Headspace Issue, I think????
I purchased a factory 6.5 Creedmoor barrel that was brand new a couple of months ago. I am having some issues and could use some help. I installed the barrel on a Model 11 short action and I set the head space using both go and no go gauges from PTG. I have never had a problem with them in the past and I have several sets for different chamberings. Anyway after I got the head space and finished up the rifle I started to make a dumby round for the overall case length. My first concern was that as I pushed the bullet, (I use the Frankford Arsenal tool along with the black sharpie colored bullet in a fired case, and a Hornady overall case guage to determine the OAL) I feel the bullet touch the lands then slip about 3/16" before it stops on the lands completely. I have tried several different bullets, Berger and the Hornandy Amax and I get the same results. The length were a 123 grain Amax first touches is at 2.635" and then with little pressure the bullet will "slide" to 2.775' where it comes to a hard stop. After pushing the bullet to the 2.775 spot it leaves marks on the bullet as I am jamming it into the lands like I said about 3/16 or an inch or so. So I set the bullet at 2.620' inches and loaded up a few rounds. The accuracy was amazing on the first load. On the second load and firing I was starting to see some stress marks on the case just above the rim. According to the Hornady manual this is a classic sign of head space problems. I actually had a case start to seperate when I was in Arizona last week. I thought that the loads were just too hot so I came home and pulled them all. I do not recall seeing any pressure signs on the first firing. I am having to load .09" below the book listing and I am shooting a lower end powder charge and ruining cases.
So this afternoon I pulled the barrel and I cannot see any problems however I can still feel the slight "burr" if that is the right word when I push a bullet into the lands. So I re head spaced the barrel using the guages and then with a new piece of Hornady brass. The brass with the scotch tape on the back will allow the bolt to close with no problem. At this point all I know is that I dont know what the problem is. I hope that I explained this without totally sounding like an idiot.
Help please?