My M-38 Has a problem

[mordechaianiliewicz]

Actually I'm not sure if it's the M-38 or it's ammo. But while shooting last week, I had the bolt start to stick w/ some milsurp ammo. After shooting, I was able to unlock the bolt, but the rifle would not eject the round when I tried to pull back. So, because of this I had to tap the rifle on the ground to have the shell eject.

While embarassing, I wondered what the problem is. It didn't happen with the S&B I had brought along, however it was noticeably dificult to retract the bolt. Anyone else have this problem? Is it my gun, or is it the ammo?

Anyway, this ammo isn't being used for my next trip, and I'm gonna see if WOLF 7.62x54R is a more acceptable fodder.

 

[Fingolfin]

It is not uncommon, I had "sticky bolt" when shooting some Polish light ball for the first time. I ran a shotgun brush on a cordless drill in the chamber and locking recesses, cleaned and relubed and the next outing it was no problem.

 

[foghornl]

Sounds like a build-up of that infamous lacquer coating so popular on a lot of Mil-Surp ammo.

Good chamber cleaning should resolve it.

 

[yesterdaysyouth]

this is why whenever i shoot turk 54r a rubber mallet is in the range bag....

 

[dm1333]

I think it has happened to everyone at least once. I have been buying 147 grain bi metal stuff and it shoots great. Less recoil and I didn't even have to resight my scope. No more cracked cases either. Try the 20 gauge bore brush on a drill trick, it worked for me.

Don

 

[Cosmoline]

Bad ammo. Unless you see signs of horizontal separation I wouldn't worry about a headspace problem. Just try some different ammunition. Brass cases are MUCH easier to "read" if you have a real problem with the rifle.