I am a reloader and have been for about 8 yrs. The other day I went to shoot my 22-250 the first six rounds went great but the 7th round extracted hard and the 8th round I can't get out I can't even get the bolt open. Any suggestions on how to get the bolt open and what may have gone wrong? The only thing I can think of is a grossly overloaded shell.

Possibilities:

1. Overload
2. Untrimmed brass
3. Bullet jammed into rifling

What kind and model is the gun?

Cwbysrvyr

Questions...

Did the eighth round go off?
Can youlift the bolt handle?
What kind of rifle?

I have a 98 mauser in 22-250 and if I shoot in realitively rapid fire say 10-15 seconds per shot .shot #6 will show pressure signs and about 8 or 9 will just have a primer drop out . Even with mild hand loads every time with white box Win. I've never had the bolt hang up or even get whatI would call hard lift though .

I think it has to due with the mass of the bbl and the action and cooling .
If you can get the bolt all the way up use a brass or if you must a crs steel rod use the rods wieght to "drive" the case out. If the bolt won't lift just take it to a gun smith that 30-40 bucks wilbe well spent if somthing lets go .

The rifle is a remington m700 vsf. The 8th round did fire. thanks for the advice.

This sounds like a case of too much pressure from any of the reasons sighted above. As long as the round fired you should safely be able to tap the bolt open. I would pull a sample of your remaining rounds and check the amount of powder (was it the right powder?) and case length. Another question for you. Did you have any trouble chambering the round? It could have been that your sizing die backed out without you noticing. This and too long a case would result in difficulity closing the bolt.
I know you have been loading for 8 years as you said but some safety tips:
Always keep a clean loading bench.
Perform one operation at a time. (sizing, trimming, priming, etc.)
Always refer to the reloading manual. Don't try to remember loads.
Only keep the components on the bench needed for the cartridge you are loading. (one powder, one bullet, etc.)
Don't get distracted.
Personally, depending on cartridge being loaded, I weigh every charge. For lower pressure cartridges and pistol cartridges, I set my powder thrower and weigh every 10th charge. That way, if I have a concern I only have to dump 10 charges.

Hope you find the problem and you get your bolt open without damage.

Check otherbrass for marking, scratches or scour's that may indicate a burr in the chamber. Had it happen with a M700 once, thought it was pressure but when a mild load did the same thing I started looking closer. Foundscours around the case, light ream/polish of the chamber fixed the problem.

If the bolt turned but will not extract try giving it a bump with a piece of wood or rubber mallet. If still no go a trip to the gunsmith maybe in order[&:]

Good Luck

Sure sounds like an overload to me. Have you checked your scale for accuracy?

You are fortunate that the last round fired-at least you can try to open the bolt without any danger of an accidental discharge while doing so.......

stick an old cleaning rod down the barrel tap on the rod with a hammer and gently lift the bolt handle at the same time.