110BA 338LM bolt stuck after firing

[BEAR1911]

ammo used is factory load 285gr. Hornady match after each shot i have to smack the bolt handle up and backwards just to eject the casing what could be the issue with the gun I've cleaned it each time coming back from the range everything looks fine it only has 19 rounds shot out of it , and of the 19 rnds. probably 14 of them have had issues with the bolt sticking

[BEAR1911]

wow just found a post on Hornady brass that sucks i have over 150 rounds

[arizona98tj]

Have you tried any other brand of ammo yet? If so, what were the results using it?

[Neeltburn]

I would also try another brand of ammo...

[BEAR1911]

THANKS FOR THE QUICK REPLIES , i have not tried different ammo yet .
i want to but finding a good brand or finding any 338LM ammo around here is well you know not easy and i dont have everything i need to reload yet . if its not the ammo what could it be ?

[shoalwater]

This is a common problem with the savage 338's. most say the problem disappears using Lapua brass.

[thomae]

if its not the ammo what could it be ?If you don't try changing ammo, you'll never know if it is the ammo. I know that's not what you would like it to be, but if it is, you will need to change.

[BEAR1911]

If you don't try changing ammo, you'll never know if it is the ammo. I know that's not what you would like it to be, but if it is, you will need to change.
your absolutely right i just cant find any locally , i'm trying to find some 250 grain Lapua online not having much luck

[Neeltburn]

http://www.ammunitiontogo.com/product_info.php/pName/10rds-338-lapua-magnum-lapua-250gr-fmj-bt-lock-base-ammo/cName/rifle-ammo-338-lapua

http://www.ammunitiontogo.com/product_info.php/pName/20rds-338-lapua-black-hills-250gr-sierra-matchking-ammo/cName/rifle-ammo-338-lapua

Be prepared for sticker shock but here you.

[earl39]

Powder valley also shows them in stock for 54.78. That would save you 20 bucks right there

[bodywerks]

Savage 338s are known for sticky bolts. Lapua brass doesn't always fix it either. Good luck.

[Mach2]

Match grade should have very tight tolerances. The brass may seize in the chamber once fired. Ive had 3006 brass seize in the chamber as well. I just switched ammo/

[bodywerks]

Not that tight. Period.

[BEAR1911]

sorry I've been gone for awhile , GOOD NEWS i found 20 rounds of Lellier & Bellot match 250gr. HPBT and HSM 250gr. Berger Hybrid OTM tactical , shoot all 20rnds. of Lellier and 2 rnds. of HSM out to 475 yards at a 8" steel plate every round hit steel and i had ZERO ejection issues .
guess it was the Hornady brass
i also have everything to reload now i just need a good starting load
will be using 285gr, Horandy match 3.625 bullets, lapua brass and H1000 powder my Hornady book states anywhere from 77.2 to 89.6 MAX i will probably start at 84gr. and see what happens . any input would be great

[psharon97]

In my experience, Hornady is pretty soft brass especially for magnums. I have some 308 hornady match that is decent and I do my load development off of them. But, I'll never waste my money on them.

[stangfish]

Since this topic is here I want to express a few opinions on the issue. This is not directed at you OP but as advice for future 338LM owners. If you want to shoot/own a 338 LM you need deep pockets. Chunking down 4 or 5 hundred bucks for components should not phase you. You might also consider a platform that was designed for the cartridge. The Savage is a budget platform and one chambered for the 338LM is lipstick on a pig. The Savage 338 Lapua was an afterthought on a lightweight action. When purchasing a product like that expect issues. I hope the OP has luck in resolving his problem, that is one cool round.

[Back2Wyo]

Having a 110ba in 338lm, I have found that Hornady cases are long. Measure one of the HSM cases and you will frnd that it's shorter. Trim the Hornady brass to the same length and it should be fine.