I have a Savage .338 Lapua Mag. I shot it for the first time a few weeks ago and after firing the first shot, the bolt jammed. I was able to free it later with careful pressure on the bolt handle. I thought maybe because it was new, and perhaps I didn't lube it well enough. Today I shot it again, first round I was able to eject, but the second one stuck again. The only other bolt action I have is a Savage .308, and it's never had an issue. but this is a much bigger round and higher chamber pressure, so I'm confused as to what I should do. All thoughts are appreciated. Thanks. I travel a lot, so if I don't respond to any questions, it's because I'm on the road. Will read and respond when I can. thanks again.
Stuck Bolt Question
- Thread starter OhioChief
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TurtlePhish
Member
Sticky extraction is usually a sign of overpressure. Are the cartridges hard to chamber?
Might wanna have it looked over by a gunsmith, especially headspace.
Might wanna have it looked over by a gunsmith, especially headspace.
Captcurt
Member
It could be case lenght, bullet set out to far, hot loads or a headspace problem. If you are shooting factory ammo get the headspace checked.
Still Shooting
Member
Savage with Stuck Bolt
I have a Savage Model 11 FHNS in 7mm WSM. When I bought the rifle, I had not yet started to load for it, so I went out and bought 2 boxes of Federal Max 160 gr. ammo. The first round made the bolt very difficult to operate, and the second round fired stuck in the chamber. I finally did work the bolt and get it out, and found a distinct drag mark (bright brass) on its rim. Turns out it was made by the extractor, and the case head had extruded slightly into its indent. I decided (with a little help from this forum) that it was an overcharged round.
I now reload, including some pretty "hot" stuff, and have had no further issues. Even the less than "premium" Federal stuff I have since fired, went through OK. The issue may have been oil in the chamber, but I suspect that it was due to overpressure ammunition. I would inspect the case head on the round that gave a problem before anything else. Also, check for oil in the chamber.
I have a Savage Model 11 FHNS in 7mm WSM. When I bought the rifle, I had not yet started to load for it, so I went out and bought 2 boxes of Federal Max 160 gr. ammo. The first round made the bolt very difficult to operate, and the second round fired stuck in the chamber. I finally did work the bolt and get it out, and found a distinct drag mark (bright brass) on its rim. Turns out it was made by the extractor, and the case head had extruded slightly into its indent. I decided (with a little help from this forum) that it was an overcharged round.
I now reload, including some pretty "hot" stuff, and have had no further issues. Even the less than "premium" Federal stuff I have since fired, went through OK. The issue may have been oil in the chamber, but I suspect that it was due to overpressure ammunition. I would inspect the case head on the round that gave a problem before anything else. Also, check for oil in the chamber.
Not had loads, I'd never attept that on a new rifle, which I have no experience with. It was Horaday rounds, that wern't top of the line ammo, but were quality manufacture rounds. I will try a different type of ammo. the cases look fine. slight scratches from where they were forced out, but really minor. The cases are actually in great condition. I'll try another type of ammo before I call to Savage.
kingcheese
Member
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You might take the bolt out and check for burs on the bolt and guides, shooting in a hot enviroment and using to much lube might do that to, also check the old cases you have shot for marks from the chamber, it could be that there is an indentation in there
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