Slight stiffness closing the bolt

[megastink]

I have some .243 loads that I made up with 87gr VLD's. I loaded about fifteen for a ladder test. I used a case gauge to measure the prepped cases before priming. I did NOT check them in my rifle chamber. The bolt requires ever-so-slightly more pressure to close that with an empty fired case. I can still close it with one finger, it just requires the tiniest bit more effort.

I'm new at reloading, and certainly learned a lesson here already, but am I ok shooting these loads? Rifle is a Savage 11 action with a Shilen sporter barrel. Thank you all in advance.

 

[Brathany]

Some desire this amount of "tightness" to limit shoulder stretch. I have shot thousands of rounds in this condition by design. If you are going to want insurance for feeding in field conditions, dirt & muck proof, give yourself 2-3 thousands shoulder set back with your FL die.

 

[megastink]

Some desire this amount of "tightness" to limit shoulder stretch. I have shot thousands of rounds in this condition by design. If you are going to want insurance for feeding in field conditions, dirt & muck proof, give yourself 2-3 thousands shoulder set back with your FL die.

So I'm good to shoot?

 

[Brathany]

So I'm good to shoot?

Ok, I'll put it plainly. Yes, you are good to shoot.

 

[std7mag]

If you're still "closing it with one finger", yeah I think you're good.

 

[Critter Picker]

Take your first fired round and slide it over the bullet of an unfired round. I've run into chambers that have a tight neck. Just make sure you can slide a bullet into a fired case. Also look at the case mouth and make sure it isn't contacting the chamber. Friction in bolt handle isn't always shoulder contact.

 

[Brathany]

Take your first fired round and slide it over the bullet of an unfired round. I've run into chambers that have a tight neck. Just make sure you can slide a bullet into a fired case. Also look at the case mouth and make sure it isn't contacting the chamber. Friction in bolt handle isn't always shoulder contact.

Valid points. I read, "New to reloading" and everyone new to reloading gets the shoulder setback wrong by blindly following the manual recommended set up.

 

[Pdyson]

Your rifles chamber is the only case gauge you'll ever need and the only one that counts. It takes a few firings for brass to stop growing and it may get too tight. If so l, bump the shoulder back a thou or two more and lock it down.