Browning A-Bolt: Whats your experience?

[LoonWulf]

Some times you get away with it sometimes you dont.
I had a batch of improperly formed 30-30 to 7-30 cases. First shot popped my contender open and ejected the back 1/2" of case. Last time I ignored the difference between closing, and closing without resistance (I undersized the brass as i would when fire forming bolt gun rounds). Had the pressure not dropped by the time that case separated it likely wouldn't have been a learning moment.

The only other larger case separation/blow out was in an autoloading hand gun. Again neither event caused me damage, but they aren't something one wants to have happen regularly.

My 10/22 in .17m2 would lose a case rim about once every box, again mostly comical as it usually blew the magazine out with no other damage, but again clear sign ones doing something they shouldnt......

 

[DM~]

Actually, I like the Browning T-bolt a lot better... lol



DM

 

[SwampWolf]

Actually, I like the Browning T-bolt a lot better

I've always wanted to get an older T-Bolt, preferably one with a checkered stock, but the prospect of getting a salted one keeps me too wary.

 

[DM~]

Well, they weren't ALL salted, check it out before you take it!

DM

 

[SwampWolf]

The ABIII felt like a very nice economy rifle that dropped some of the features I really liked about the ABII. Namely the adjustable trigger, and the magazine.

One of the features I really like about the original A-Bolt is the clever magazine that can be removed-or not, when reloading. Downside is that they were expensive when new and are hard to find now.

 

[Cowhide Cliff]

The AB2 also has a 60 degree bolt throw and a very smooth action. I really don't know why the guns don't have more of a following than they do. Nice factory triggers, the factory stocks have a nice feel and palm swell that fits well. Tang safety that can be released without a bit of noise in a close hunting situation. They have all the best features for a fine bolt action hunting rifle.

 

[redneck2]

For those that aren’t aware when reloading, 7 Rem mags were originally designed to headspace on the belt. Some dies will set the shoulder back on every loading. When fired the cases stretch until the shoulder contacts the inside of the chamber. This thins the case ahead of the belt with every firing.

Depending on the amount of shoulder set back and chamber dimensions, you may get five or less reloads before separation

 

[DM~]

For those that aren’t aware when reloading, 7 Rem mags were originally designed to headspace on the rim. Some dies will set the shoulder back on every loading. When fired the cases stretch until the shoulder contacts the inside of the chamber. This thins the case ahead of the rim with every firing.

Depending on the amount of shoulder set back and chamber dimensions, you may get five or less reloads before separation

7 Rem. Mags are "rimless", don't you mean headspace on the "belt"?

DM

 

[H&Hhunter]

For those that aren’t aware when reloading, 7 Rem mags were originally designed to headspace on the belt. Some dies will set the shoulder back on every loading. When fired the cases stretch until the shoulder contacts the inside of the chamber. This thins the case ahead of the belt with every firing.

Depending on the amount of shoulder set back and chamber dimensions, you may get five or less reloads before separation

Easily fixed with some minor die adjustments.

 

[redneck2]

Easily fixed with some minor die adjustments.

Lee collet dies work for me