Firing pin protusion

[rsbhunter]

Put together a 6mm Dasher on a LRVP 12 .Test fired 2 empty cases with primers, worked ok. Took it out to break in barrel, and could not get shells to fire,(handloads, 32gr Varget, 108gr Sierra MK at lands). Did get 2 to go off by recocking bolt, but some would not fire at all. Original gun was 204, changed out bolt head to .473 for 6br case size. Primers are .003 deep. Firing pin protrusion is .050. Installed a PTG bolt lift kit per instructions, went good. Now, I did headspace by using a new unfired case, and for no go used 2 layers scotch tape which gives .003-.004 and bolt wouldn't start to close. Have done 3-4 others that way, and had no problems at all. Used a Hornady bullet comparator (30 caliber) to check case stretch, and noticed case grew .005 on the shoulder. These are new cases, New bbl so don't know if this is "normal" or excessive. Any suggestions or advice is appreciated...Thanks, rsbhunter

[Robinhood]

On the fail to fire cartridges are there firing pin indentions on the primer? Have you modified the cocking piece position for improved bolt lift?

[rsbhunter]

Yes, but do look light....did turn the cocking piece 3 turns (loosen). Have installed on other Savages, did 4 turns and they still fire fine. Now, I did get this gun used at a great price, whoever owned it was in the middle of converting it to 22ppc from 204 Ruger. Maybe I will need to either turn it back or do a spring and firing pin replacement. Although I did turn the inner bolt handle assy screw in pretty far which should make up for the tension. I am installing another bolt head assy this weekend so I'll be re headspacing the bbl anyway...May wait til next week and try shooting again...rsbhunter. if you meant the ramp on the bolt body, no modifications were made...

[Robinhood]

Try setting your firing pin protrusion at .035"-.045" while you are at it. Run the Cocking piee back down to where the cocking pin is close to the bottom of the ramp. You can always loosen it after you prove it to work closer to factory settings. Primed empty brass fired into an old towel works for testing without going to the range.

[rsbhunter]

Robinhood, the cocking piece/collar retaining pin shaft diameter is .080 away from the ramp of the bolt body, I will try getting it closer...I actually did fire a couple primed empties the day before I went to the range and both went bang .....that's why I was surprised when I had so much trouble with the live rounds...and it is all brand new Norma brass...going to check the trigger also, it is set ultra light, want to make sure it is releasing cleanly....but I honestly appreciate all the help, brings up things I hadn't thought of...keep the suggestions coming, I'm learning as I go...rsbhunter

[sharpshooter]

What Robinhood said ^ . There is no logic behind reducing firing pin travel. In 99% of failure to fire cases, it's lack of firing pin travel.