Bullets hitting the barrel face (223/90 Berger) on Remington (updated info)

[Michael C]

I have a Remington 700 solid bottom single shot (40X) action and it's my 223 Palma rifle. The first time I shot it I was using Sierra 90s and had no problem, but Saturday I shot the Berger 90s for the first time. After throwing the cartridge in the action and gently closing the bolt I found every one would hang up on the barrel face and would not go in the chamber. I had to stick each one up inside the chamber, which sucks with a sling on as I fumbled around trying to find the hole. I guess it's the shape of the bullet. Anyone have a fix?
Mike

 

[JRS]

Is the Berger the VLD? If it is, it is a longer bullet than the Sierra.

 

[gme]

when using a repeater action as a single shot, I make the follower for .223's with angle so the cartridge sets with a nose up attitude, which works well, with a solid bottom about all you can do is make sure the edges are chamfered on the step leading to the bolt recess and chamber entrance

 

[Michael C]

JRS, yes, Berger 90 VLD.
Gary, I should have just used my repeater action in hindsight. But the smith made me a good deal on this solid bottom action.

 

[long40shot]

Did you use the same setting on your seating die for the Berger as you did the Sierra?

 

[expiper]

now you see why cone breaching was invented,,,Roger

 

[Michael C]

Long40shot, I am jammed on the Berger and jumping SMK. Just wanted to know if someone had an easy fix. The rifle shoots great so far.

 

[Alex Wheeler]

Nothing saying you cant cut a 25 degree angle on that Remington nose and cut a cone breech on the barrel. I have done it, works fine and its as safe as many of the other coned actions. You will need to change to a mini16 or sako extractor though.

 

[Michael C]

I may do that when it's time for a new barrel. I will just live with it until then.

 

[Michael C]

This is funny, I had pointed my 90 SMK's and did not think I had a instert that the Berger 90's needed. However, I realized that I did have the #1 insert after my first loading of the Bergers. So, a few minutes ago, I thought why was the Berger hitting and the SMK not? Was it because they were pointed? So, I pointed up a Berger 90 and loaded a dummy round. Shazam! No issues. So there you have it. Maybe Widden should use it as a marketing point. Anyway, problem solved. Mike

 

[JBT47]

This is funny, I had pointed my 90 SMK's and did not think I had a instert that the Berger 90's needed. However, I realized that I did have the #1 insert after my first loading of the Bergers. So, a few minutes ago, I thought why was the Berger hitting and the SMK not? Was it because they were pointed? So, I pointed up a Berger 90 and loaded a dummy round. Shazam! No issues. So there you have it. Maybe Widden should use it as a marketing point. Anyway, problem solved. Mike

I've run into the same issue before. Never thought of this. Glad you posted.