6.6 PRC overpressure

[thatguyshm]

I love my CA classic 30-06. It has a tight bore and I'm okay with it. I would not like it if I was not a hand loader though. Factory 180gr we're all hot, to the tune of 2860 fps, when fired in another 30-06 it was exactly 2740. So I would imagine anyone shooting factory is over pressure and at risk of issues. For me, it just means a few grains off and load to standard velocities, and brush the throat out at every cleaning.

I would never get rid of it but I doubt I would buy another brand new. Then again, that's why I went with a classic 30-06.

 

[A-Tip]

I picked up a used BA on here. It shoots lights out. I have noticed it pressures a little faster than I would like with handloads. Factory Hornady left ejector print, but the dual ejector springs are really tight. Loaded up some 140 Bergers and they aren't as fast as I would like and pressured up quick.

In intended to shoot lighter Hammers with it anyway and they are smokin fast.

What bullet and how fast do you have them shooting? Im curious.

 

[A-Tip]

I have a love hate relationship with CA, my first rifle was great, no problems. I then rebarreled it, my second rifle could only shoot one of the two factory offerings at the time. It pressures out a little quick now, and granted its not a 6.5 PRC, its a 300 PRC but my goal was to shoot a 200 grain bullet at 3K. I think part of my problem of not being able to reach it, is my poor quality brass. I know if i switch to ADG, or Lapua, have a better chance of reaching it.

 

[Shane Lindsey]

What bullet and how fast do you have them shooting? Im curious.

110 Hammer Hunter
62gr RL26
ADG case
CCI 200
3494 FPS

140 Bergers
Norma Case
53.5gr RL23
CCI 200
2870 FPS

 

[tim_w]

This is a long reoccurring theme with CA.

 

[Tac-O]

Have a C Arms Ridgeline w 375 rounds through it. Some handloads w 57.6 g Retumbo @ 2996 fps. Recently started showing pressure signs and hints of Carbon ring (had scratches on the bullets of loaded unfired cartridges). Did a good cleaning w C-4, then bore paste and the problem persisted. Christensen was helpful in my interactions w them and had me send it back. They put a new barrel on it at no charge and sent it back. Now the problem is worse. I started the barrel break in and only got through 4 rounds of factory Hornaday 143,s that chronod @ 2860 with Garmin Xero Pro (quite slow). Each round had progressively worse ejector marks and I could barely force the bolt up after round four. Any input would be helpful as I am not sure what to do next... I sure can't shoot it as is. Pics of chamber w and w/out cartridge below.
View attachment 590471View attachment 590472

I'd bet since you're reloading that your brass has expanded at the 0.200 line over multiple reload cycles (and not getting sized enough) to the point you don't have enough clearance there for adequate expansion of the brass that would soak up a bit of pressure.

I have had this happen in my chamber. All was good and fine until I got to maybe 4 or 5 reloads and then I started getting occasional sticky bolt lift and ejector swiped.

Have you tried factory ammo or virgin brass?

 

[tim_w]

I'd bet since you're reloading that your brass has expanded at the 0.200 line over multiple reload cycles (and not getting sized enough) to the point you don't have enough clearance there for adequate expansion of the brass that would soak up a bit of pressure.

I have had this happen in my chamber. All was good and fine until I got to maybe 4 or 5 reloads and then I started getting occasional sticky bolt lift and ejector swiped.

Have you tried factory ammo or virgin brass?

They put a new barrel on it at no charge and sent it back. Now the problem is worse. I started the barrel break in and only got through 4 rounds of factory Hornaday 143,s that chronod @ 2860 with Garmin Xero Pro (quite slow). Each round had progressively worse ejector marks and I could barely force the bolt up after round four.

 

[Tac-O]

Missed the part that said factory. In that case... I've no idea!

 

[YZ-80]

Pretty basic but I've heard (or read) that you should avoid trimming brass to much (i.e., run it close to max length in a PRC) to help avoid the carbon ring. I don't know if that is valid or not. Oddly enough, after 16 years of hand loading, I had never even heard the term "carbon ring". I guess I don't get out much.

 

[Rosebud]

I too had never heard about a carbon ring. Maybe I just didn't shoot as much as some do, but when I heard about it and asked for pictures of it only one came forth. Looked at every rifle I owned looking for it. Nada, nothing nyet. Saw some stuff in the B78 I purchased last fall that gave me pause, but its still very accurate so I'm ignoring that.

 

[YZ-80]

I too had never heard about a carbon ring. Maybe I just didn't shoot as much as some do, but when I heard about it and asked for pictures of it only one came forth. Looked at every rifle I owned looking for it. Nada, nothing nyet. Saw some stuff in the B78 I purchased last fall that gave me pause, but its still very accurate so I'm ignoring that.

Oh gawd, I had 2 B78's from the 70's. .22-250 and a .243. They were beautiful but found their way out of the collection in favor of a Cooper. I guess you can't have everything!

 

[coueskiller43]

I had a Christensen CA10 in .308 that went back twice. The first time it was destroying cases, and the replacement upper didn't even pass a go/no go gauge test. The third upper worked like a charm, but it took 6 months and a dozen phone calls to get it. I would try to sell the replacement they send you and put the money into a custom. At least you'll know it's done right.

this right here.
I would sell that CA as quick as I could and never look back.
Buy a nice action and barrel. Have a reputable smith spin your barrel and you will see a world of difference. Life is too short to deal with CA B.S.!