Howa 1500 extraction

[sdturner]

I have a new Howa 1500 barrelled action in 223 that I stocked for my son. I reload for this caliber. In this gun I find that my reloads seem tight (bolt cams down hard...). I fired about 36 rounds during an inital break-in and then did some trigger work. I now find that the extractor does not reliably withdraw the case after firing and I'm left with a shell in the chamber.

I may have more than one issue here as I could have a resizing problem that makes the case go in hard (snap caps don't go in hard), and a separate issue with the extractor.

Any suggestions about the extractor and how I can make it more positive acting?

 

[Jim Watson]

Try sizing your brass so it chambers with just a little more effort than a factory load. Can't expect it to come out easy if you jam it in in the first place.

 

[DnPRK]

You need to find out which dimension is off on your sized brass.

Use a magic marker and color a freshly sized case or three. Chamber the case(s) then extract it/them. Look to see where the magic marker has rubbed off.

If it rubbed off the sides of the case near the base, then you need to get a small base sizing die.

If it rubbed off the very end of the case neck, then you need to trim the neck.

If it rubbed off the case shoulder, then you need to set the shoulder back more by screwing the die further into the press. Or if the die already touches the shell holder, buy a new shell holder that holds the case further into the die.

 

[trigger45]

same with my .270. stopped after i trimmed the cases.

 

[chris allen]

brass

I am assuming that you are using brass that has been fired from a different rifle.
In my years as a gunsmith I find that trying to reload and shoot brass that has been fired from a different gun ,usually caused grief.

The headspace tolerences are allowed to be quite liberal on AR-15,M-16 etc.and if you are picking up brass from them it will give you trouble .

I suggest send alittle $ and buy some new brass. If you feel you need to continue with the brass that is giving you trouble make sure it is trimmed and full lenght resized.

Good Luck
Chris