.303 Brit bolt and case ejection

[bsparker]

Last week, I was out shooting my Enfield no.1 mk3 with some reloads: 150gr soft point over 33gr of IMR 4064. Brass was factor PPU loads that have been fired, then neck sized twice and twice reloaded.

After firing, it was difficult to lift the bolt handle. Once the bolt is lifted the case ejects properly. Could it be that the brass has expanded too much (thus needing a full length resize)?

Or, is there another issue I should check? Thoughts?

There are no signs of pressure issues. This is a newer issue for this rifle. If I had factory loads with me at the time, I would have tested it.

Max load for .303 brit with IMR4064 if 44.7gr. I worked this down to 33gr and it'll shoot 2" groups at 100yrds (if I were a better shot, it might even do better).

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

I think you're right: F/L resize.

 

[bsparker]

Most recent twice reloaded and fired brass also measure .08 over standard case length. Not sure if that would create the issue. It seemed to chamber properly before being fired. But I’ll be trimming all brass back to 2.220 case length.

 

[AJC1]

Most recent twice reloaded and fired brass also measure .08 over standard case length. Not sure if that would create the issue. It seemed to chamber properly before being fired. But I’ll be trimming all brass back to 2.220 case length.

Over case length is pressure problematic. The chamber will pinch the bullet. Your shoulder should grow to match the chamber and if to long there will require more effort to cam in but easily eject in a bolt gun. You can get hard extraction from expanded bases but at a reduced charge I don't expect that. If you have never fls the brass I expect major changes, and difficult sizing. Lube more generous at first to condition the die and prevent stuck cases. I would do the first one or two with expander removed....

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I think you're right: F/L resize.

IMO this is the correct answer.

@bsparker, why are you only neck sizing? I would be full length sizing after each firing for a 303 British.

 

[Duster340]

IMO this is the correct answer.

@bsparker, why are you only neck sizing? I would be full length sizing after each firing for a 303 British.

Neck sizing can extend case life. Less working of the metal. At least, I think so lol.

 

[bsparker]

IMO this is the correct answer.

@bsparker, why are you only neck sizing? I would be full length sizing after each firing for a 303 British.

Neck sizing can extend case life. Less working of the metal. At least, I think so lol.

This is why I’ve started with neck sizing. From suggestions on reloading forums on Enfields, neck sizing increased case life. Part of my frustration was the assumption I’d get more reloads before having to full length resize.

I’ll load more up this week after full resize and confirm if that remedies it.

 

[Duster340]

I've gotten 3-4 reloads on my neck sized 303 brass before experiencing some tightness on extraction at which time I run them through a full sizing die. My deer loads are less than max loads, between mid & max range. Which may also help extend case life. But I load them there cause that's what my No4 Mk1 shoots best.

Be well