Tight bolt with virgin unfired brass.

Heavy Barrel · May 16, 2020

Got two different brands of brass for my 270 Win. Brand X is supposed to be ready to reload right out of the box. While brand Y is known to need prep work done.

Neither brand I have no issues chambering in my rifle. Though when I lock the bolt, is where the difference is noticed. Brand Y, I experience no resistance when chambering and locking the bolt. While brand X, I’m getting a tight bolt.

After measuring the case head. I’m seeing a 0.0035” variance between the brands. Would this be enough to cause a tight bolt? If so, how do I correct it? Or do I need to investigate further?

HAWKEYESATX · May 16, 2020

It could mean that your chamber is much closer to minimum SAAMI specs. Which means a tighter chamber.
Although some.cartridge companies say you can use their brass right away to load, its still a good idea to full length size before using them, and then workng from there to see if you want to just neck size, or keep.full length sizing.

Hawk

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Blkram · May 16, 2020

Did you measure the length of the brass?
Brand X may need to be trimmed in length???

HAWKEYESATX · May 16, 2020

Blkram":2uliwos0 said:
Did you measure the length of the brass?
Brand X may need to be trimmed in length???

That´s a really good idea as well

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Heavy Barrel · May 17, 2020

Blkram":3dte3krw said:
Did you measure the length of the brass?
Brand X may need to be trimmed in length???

Both brands have a 2.53” O.A.L.

1Shot · May 17, 2020

As has been said already full length size all your cases. It does not matter what brand X,Y or Z says about their cases being ready to load in my 40 years of hand loading I have NEVER experienced any that were. Normally the neck is too tight and when you go to seat a bullet, especially if it is a flat base, you will often crush a neck or bulge a shoulder. Been there done that and have the T-shirt and a hat.