History of the problem, and what I did: Mod11 receiver - headspacing prefit 223 barrel - 5th time I have replaced a barrel on Savage receivers.
Disassembled Mod 11, removed factory barrel.
Removed trigger group as I want to replace it with a Rifle Basix 1.
Disassembled bolt, cleaned it, replaced hunting bolt handle with standard Savage tactical bolt handle
Installing the prefit barrel went fine, with the exception of extremely heavy, noisy (grinding) bolt lift. I disassembled the bolt and found the recessed area under the cocking pin button to be gouged and worn shiny.
I rotated the cocking piece clockwise and counterclockwise, attempting to stop the heavy lift and grinding. The spring length is a few thousandths over 2.600". The lift is somewhat reduced, but not enough to believe the issue is resolved.
Does the trigger group contribute to reducing bolt lift?
I will stop trying to resolve this issue until I get some advice. I will appreciate any advice.
I will replace the cocking pin.