Build problem - replacing a barrel

[Fjold]

This is the fourth time that I've replaced the barrel on my J action, Model 110. Originally it was a sporter weight 243 Win. I changed it over to 22.250, replaced that barrel a second time, then put a factory takeoff 243 barrel on it and shot that without issues until I wore it out. I just purchased a 26" Shilen Varmint weight barrel and installed it on the action. I used a go-gauge and torqued it to 40 Lbs-ft just like I always had.

Now every time I drop the trigger on a dummy case, it locks the bolt. The bolt handle will go up, but I can't pull it back. The only way to get it to unlock is to unscrew the barrel slightly. I checked all the brass for the correct trim length and made sure that the cases were FL re-sized.

I thought that I had the problem solved but the first shot using my starter load locked the bolt up again. The load felt right, no excessive recoil, the book said that the load should be going 3,100 fps and I got 3,083 fps on my chronograph.

What am I doing wrong?

[pdog06]

Did you use tape or something on the go gauge to simulate a no go gauge as well? Explain your headspacing process in a little more detail.

also, will the bolt remove if you put a flathead screwdriver between the rear baffle and the bolt handle and gently pry a bit? Any marks on the brass? Is it new brass for the new barrel, or was the brass fired in an older barrel?

If old brass it may need sized with a small base die.

[Fjold]

Well, I found the problem.

When I pulled the barrel this time, the bolt would still not release.

I looked in the front of the action and noticed that the ejector plunger was missing from the front of the bolt. I could also see that the ejector plunger retaining pin was sticking out of the bolt head and preventing the bolt from being removed. I reached into the front of the action with a small screwdriver and pushed the retaining pin back into the bolt head and the bolt came right out.

I found the ejector plunger on my bench, so I reinstalled it with the retaining pin. Then I took an empty case and pushed it against the ejector plunger until it compressed fully and when it did the retaining pin fell out of the bolthead.

So, I either need a new plunger retaining pin or a new bolthead.


I just ordered a bolt head kit from Gunshack so we'll see if that solves the problem.

[Blue Avenger]

Did you remove the scope base and mix the screws? The front screw touches the barrel if to long and the next one will reach the bolt lug. Do not remember if the stock action screw can react to far into that action also.

[Fjold]

Did you remove the scope base and mix the screws? The front screw touches the barrel if to long and the next one will reach the bolt lug. Do not remember if the stock action screw can react to far into that action also.

No, the issue was the ejector plunger retaining pin falling out of the bolt head.

[Fjold]

So, the new ejector plunger, spring and retaining pin in the kit were different than the one in my old J action. The new ejector had a tail on it that went into the ejector spring and the retaining pin was much shorter than my old one. I did notice that the end of the new retaining pin was crushed or upset so that it would be an interference fit in the hole.

My old pin didn't have this, so I crushed the end of my old pin slightly with a small chisel. When I installed it in the retaining pin hole, I had to force it in using a 1/8" punch and small ball peen. Now the pin is a tight fit and everything works perfectly.

[charlie b]

Glad you got that one. Not something I'd think of.