pretty close. For instance, if I shoot two 3 shot groups, the 1st and 4th shots will be close together, as will the 2nd and 5th and 3rd and 6th shots. Its pretty wierd looking.

270

Fred M · « **Reply #7 on:** December 23, 2004, 06:37:42 AM »

270
You could have a very excentric bore, which warps with temperature, since your pattern of shots have consistency. The cure for this is to turn this rifle into a single shot. Sight it in with one shot from a cold barrel, adjust the scope, then try another shot one hour later again with a cold barrel. After that try two shots one after the other and stop. You are done.

tscott · « **Reply #8 on:** December 23, 2004, 07:11:41 AM »

Stuck? I had a similar range experience with my .308. I was pissed, and in my crazed state took out a 20 gauge bore brush, put it on a length of rod, and went to town on the ass end of the barrel. Nothing has ever stuck since. You would think H&R would do something due to the constant complaints surrounding this obvious design flaw. I know you get what you pay for, but this has got to be an easy factory fix......