Nothing Special - Just Got My First Bolt Action!

[Phil3]

Considering the company on this forum, the delivery of my bedded bolt action 223 probably seems pretty boring. But, for me, a newbie (even though I am an older guy), it is pretty exciting. A Howa 1500 action, with 24" bull barrel, bedded in a Bell & Carlson Medalist stock (already has aluminum bedding block), Murphy Precision stainless steel 0 degree scope base, Burris Signature Zee rings, and Vortex 30mm 6 - 24 x 50mm PST EBR-1 MOA (second focal plane). Not a one-hole rifle at even my 100 yard range, but looking forward to seeing what it will do, especially with my new skills in reloading.

One thing that is a little irritating is that the bolt handle is pretty close to the scope. Guess I will need to lift it up with palm of hand, since holding it with thumb on top pinches my thumb between scope and bolt handle.

One question. Should the scope base screws have Loctite on them? Murphy Precision recommends 15 in. lbs. of torque after epoxy bedding the base (I did not do that).

Phil

 

[Erik Cortina]

Congratulations on your new rifle.

I use nail polish on scope screws, it's all you need.

 

[MrMajestic]

Good for you! How about some pictures?

 

[jonbearman]

Congrats and please ask questions,we love them.

 

[Phil3]

Good for you! How about some pictures?

Will do, when I get the scope and all adjusted where I want them. Fiddling with scope rings and scope placement for proper eye relief right now.

Phil

 

[Nodak7mm]

Good for you! How about some pictures?

Yup, Noobie mistake - One cannot talk about a new rig or build they just go without pics.... Don't let it happen again or you may be banned............... ;D

Rod

 

[navyrad8r]

phi,
don't write your gun off ... you haven't shot a one hole group YET it is brand new, your first bolt gun and you are learning. how great is that?!! your one hole group is now the new goal and you are in the right place. the right ammo recipe and skills can make any gun a bug hole shooter. besides the .223 is easy and cheep to experiment with! Good luck to you!!
Cheers,
Doc

 

[ed k]

Had a freind bring one like that to my shootin shack last winter. With factory shells it shot under 1 inch group at 200 yards. I was very impressed because this gun was unfired at the time. ED K

 

[Phil3]

Good for you! How about some pictures?

As promised. Hope pics show. If not, will try to fix. Rifle specs below.

- Howa 1500 action and barrel in 223 Remington. 24" barrel, .825" muzzle, 1:12" twist.
- Bell & Carlson Tactical Medalist II stock. Bedded by Deadly Precision Gunsmithing (Utah). The aluminum bedding block did not even touch the Howa action recoil lug, thwarting any plans to just drop in the action and go. The rear tang was hitting the stock before the recoil lug was and barrel channel was off center.
- Murphy Precision stainless steel "0" degree scope rail. Bedded with JB Weld.
- Vortex Viper PST 6 - 24 x 50 EBR-1 MOA illuminated scope.
- Burris Signature Zee rings w/plastic inserts.
- Harris swivel bipod (temporarily robbed from my AR-15).
- KMW Pod Lock for bipod.

I might opt for a detachable mag. Hoping it will shoot quite well with handloads, but unsure about using a bipod or going with a front bag of some sort. This is just a 100 and 200 yard gun for the range and paper punching but want best accuracy, as well as a cheap way to learn about load development. Later, will replace barrel with a good aftermarket tube. I don't care much for the fore end of the stock, but it was the best stock for the money. Other options I either did not like or were too much $$$. But, I am finding I may need a cheek weld riser of some sort with this stock.

I did a bore sighting on it at about 15 yards (I need to do further I think), and was surprised that the crosshairs were just about the exact distance above the barrel bore (very close to dead parallel).

- Phil

 

[stinnett1981]

Your pics did not show up. Do you need help doin it? If so send me a PM and I would be glad to do so for you.

 

[Phil3]

I think they should be OK now. Please let me know if not and any help is welcome. - Phil

 

[Phil3]

Bolt Hard to Lift When Cocking - Normal?

One thing I noticed is that the bolt is quite stiff to lift. It comes back easily and goes forward no problem. The bolt then closes more easily. If I don't pull the trigger, the bolt is noticeably easier to lift. I presume this is probably normal since I expect the rifle is cocked on the initial bolt lift? Is there something I should lube? I already applied a bit of grease to the lugs which helped a bit.

Phil

 

[BigDMT]

Re: Bolt Hard to Lift When Cocking - Normal?

Very normal for a mid priced factory rifle. Nothing to worry about. All of your assumptions on the operations are correct

Just be careful with using grease and oil if you plan on using the rifle in below freezing temperatures. Can cause trouble if it hardens or freezes.

And I would advise you to remove all grease from your locking lugs. That grease could end up in your chamber and cause chambering or pressure issues. Especially as it builds up with dust and dirt. Perhaps a little Kroil or WD-40 applied then wiped off would be ok, but that can also causse dust to build up. Good luck and enjoy your new venture into the bolt action world

 

[CatShooter]

Re: Bolt Hard to Lift When Cocking - Normal?

I have a brand new Howa 223 Remington, the first bolt action I have ever had. I noticed the bolt is quite stiff to lift. It comes back easily and goes forward no problem. The bolt then closes more easily. If I don't pull the trigger, the bolt is noticeably easier to lift. I presume this is probably normal since I expect the rifle is cocked on the initial bolt lift? Is there something I should lube? I already applied a bit of grease to the lugs which helped a bit.

Phil

Welcome to the world of bolt guns. The rifle cocks the spring when you lift the bolt handle. That is why it is stiffer when opening. There are bolts that cock the sprring on closing, and so they open easily, and close with effort. "Go figger"

Many shooters grease the back face of the bolt lugs to keep them from galling. It is a good idea, and it will NOT cause pressure problems.

 

[Twud]

Re: Bolt Hard to Lift When Cocking - Normal?

If you want to solve the problem have a gunsmith hone the locking lugs. Shouldn't cost all that much.

 

[CatShooter]

Re: Bolt Hard to Lift When Cocking - Normal?

If you want to solve the problem have a gunsmith hone the locking lugs. Shouldn't cost all that much.

So far, there is no problem.

 

[lpreddick]

Re: Bolt Hard to Lift When Cocking - Normal?

have a gunsmith lap the lugs. a SMALL bit of grease on the lugs and on the cocking ramp which might benefit from a good polishing. watch for wear along the bolt and lightly luber these areas since there is obvioulsy metal rubbing metal here. factory firing pin springs can be strong and replacement with a pt&g pin/spring combo, esp the light pins might help plus lock time will be shorter.

 

[Phil]

NICE........ 8)

 

[Forum Boss]

Re: Bolt Hard to Lift When Cocking - Normal?

Have an experienced bolt-action guy cycle the gun a few times and maybe test fire it with you. I suspect that the rifle is 100% normal and nothing need be done, except normal lubrication. As for lapping the bolt lugs... I suggest you put a couple hundred rounds through it first and then decide.

 

[CatShooter]

Re: Bolt Hard to Lift When Cocking - Normal?

As for lapping the bolt lugs... I suggest you put a couple hundred rounds through it first and then decide.

Don't lap bolt lugs unless it is absolutely necessary. It can solve one problem, and introduce others.