Christensen 6.5 PRC Light Strikes (Hornady 147gr Match)

[USMCsilver]

I took this rifle out to shoot for the first time the weekend before last. I ran 15 rounds, and had two light strikes. I reinserted one round three times, and it still wouldn't go bang. I tried the other round twice; nada.

Took the bolt apart. Not much visible dirt at all, but I ran some Hoppe's over it & wiped it dry. I did notice a very slight burr, but it was about 13/16 up from the tip of the pin, and doesn't seem like it would cause that much of an issue. It's perpendicular to the pin & maybe 3/16" long; it's very shallow.

I reassembled the bolt and attempted the last five rounds. One more light strike...

Last weekend, I took another box of Hornady out. It was windy & cold. I did three, 3-round groups. Guess what? Two more light strikes. I tried re-feeding, but no joy.

I'm wondering if it is an ammo issue, or a bolt issue? When reassembling the bolt, an extra turn of the shroud seems to make the firing pin protrude a little, so I'm sure I don't want to do that. Do y'all think it's just a badly timed firing pin?

It gets kinda expensive when 6.5 ammo doesn't go bang.

 

[Forum Boss]

This is sometimes possible if the loaded ammo has a base-to-shoulder measurement many thousandths shooter than the actual chamber. This can happen if the factory new ammo is shorter (base to shoulder) than the chamber OR if the reloaded brass was sized down excessively. Though held by the extractor, the ammo can move forward with the primer strike.

It is also possible the firing pin is damaged.

There could be many other reasons for light strikes -- the ammo itself is just one thing to look at.

 

[NZ_Fclass]

The ammo is the first thing to look at - it just involves some careful measuring using a headspace gauge of any sort. Measure the datum line (found on a reamer print online) to the base of the unfired factory ammo, the fired cases and the "light strike" rounds. Compare the findings- with each case and the dimension on the print. If they are similar, the problem is elsewhere. An increase in length on the fired cases will indicate a long chamber/ excess headspace. Ensure that when you measure the factory ammo, that the primers are well seated. Good luck, it's annoying on a new rifle.

 

[boltfluter]

Firing pin protrusion should be around. 050 or so. If that is good maybe try another brand of ammo, as a test. Good luck!
Paul

 

[Sniperhandle]

Check headspace.

 

[USMCsilver]

So, the shroud needed to make another rotation.

Either the previous owner didn't know what he was doing, or Christensen didn't assemble it correctly.

Somewhat knowing the owner, I honestly don't think he ever took it apart. I think he sold the rifle because of the "issue" (that was never mentioned).

Regardless, it's fixed now.

Thanks, y'all!