[remington70023]

Hello all,
So I got my remington 700 SPS out to the range the other day and started on the barrel break in process. Had an issue that I need a little bit of help with. This firearm is chambered in 300 win mag. Now I've fired the M24 and the bolt on the weapon was smooth as butter, I could literally eject and chamber a new round with my thumb and finger if I wanted too. This weapon requires much more hand strength to eject and chamber. The rounds eject smooth and I can get the next round chambered just fine. But when I got the bullet into and seated in the chamber I have a hard time pushing the bolt handle down to lock it in. Sorry if I am not using the correct lingo, but I think you guys know what I mean. I can eject the round fine but it does take alot of force to lock the bolt in on the next shot. Could it be something to do with such a larger bullet than a .308. I was a little disappointed because I expected it to be as smooth as the M24 I've used. Thank you in advance.

 

[m24shooter]

Two things maybe:
The M24 might have been a high-mileage gun.
If the SPS is new it may not have worn in to the point that the mating surfaces have worn together so that it works smoothly.
The second issue could be cartridge length and/or bullet seating depth or a chamber issue.
I suspect it is just a new rifle and will feel better after you've shot it some more.

 

[remington70023]

Thank you,
Yes the M24 I was issued was high mileage I suspected that might be the issue as my SPS is brand new.

 

[Quick]

Oil the bolt and work the action a few dozen times. That may/should help.

 

[remington70023]

Thanks Quick

 

[m24shooter]

I usually start a 700 with polishing the lugs and raceways. Clean that out well and then put TW25B on and behind the lugs and cycle the bolt. A lot. I will usually a long string of dry fire with a movie or MP3 going. Then wipe it out. Just keep working it over and it will smooth out.

 

[remington70023]

TW25B, never heard of it I'll do a google search, thank you.

 

[m24shooter]

Very good stuff as greases go. Brownell's carries it; it has an NSN. I like the syringe applicator. It has a rotating tip that shuts off the flow from the body so you can carry it in a pouch without it going all over your other kit.

 

[quaid]

Are you using factory ammo in your 300, remington70023? Or are you using reloads? I've never heard of TW25B (gonna look it up) but lubing your lugs is a good idea. A lot of people use moly grease. It's automotive stuff.

 

[remington70023]

I bought two boxes of factory ammo that is only mid grade. Remington Recoil Management load, they are 150 gr pointed soft point. I do my own reloading but I just wanted something to break the barrel in so I picked up two boxes of that, pretty cheap. Now that my barrel break in is done I will be heading back to Cabellas to purchase some supplies for reloading my own .300s.

 

[Doug308]

Just a thought. Try backing out the front and back action screws just a hair. If they are in too far they can bind.

 

[remington70023]

Yea I did and it helped a bit, I read that on another forum. Seems like its getting better now just been working it alot and seems to be straightening out.

 

[quaid]

I bought two boxes of factory ammo that is only mid grade.

If the ammo is new then that rules out ammo headspace. DOUG308's idea sounds like the way to go in that case. Try one bolt at a time. That way you'll know which one it is. This is a really intrigeing problem. Would love to know how you go.