Remington 700 VDL (in .308) question

[AmericanFreeBird]

Has anyone ever had the problem of the bolt jamming shut after firing? I was shooting my Rem 700 VDL using some 168gr BTHP match ammo I got from Cabelas. I was sighting in the optics for 200yds and had fired about 25 or 30 rds when the first jam occured. After firing, I could not open the bolt with my hand! I had to rap on it with a plastic handle of a screwdriver several times to loosen it up. The Brass that came out looked OK, no signs of to much pressure, no unusual marks on it. Bolt just wouldn't open (There were three more rounds in the magazine which I dropped out from the bottom when the jam occured).

I hadn't cleaned the barrel during all this firing, could that have caused the problem? Too many rounds in the magazine? This happened once more that day about 5 or 6 shots later. Only happened twice for the 40 rds fired that day.

 

[Dave P]

Extraction Problems

One real possibility is headspace problems.

Is the headspace of the rifle within spec (has it worked fine before, or is it a new rifle?)?

Have you got a gauge to check the headspace of the fired rounds?

Was it hard to insert the rounds and close the bolt? It shouldn't be.

I would say you shouldn't use these rounds in that gun until you have an answer. Brand name ammo? Check the headspace of the un-fired ammo. Lyman has a great case gauge ($13). Do they work in other guns?

 

[AmericanFreeBird]

Dave, thanks for the reply. The rounds weren't hard to insert and chambered easily.

This is a new rifle, I've only run about 100rds total through it so far.

I don't have a headspace guage but it sounds like I should have it checked.

I don't have another .308 to try the ammo in, yet. Maybe I can get a friend to try them in his rifle.

Thanks again!

AFB

 

[Icebite]

Freebird-
Go to your local reloader supply center and get a Wilson cartridge gauge. Should run less the $20 and are invaluable relative to determining good ammunition. A absolute must for any reloader