DPMS LR-308: factory fixed FT, but why did it work?

[General Disarray]

DPMS LR-308: factory fixed FTE, but why did it work?

I was having a failure-to-eject where the spent round wasn't clearing, and then getting pushed back forward, then the next round was jamming coming up under the spent one. The ejector and extractor fuctioned well, so I assumed it was a pressure issue. I tried five types of ammo, and it happened with them all. I sent it in and they changed the bolt assembly. The sales guy couldn't explain why it would fix it, but apparently it has. Any guesses why? I can't figure it out.

All the ammo has been 150 grains; some federals, winchesters, remintons. About 200 rounds. I shot 50 remingtons today in one trip without one failure, so whatever the problem with the first 150 was the new bolt assembly fixed it; I just want to understand why. It was failing to eject right from the start when I was breaking it in. During the first 25 rounds I was shooting one at a time, so the failures would be sitting on top of the mag with the bolt open, but after the break-in I was putting five in and the FTE was resulting in a jam. It happened maybe 1 out of 5 rounds no matter which ammo. The ejector felt strong, and the extractor functioned fine (I think). No damage from the extractor on the casing, so I figured gas was getting lost somewhere or the casing was hanging up in the chamber. I don't know why the bolt assembly change fixed it, but I figured someone here would.

Also, would reloading ammo for these hurt it in any way? They negate the warranty, but how would they be able to tell if I used reloads in it?

 

[DnPRK]

You describe the classic symptom of the extractor prematurely releasing its grip on the case rim. Typical cause is a bad extractor hook or weak extractor spring. Replacing the bolt is the quickest fix.

 

[General Disarray]

Thanks DNPRK. I am glad it was easily resolved, I just want to understand why. That makes sense. The customer service guy was vague about what it could have been. He didn't know and was just giving me the obvious answers.

Any thoughts about hand loading for these? Can they actually tell if you're using factory or hand loads? Will it be "bad" for the rifle somehow? My first thought is they just want to cover their butts, and not be responsible for obvious reasons, but are they actually bad if you're making them correctly?

 

[DnPRK]

I doubt they can tell if you have been using handloads unless you seriously goof up the gun by overpressure or having a squib get stuck in the barrel.

I like the classic accuracy load of a 168 gr Sierra Matchking over 41.5 gr IMR 4895 in prepped LC brass. 42 gr of Varget works well too. Use a medium burning rate powder and it will perform well.