Are "clickers" just a problem for competitors?

[RichMoAK]

In researching "clickers" I've read most every method of remedy. My first inclination is to spend more money revamping my brass processing. BEFORE I do what I've always done in the past with mixed results, let me ask the question:

As a non-competitor who's still concerned with quality do I still need to worry about "clickers?"

 

[ChrisNZ]

I had a small (accidental) batch of hot ammo recently, all of which were clickers and some worse, but they were taking the centre out of the target. It's more the distraction aspect and the possible brass damage that should be of concern.

 

[Homerange]

After years of 223 LCD use most if not all my brass are clickers and I don't give a damn.
They're not hot loads and all started as Hornady once fired range pick ups and now at 20+ reloads without sign of failure.

 

[Pres100]

It's a "problem" that develops over time and and can get worse if not "fixed". at some point it will get either harder to extract or chamber as # of reloads increase, no?

 

[lazyMlazyK]

Alright, newb question here....what are clickers?

 

[rijndael]

Alright, newb question here....what are clickers?

When lifting your bolt has a noticeable hitch at the top of the opening, it's the camming/ramp surface on the bolt hitting the ramp on the action. It's trying to pull the brass from the chamber and it's difficult because it's grown too much - usually near the case head.

 

[RichMoAK]

https://www.wheeleraccuracy.com/videos Very good explanation with diagrams

 

[dgeesaman]

Alright, newb question here....what are clickers?

Brass that is hardened and oversized near the base and no longer extracts smoothly. They make a “click” when the bolt is popped open.

In competition the delay required to extract and/or the extra force required to open the bolt are a major disadvantage.

The right sizing die, used beginning with virgin brass, generally prevents clickers.

 

[RichMoAK]

I understand why the competitor would be disadvantaged.
For those of us who aren't, should we spend a small fortune to rid ourselves of clickers?

 

[JMayo]

Op's question was is it a problem .....

As a competitor i don't want to upset my rifle or my rhythm dealing with a bolt that isn't operating smoothly.

As far as just shooting for the fun of it too much having to posture to get the bolt open is aggravating but not the end of a good day shooting.

 

[rijndael]

For those of us who aren't, should we spend a small fortune to rid ourselves of clickers?

A better sizing die or a less hot load isn't what I'd classify as a small fortune.

 

[RegionRat]

If you have the chamber done correctly, then you can avoid clickers with your loading practices. That cost basis is a push.

If your chamber isn’t done right, meaning to typical standard design specifications, you are destined to spend more money due to the concept that you end up needing to coordinate a custom die and dedicated brass to match the non-standard chamber In order to remedy the clickers. This causes extra spending.

Some chambers are accidentally cut so far out of standard specification, that standard dies and loading practices will not cure clickers.

So, avoiding chambers with dimensions that don’t coordinate with dies and brass is a key to not spending on the remedies. If your chamber is accidentally reamed such that clickers immediately result, you have to choose to abandon it and or have it corrected, or stick with it by coordinating with dies and brass. The root cause of needing to spend more money is intentionally or accidentally having a chamber that creates the need to chase it with remedies.

 

[Bill K]

Small base die and keeping the brass trimmed too the proper length, will 99% solve the issue with so called clickers. Your bolts will just open a lot smoother.

 

[dgeesaman]

I understand why the competitor would be disadvantaged.
For those of us who aren't, should we spend a small fortune to rid ourselves of clickers?

It’s just a good sizing die and sturdy brass. It’s hardly a fortune.

 

[ebb]

No don't spend anything just cut back on the charge a little.

 

[Ledd Slinger]

In competition the delay required to extract and/or the extra force required to open the bolt are a major disadvantage.

It’s not so much about any delay in operating the bolt. You can still cycle the bolt fast with clickers using firm force as long as they aren’t stuck really bad. The issue is that the force required on the bolt to extract the cases is upsetting the position of the rifle on the target. The larger portion of the delay comes in the time spent resetting your rifle and re-acquiring the target in your scope.

 

[ncageneral]

So, in my case where I will be using a 6BR exclusively as a coyote rifle, where after every shot will either result in a dead coyote or a follow up shot off of sticks, I really need not worry about it. That is unless the brass is difficult to chamber. Thats the way I am leaning. I enjoy shooting itty bitty groups, I enjoy shooting coyotes. If you guys saw the rest and bag set up I use, you'd die laughing. Still my some of my first groups shot in the .2's with this thing. LOL.

 

[Alex Wheeler]

A problem is a problem. This one wont cost a small fortune to fix.

 

[Scott haywood]

I’ve got a body die that’s had the shoulder bored out and about.050 cut off the bottom. When the back end of my cases start clicking, I run them through this die and it sizes the case about .001 smaller on the base than my custom die and I’m good to go for a dozen or so loadings.

 

[JMayo]

I was told a 308 die would size the datum line of a 6br case ... After i bought a ring die. Of course .. After