kmn:
I experienced interesting chamber issues with a Savage Axis 308. It appears to have a tighter chamber than expected. Factory ammo was tight to chamber, and pressure tests topped out before book loadings, a first for me. I didn't see rifling marks on bullets of the store bought ammo.(Win white box). After tests, I decided 2 grains under any book max was max for this rifle.
It sounds to me as though your cartridge overall length (COL) is too large for the chamber. How did they do as far as magazine fit?
On my reloads, I establish a starting C.O.L. for each bullet before loading in each rifle, using either a dowel, or Sinclair COL tool. Admittedly, they don't always agree, but it gives me a starting point. Bullet ogives are different, so each needs needs specific measuring. Then, as I start to seat bullets, I check the first few rounds for chambering, carefully, adjusting as needed to just keep from getting land marks on the bullets. . That way, I know a round will chamber, and can fine tune the COL close to the lands. After accuracy tests, I can do different COL's to find most accurate seating depth.
You're right, forcing a bolt closed on a loaded round can be messy. Pulling a case off a barrel lodged bullet means a half hour cleaning powder out of an action...... Don't ask how I know.....
I have rifles that are 'short throated', but by design for specific bullets. Factory chambers can vary for different reasons, affecting cartridge chambering, COL, and headspacing. Why this occurs is anyone's guess, but my end opinion is QC. This is my second rifle with a factory 'tight' chamber;(other was a Rem 22-250) to include hard bolt close, pressure marks on fired factory cases and difficult chambering and extraction. So, loading for them requires extra care. The old saw comes to mind: "each rifle is unique to itself..."
Hope this helps, -West out.
