Misfires with Re barreled Md 111

**Bearlodge10** · 07-22-2019, 11:23 AM

Okay guys, I have put together a 338-06 with a Adams and Bennett barrel and a older flat-backed model 111. I have taken it to the range twice now and put roughly thirty rounds of handloads down the tube. Each of the times, I have had one misfire. It appears to be a light primer strike and I did inspect the rounds and did fire them. For the record, they both shot into the same group so I do not believe it to be a loading issue. I am concerned with this as I plan to use this rifle this fall on elk. What things can I do to pinpoint the issue?

**Ted_Feasel** · 07-22-2019, 01:29 PM

Originally Posted by Bearlodge10

Okay guys, I have put together a 338-06 with a Adams and Bennett barrel and a older flat-backed model 111. I have taken it to the range twice now and put roughly thirty rounds of handloads down the tube. Each of the times, I have had one misfire. It appears to be a light primer strike and I did inspect the rounds and did fire them. For the record, they both shot into the same group so I do not believe it to be a loading issue. I am concerned with this as I plan to use this rifle this fall on elk. What things can I do to pinpoint the issue?

If it is a light primer strike it's pretty easy to diagnose.. really not many culprits could be responsible... weak spring, firing pin wear or size problem, case seating to deep in chamber or loose

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**Dave Hoback** · 07-22-2019, 03:10 PM

Bingo! What Ted said.

**Bearlodge10** · 07-22-2019, 06:04 PM

Thanks guys, so rookie question follows suit. How do I determine if it is a spring/firing pin issue or one of chamber dimensions?

**sharpshooter** · 07-22-2019, 06:21 PM

If it's first time firing, it's most likely a case sizing issue resulting in too much headspace. I've never encountered a weak firing pin spring, but insufficient firing pin travel will cause misfires.

**Bearlodge10** · 07-22-2019, 06:53 PM

Originally Posted by sharpshooter

If it's first time firing, it's most likely a case sizing issue resulting in too much headspace. I've never encountered a weak firing pin spring, but insufficient firing pin travel will cause misfires.

In both cases, the misfires occurred well into the range session. Probably round 12 and 4 respectfully.

**olddav** · 07-22-2019, 08:57 PM

It is really easy to over size your cases so I would look into that and check your firing pin protrusion. I would also listen to everything "sharpshooter" has to say.

**Robinhood** · 07-22-2019, 11:27 PM

If you hand load and do not have a way to check the case dimension from base to shoulder of the case(case head space) this is more than likely your issue. You should be .003" or less within a fired case head space dimension. If you have fired cases where the primers are proud, this is another sign your cases are shorter than the chamber.

**mnbogboy2** · 07-22-2019, 11:36 PM

Originally Posted by Bearlodge10

Thanks guys, so rookie question follows suit. How do I determine if it is a spring/firing pin issue or one of chamber dimensions?

My first thought was case headspace too.
We assume the barrel was installed using proper headspace gauges (both go & no go).
A simple test for your sized cases is layer "Scotch" tape on the case head. A good rule of thumb is you will feel resistance after only two layers (approx. .004) when you close the bolt. If it requires many more layers to feel resistance than the cases may be sized down too much. You shouldn't be able to close the bolt at all after 6 or 8 layers, if it takes that many the cases are way too short for the chamber and most likely the cause of the FTF.
If you have a case length comparator or means to measure shoulder to base of the fired cases to the sized ones you will be able to also see if they are oversized (too short base to shoulder).

Final thought is to thoroughly disassemble & clean the bolt.
Then check the firing pin protrusion should be .035 - .055.
My .02,
Randy

**mnbogboy2** · 07-22-2019, 11:49 PM

Sorry Robinhood, I was typing while you posted and we essentially said the same thing.

**Robinhood** · 07-23-2019, 07:15 AM

Originally Posted by mnbogboy2

Sorry Robinhood, I was typing while you posted and we essentially said the same thing.

Never a problem, your choice of words are normally an improvement over mine.

**Bearlodge10** · 07-23-2019, 09:30 AM

I appreciate the help. I will run the "tests" this evening and report back.
Robinhood: "If you have fired cases where the primers are proud, this is another sign your cases are shorter than the chamber." By this, do you mean that the primer is pushed back out of the primer pocket such that the primer protrudes out? If so, that is not the case.