Tight bolt

[ramcglohn]

You say with or without a bullet so I'm assuming your referring to cycling brass unloaded or loaded ?

Yeah just cycling nothing 3/4 way in super tight. You can push it past just requires a bit of force.

 

[okie man]

was the gun taken apart and put back together before problem started? Didn't get the action screws mixed up did you

 

[ramcglohn]

Nothing done to it.

 

[26Reload]

What about new paint job...just had a rem bolt ceracoated...it got to close to the lug recess and really rubs....a little scotch scuff pad and back to action.....

 

[Wetwrk]

If your going hunting in a week and its not a safety issue, and you're happy with accuracy, don't mess with it. If it's really not broke don't "fix it". Wait til the seasons over then play gunsmith. Lube the hell out of it and go hunting-WW

 

[jpfrog]

Yeah just cycling nothing 3/4 way in super tight. You can push it past just requires a bit of force.

Asking a dumb question here but just to rule it out...

Did you recently install scope covers? My flip up scope covers have a tab on them that, when covers are closed, impedes the forward progress of the bolt handle about 3/4 of the way. Don't typically have this problem if the covers are open, but it made me scared for a bit the first time I cycled it with them closed since it's a brand new custom.

 

[skipglo]

Hello, I am in need of some advice. I have a custom 300 prc that is having bolt issues. When bolt is put in it slides in smooth about 3/4 of the way in then hits a spot of serious tightness. This happens with or without a bullet in the chamber. It also happens when pulling the bolt backwards. Any thoughts on what I could do? Thanks for your help.

First off you said you have a CUSTOM 300 PRC....unless you built it yourself...why are asking for advice....I'd have taken it back already?

 

[ramcglohn]

I probably will take it back at end of hunting season. This isn't Amazon though shipping from Alaska one way is probably $300

 

[L.Sherm]

Have you talked to the smith about it?

 

[tobnpr]

Loosen the action screws in the stock and see if anything changes

I agree. I don't see where the OP has tried this.
If torque settings on the action screws have changed, could be warping the action if there's not a stress-free, proper fitment of receiver to stock/chassis.

Since this is a "new" issue- but not a new rifle- it can't be a case where the bolt raceway has a tight spot relative to the bolt body diameter as that would have been evident day 1.

 

[26Reload]

If you put the rifle in a 'vise' leveled...standing to the side watching the bolt going forward..can you see it hitting where it starts getting tight....can you find a small bubble level to put on the raceway to see if there a noticeable rise in the receiver....or did somehow the 'bolt' get bent....locking lugs out of alignment.....
There's got to be wear marks somewhere on the action and bolt to show the misalignment....
And..."by 3/4 the way in"...is the bolt head still visible.....

 

[ShtrRdy]

I agree. I don't see where the OP has tried this.
If torque settings on the action screws have changed, could be warping the action if there's not a stress-free, proper fitment of receiver to stock/chassis.

Since this is a "new" issue- but not a new rifle- it can't be a case where the bolt raceway has a tight spot relative to the bolt body diameter as that would have been evident day 1.

What about if firing residue from hundreds of shots building up inside the action?

 

[Jerry M]

If there is residue halfway back in the action, the rifle really does have problems.

 

[MagnumManiac]

Ok, if this is occurring at 3/4 bolt travel, this is when the cocking piece/shroud starts to enter the action. Is the shroud out of whack? Is the firing pin assembly square to the shroud?
Have you looked at the sear? Does it depress with a fingernail pushing down on it?
I have looked at several actions pondering your issue, this is the only fallible obstruction I can foresee. I have seen a rifle that the pin that holds the firing pin to the cocking piece come loose causing all sorts of problems.
I know it's hunting season, but I would be taking the stock off, cleaning and checking everything hidden under the stock for obstruction.
I once had a rifle shooting bugholes in the morning and went to a 6" group in the afternoon because a twig was wedged between stock and barrel. Was only shooting rabbits and foxes, but still!

Cheers.