Effect of Ejector on Accuracy

[RonAKA]

I saw a post recently asking about how easy it is to remove the ejection spring and pin, to keep empty cases from flying too far. This got me thinking...

We seem to go to all kinds of pain to load perfectly concentric rounds, and feed them into a tight chamber, with a tight neck. But, behind it all there is a fairly powerful spring that wedges the cartridge sideways in the chamber. When you pull the trigger the cartridge forces the spring back, and as we know too well, if the pressure is high, the case brass even goes into the ejector recess.

From an accuracy point of view, would it make sense to remove this ejector spring/pin, and plug the hole?

Not sure this is feasible, but just wondering out loud.

 

[15Tango]

I've often wondered the exact same thing. I only have Mausers so I can't do an experiment comparing with/without - maybe somebody will someday and it could make for a good bulletin article.

Wayne

 

[Robert]

I've often wondered the exact same thing. I only have Mausers so I can't do an experiment comparing with/without - maybe somebody will someday and it could make for a good bulletin article.

Wayne

Wayne,
Mausers, like some more recent target single shot actions, has an inert ejector, actuated at the end of the bolt throw by an abutmant on the receiver via the bolt stop.
This allow to either remove the case/unfired round by hand or have a light or heavy ejection, depending on the vigor of the bolt pull….
On the target models I am talking about, when not operated at the end of the bolt throw, the ejector face is flush with the bolt recess face, giving a perfect flat bearing surface for the case bottom. In other words, an overpressure cannot allow brass to flow in the ejector hole.
Not only a sprin- loaded ejector can affect cartridge alignment, in case of undersized ammo, it can also impair the entry of the extractor in the case groove, allowing then protrusion and erratic ignition problems.
I am intimely convainced that the pull-push action of the extractor on one side and spring-loaded ejector on the other is not only influencing possible cartridge alignment, but also a mechanical nonsense.
Having said all this, I must admit that a perfectly sized case body, well matching the chamber and well headspaced will, partially or entirely, eliminate the cartridge alignment problem.
R.G.C

 

[WayneShaw]

"Having said all this, I must admit that a perfectly sized case body, well matching the chamber and well headspaced will, partially or entirely, eliminate the cartridge alignment problem."

On custom actions and chamberings, the ejector is not what it is on a factory gun that throws a case into next week. It will flip the case out onto the bench only. And the case/chamber fit is proper as well, not like a factory chamber.

 

[Travelor]

Most custom guns set up for accuracy (i.e. F-Class and Benchrest) do not have the ejector installed for the very reason you described - pushing the cartridge to one side of the chamber.

For those concerned about the hole in the breech face if the ejector is removed from guns such as Remiongton 700's and Savages, I put the exjector parts back into the bolt MINUS the spring. BUT, if you look, the ejector plunger will recess back into the bolts and not remain at the same level as the bolt face. This happens whether or not the springs are installed or not.

Again, I take my ejectors out and then put the pins minus the springs back in jsut to keep the parts with the gun.

 

[WayneShaw]

Right now, you will find more guns with ejectors at benchrest matches than without.

 

[BoydAllen]

In the case of crooked ammunition in a factory rifle, it is usually chambered with random orientation, and the fit of the ammunition in the chamber may be less than perfect. In the case of a Benchrest rifle with an ejector, sizing is minimal, which limits tilt, ammunition is fairly straight, and the direction of misalignment caused by a spring plunger ejector, is consistent. Evidently, what is gained by speed, is in many cases, is more important than a slight, uniform, misalignment.

 

[RonAKA]

This discussion makes me think it really is a good idea to to only bump the shoulder a very small amount, leave the body unsized, and only resize part of the neck. This leaves the rear part of the neck to center the cartridge in the chamber despite the force of the ejector at the back on one side.

 

[BoydAllen]

Ron,

That would be fine if cases only got tight at the shoulder...but they also get tight at the back. If you saw how well short range Benchrest rifles shoot with spring plunger ejectors, and FL sizing, you would stop worrying about the "problem". Based on the results, it does not seem to be an issue.

Boyd

 

[butchlambert]

You guys have a 'ell of alot more to worry about than this. Spend your worry time at the range.
Butch