Strange Problem reloading? Help!
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 96
Strange Problem reloading? Help!
Today I went out to shoot, working up a load for this elk season. Early I know, but I like to shoot...
Loading Nosler Accubonds in 300 Win Mag. 180 Gr. Found a max load on Reloaders Nest for 77 Gr using RL-22. I have a large 5 lb can. I looked through the Nosler book at the store, and they recommended 71.5 (Min), 73.5 (Most Accurate), and 75.5 (Max).
So I loaded 3 -71.5, 3 -73.5, 3 -75.5, and 3 - 76 Gr.
Shot off about 40 Hornady 168 SPBT first (so no problem with gun) using 75 Gr. RL-22.
Then the problem switching over to the Accubonds.
Fired one of the 71.5 powder loads - I hear a click, but nothing. With earplugs sounded like I dry fired. I thought a misfire, opened the bolt slowly. I expected to see the entire shell, with bullet. However, no bullet. Primer spent and powder burned. Bullet in barrel somewhere. So I leave the range expecting to have to take this to a smith.
Get home and try with a cleaning rod to see how hard it is wedged. The WEIGHT of just the rod knocks the bullet back down into the chamber. No rifling and no pressure to get out.
At first I thought this may be due to low powder (71.5 gr.) But now think it may be something with the seating? I seated them all, and always have at the published COL length of 3.340" Never had a problem until now?
Confused?????
Loading Nosler Accubonds in 300 Win Mag. 180 Gr. Found a max load on Reloaders Nest for 77 Gr using RL-22. I have a large 5 lb can. I looked through the Nosler book at the store, and they recommended 71.5 (Min), 73.5 (Most Accurate), and 75.5 (Max).
So I loaded 3 -71.5, 3 -73.5, 3 -75.5, and 3 - 76 Gr.
Shot off about 40 Hornady 168 SPBT first (so no problem with gun) using 75 Gr. RL-22.
Then the problem switching over to the Accubonds.
Fired one of the 71.5 powder loads - I hear a click, but nothing. With earplugs sounded like I dry fired. I thought a misfire, opened the bolt slowly. I expected to see the entire shell, with bullet. However, no bullet. Primer spent and powder burned. Bullet in barrel somewhere. So I leave the range expecting to have to take this to a smith.
Get home and try with a cleaning rod to see how hard it is wedged. The WEIGHT of just the rod knocks the bullet back down into the chamber. No rifling and no pressure to get out.
At first I thought this may be due to low powder (71.5 gr.) But now think it may be something with the seating? I seated them all, and always have at the published COL length of 3.340" Never had a problem until now?
Confused?????
#2
Fork Horn
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location:
Posts: 422
RE: Strange Problem reloading? Help!
Sounds like you missed filling that case. If the primer went off and a full load of powder had been ignited, you would have known it. Flash and gasses everywhere. 71.5 gr of RL22 makes a big explosion. Are you sure that the powder didn't fall out in the action somewhere?
The Hornady book starts out around 63-64 with a 180 gr so 71.5 should be an undercharge.
I personally do not try loadsthat are over thebook max.
The Hornady book starts out around 63-64 with a 180 gr so 71.5 should be an undercharge.
I personally do not try loadsthat are over thebook max.
#3
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: S.W. Pa.-- Heart in North Central Pa. mountains-
Posts: 2,600
RE: Strange Problem reloading? Help!
Just sounds to me like you missed charging the shell with powder. The primer can have enough power to lodge the bullet in the barrel. The other thing you may wish to check is the actual diameter of those bullets. Seems one of our guys had a bit of a problem with this very thing not too long ago.
#4
Typical Buck
Join Date: May 2003
Location:
Posts: 920
RE: Strange Problem reloading? Help!
Hmmmmm , sounds like you missed a powder charge, only the primer went off and it just doesnt offer enough pressure to get the bullet past the throat. I would certainly think if there was any powder present in the case, it would have driven the bullet into the rifling and you would have to use some force to drive it out.
#5
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 96
RE: Strange Problem reloading? Help!
ORIGINAL: kelbro
Sounds like you missed filling that case. If the primer went off and a full load of powder had been ignited, you would have known it. Flash and gasses everywhere. 71.5 gr of RL22 makes a big explosion. Are you sure that the powder didn't fall out in the action somewhere?
The Hornady book starts out around 63-64 with a 180 gr so 71.5 should be an undercharge.
I personally do not try loadsthat are over thebook max.
Sounds like you missed filling that case. If the primer went off and a full load of powder had been ignited, you would have known it. Flash and gasses everywhere. 71.5 gr of RL22 makes a big explosion. Are you sure that the powder didn't fall out in the action somewhere?
The Hornady book starts out around 63-64 with a 180 gr so 71.5 should be an undercharge.
I personally do not try loadsthat are over thebook max.
I have the Hornady book as well, but not the Nosler. I was going to buy the book, you know those cheapies for 1 caliber.. where they have all the bullet makers in one for $7.99. THe Hornady book I have lists 180 from 63.5 to 76 gr.
No BOOM. That is what surprised me. There was soot on the bottom of the bullet, like burnt powder. Can a primer do that? I have the other 2, and both with powder but unsure to fire them... Really my rifle is fine, and have shot Hornady 180 gr up to 74 gr. so far. Better to err on the side of caution.
#6
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 96
RE: Strange Problem reloading? Help!
ORIGINAL: Pawildman
Just sounds to me like you missed charging the shell with powder. The primer can have enough power to lodge the bullet in the barrel. The other thing you may wish to check is the actual diameter of those bullets. Seems one of our guys had a bit of a problem with this very thing not too long ago.
Just sounds to me like you missed charging the shell with powder. The primer can have enough power to lodge the bullet in the barrel. The other thing you may wish to check is the actual diameter of those bullets. Seems one of our guys had a bit of a problem with this very thing not too long ago.
#7
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 96
RE: Strange Problem reloading? Help!
ORIGINAL: kelbro
The Hornady book starts out around 63-64 with a 180 gr so 71.5 should be an undercharge.
The Hornady book starts out around 63-64 with a 180 gr so 71.5 should be an undercharge.
#8
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 96
RE: Strange Problem reloading? Help!
That had to be it. Thanks for the really simple explanation fellas. I am thinking if there were powder then I should be able to tell. I can tell when the 300 Mag goes off! That is what had me so confused. Like, is that it where did the recoil and noise go? I guess I fired a blank...
The primer sound going off, must have been the click sound (with ear protection)
The primer sound going off, must have been the click sound (with ear protection)
#10
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 96
RE: Strange Problem reloading? Help!
ORIGINAL: Mr. Longbeard
Be more carefull next time
Be more carefull next time