Action won't break open

[youngpup]

I took my 22-250 Ultra to the range today for the second time in 1 1/2 years..  I fire the first shot and depress the button to open the action and nothing happens, and I notice that the button moves up and down freely (no tension on it).  I haven't taken it apart yet , was just wondering if any one had ever had a similar problem and what the solution was.
Thanks in advance,
'Pup



As far as frequency of range visits; My wife and I are remodeling our house,  and the BOSS rarely allows "excused absences".

[Coastwatcher]

I've had my .223 do that with hot loads.  The primer was flowing back into the breach face around the firing pin.  The hole for the firing pin is oversize and allows the primer to form a bit of a lump that had to be overcome to open the action.  

The load was less than the maximum shown in the Hornady  manual.  I pulled the rest of the loaded bullets and haven't had a problem since.

[Smokin Joe]

If you're sure that a FIRED case is loaded, cock the hammer and try the release lever again. A primer may have caused firing pin problems