Ruger American issue

[smoothie25]

I recently purchased a Ruger American 243 and am having an issue loading a round in it. I ordered some 70gr varmageddon bullets and they just came in today. I loaded one in a FL sized case with no powder to chamber. I was able to push the bolt completely forward but was unable to push the bolt down. I put far more force than I probably should have and it still wouldn't move. I checked the OAL and it was less than noslers spec and the case length was right at nosler spec. I tried seating the bullet even deeper in the case and still no luck. I chambered a couple empty (no bullet) cases and they chambered. There were some marks on the case mouth and shoulder. Looks like it could be some burrs from machining. Not sure if it's related. I attached a pic of the marks but not sure how well they'll show.

Anyone have an insight or similar experiences? Going to give Ruger a call on Monday.


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[murf]

feed a commercial round into the chamber to make sure it isn't a bad chamber.

murf

 

[badkarmamib]

I had a similar problem loading for .270WSM. I finally fount that my Lee die was not pushing the shoulder back far enough during sizing. Cammed over, it was still about 0.010" too far forward. I would check all of the dimensions for the case, preferably against SAAMI specs, as well as a factory round that will chamber. I have also heard that lack of lube inside the case mouth can cause the expander button to pull the neck back out after sizing, something else to check.

 

[LoonWulf]

That looks like an issue with the chamber. If you havent run any factory ammo thru it i wouldnt do it till you talk to ruger, just to be safe. If you have then you might have an issue with your reloads, but im betting on a gun issue.

 

[ants]

He said it chambers an empty case and extracts it.
If the case was resized and trimmed, then shoulder bump
isn't the problem. Nor stretching with the expander ball.
If those were the problem, a sized and trimmed case wouldn't fit.
Nevertheless, he should check all his die settings
and measure all his dimensions again. Just to be sure.
We've all made boo boos before.

I know it sounds dumb, but did you measure the bullet diameter?

I know it sounds dumb, but did you scrub the gun when you got it?

I know it sounds dumb, but did you try any other ammo in it?


Next time, don't force anything. If it won't close, it's telling you something.
Like the LoonWulf man said, you might as well call Ruger. Till then, don't mess it up.

 

[Blue68f100]

You did not mention if this round was fired in your gun or range brass. If it's range brass the shoulder may need to be pushed back to fir your chamber. If it's your brass, a once fired brass should fit without doing any sizing for a few firing anyway.

Did you size the brass?

If so what dies used, NS or FL?

Do you have a case gauge to check to see if the shoulder is in the correct position.

You should start off with the sizing die contacting the shell plate.

If sized, try turning the die down another 1/8 Turn and try again. If it does not fit go another 1/8 T. Continue till it will chamber. Normally it only requires a 1/2 turn depending on frame flex.

 

[smoothie25]

The cases I used were once fired out of another gun. I FL sized them and I'm able to fully close the bolt with an empty case, no bullet. I'm not able to do the same when a bullet is in the case though. I'm going to pick up a box of factory ammo today and a case gauge to check the shoulder. I measured the bullet and it comes in at .2425 on my calipers. I haven't scrubbed the chamber. Should I run a few patches and mop thru it?


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[Blue68f100]

Your seating die body may be turned down too far and trying to crimp, bulging the shoulder area. A case gauge will show this. Or back off the seating die a turn and seat 1 to test.

 

[Bartojc]

I would also recommend loading a factory round. I had a similar issue with a RAR oddly enough in .243. I could not close the bolt on a factory round. When my LGS sent it to Ruger I got a new rifle as a replacement. No explanation but obviously something was bad wrong. I like the rifle now and have had no issues.

Jeff


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[SARuger]

I have a RAR in .243. Its the most accurate rifle I have ever owned!

The bolt closes firmly, but always closes. I reload for it with no issues,

I also own several other RAR's; .270, 30-06 and my favorite, .223. I'm always impressed how such a cheap rifle can shoot sub MOA!

One thing I know for sure, Ruger will stand behind their product, they always have for me.

 

[243winxb]

Possible chamber throat/leade defect?

This from post # 8

Your seating die body may be turned down too far and trying to crimp, bulging the shoulder area.

OR

I'm not able to do the same,(unable to push the bolt down), when a bullet is in the case though.

See if factory ammo will chamber freely. The neck area diameter of a loaded round (factory or reloads) should not be larger than .276" If larger, the bullet may get crimped into the chamber, raising pressure to high. My guess is a defective chamber throat/leade?? Unsafe to fire.

SAAMI - LEADE (LEAD) That section of the bore of a rifled gun barrel located immediately ahead of the chamber in which the rifling is conically removed to provide clearance for the seated bullet. Also called Throat or Ball Seat.

http://www.saami.org/PubResources/CC_Drawings/Rifle/243%20Winchester.pdf 243 win case measurements at link.