Chambering rounds tight from bolt face grime

[tactice]

I noticed towards the end of a long shoot at the range this weekend chambering rounds in my .308 was a little tight towards the end.

I think I worked it out to be a bit of grime built on on the bolt face. I scrubbed it off with a toothbrush at the range and after that things went a smooth for the last couple of dozen shots.

Does that sound right?

Should I get my head space checked or something if fouling is moving back through the chamber to the bolt face? I guess that's what's happening?

[Klem]

Factory ammo or hand loads?

[1290]

You will always get some fouling in the bolt face, doesnt hurt to clean it out especially if you can see the deposit.

If its hanging at the end it might relate to the extractor, with the push feed it doesnt jump the extractor till the end...might be fouled and needing of a clean out, smidge of lube even....

[Elek]

Should I get my head space checked or something if fouling is moving back through the chamber to the bolt face? I guess that's what's happening?

Over a small amount of fouling building up over time I say no. Some people will tell you this is a head space issue... I don't know what spell these guys cast which magically repels build up from their steel but for the rest of us it happens.

You said you noticed towards the end of a long shoot, so you must have had a few hundred rounds out by then?

Sounds normal to me.

[sneaker]

I don't know what spell these guys cast which magically repels build up from their steel but for the rest of us it happens.

I'll ask them next time I'm at Hogwarts.

[Hinky]

The bolt face is often over looked when cleaning rifles as you just wipe it down like you do with the rest of the rifle.

Of course crap gets on there. Bit of solvent and a tooth brush after each shoot and you'll have no worries next time round.

[tactice]

Thanks all for replies so far.

Factory ammo or hand loads?

Hand loads with neck sized Remington brass.

[Klem]

I'd say it's worth checking your sizing die next time you do them.

Giving the shoulder a bump back could be helpful.

[tactice]

I've got the brass from the day to size and tumble still.

I'll double check the die height for bumping the shoulder and keep an eye on the bolt face next time to see how long it takes to build up.

Good to hear no obvious problem though. Will post back with updates when I'm out next

Thanks guys.

[Elek]

Keep us posted but with double checking your brass and a clean I think you'll find the problem goes away.