What did I do to my 700?

[Big_E]

I have a Rem. 700 SPS (floorplate) and after removing the barrel+action from the stock and applying lube to the trigger parts, I reassembled my rifle.

Something didn't feel right. So I inserted 4 30-06 rounds into the magazine. Chambering the round was awful; it felt very rough and required a little more force to chamber. Upon removing the rounds from the firearm I noticed that my brass was scratched! I was unsure if my rifle scratched brass before so I looked at my saved cases and not 1 scratch.

What did I do when I reassembled my rifle? It never scratched brass before. My mauser I just got from my grandpa sort of scratches the brass too. It also seems that when I violently shake my rifle near the end of the stock the barrel has some movement (maybe it existed before I just never tested it. Everything looks normal except the floorplate seems to be sticking out a little more but I don't really know. Please help!!!

 

[retsub]

Maybe you installed the internal box magazine incorrectly?

The little half-round cut-out goes toward the top and front (toward the chamber.

Just a guess.

 

[Ridgerunner665]

You may have the mag box upside down or backwards.

 

[Big_E]

Hmm, the mag box did give me the most trouble during the install. I did install it in the correct direction but maybe it is seated wrong or something. I will get back to it tomorrow.

It scared me when things weren't working as it should. I didn't want to ruin my inexpensive first rifle I bought but it doesnt sound like such a huge problem.

 

[Strongbad]

The boxes on the BDL's can be a PITA. What I usually do is cram the box into the hole in the reciever, then with the barreled action upside down, gentle put the stock back over the box, action, etc. being careful not to knock the box out of place. The put the floorplate on and screw the whole thing down.

 

[Big_E]

^^^
Thanks strongbad. I'm pretty busy this morning but when I do have another swing at it I'll post if I fixed it or not.

I didn't think that bolt actions would give me this much trouble.