Hakim Problem

[Domino]

I took out my dad's Hakim today and ran into problems. More powerfull ammunition would tend to expand greatly in the chamber and cause extraction failures, which leads my dad to believe that it is a headspace problem. He believes that the use of old surplus 8mm that fired fine and functioned when he first got the Hakim was the culprit. He noticed that firing the same ammunition in a mauser would nearly make it inoperable due to the high pressures, and he thinks that ammunition might have damaged the Hakim after about 200 rounds or so. My question is how can I check the headspace and what kind of gauge do I need? Do these symptoms point to a headspace problem or something else, and how can I fix it? This was my first time shooting the gun and I actually really liked it. It is powerful, extremely loud, and quite accurate (some groups were under 1" at 80 yards) so I would like to make it a good shooter. Any advice would most certainly be appreciated.

 

[tommyt]

Try to find a load that might not be so "hot". I have had this problem with other rifles but usually with bolt actions where it is easier to get the round out.

 

[Domino]

I tried some Yugo and handloads which were considerably lighter in power. The Yugo would function pretty well but after 4-5 shots it would jam just like to more powerful stuff, but not as bad. I guess the gun is probably ruined or would require some sort of Ljungman armourer or something. Thanks for your reply Tom!

 

[tommyt]

Is there a gas adjustment on that rifle?

 

[tommyt]

Did some looking around. There is a gas adjustment on that rifle. Perhaps turning it down a bit (less gas) may help.

http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Gorge/4653/hakim1.htm

http://www.gunandgame.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-12043.html

 

[Jim K]

Does the case extract OK when you work the bolt, or is it frozen in the chamber? If the case is only partly extracted, and can be easily extracted by hand, try turning the gas up a notch.

But if the case is sticking in the chamber, it may be due to a dirty or rusty chamber, especially if the gun was fired with corrosive primed ammo and not cleaned properly. If that is the case, you might be able to remedy the problem by a thorough cleaning. If that doesn't work, try using 600 grit emery paper in a split wood dowel to polish the chamber. Use a electric drill on low speed for only a couple of seconds; don't get carried away.

Jim