Rem 700 extractor giving the rims of cases a hard time.

[270guy]

Hi All,
as I continue to get back shooting centerfire (Rem 700 based 6.5x47 Lapua in this case), and have invested some money in optics and upgrading some of my reloading equipment. Velocity spread and groups are getting smaller. I'm having more smiles than frowns at longer ranges (for me). I have noticed that the extractor on my 700, seems to be marking and removing small amounts of brass from the rims of my cases. These are not edge of the envelope loads, that require Popeye sized forearms to open the bolt each time (not ever). I can't tell if it may be having a negative effect, except offending my sense that this isn't right.
So here is the question or question. Is this relatively normal to have some brass removed by a factory extractor on a 700? I kinda feel like it might be happening more as the rounds are chambered? If it is normal, should I just get on with it, or is there an advantage to sending some money to have a Sako extractor fitted?
As always, look forward to your feedback.
cheers
270guy

 

[SDWhirlwind]

Perhaps some brass shavings behind your extractor not allowing it to push back into groove fully to snap over rim? ...or could be a burr on your extractor and you can try and remove it or install new extractor. Just a couple of thoughts.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Flood behind it with carb cleaner then blow with compressed air. Its mostly normal (no pics so just a guess at severity). Only way to fix it is to install an aftermarket extractor

 

[AndyTaber]

Had the same problem with my Rem 700. Shaving brass. While I had it in for some other work, Pbike, who was doing some other work on the bolt, removed the extractor and did some magic grinding on it with his Dremel and fixed the problem. It can be done.

 

[K22]

Yea, it's normal but I've never had an extraction problems with large rifle cases, i.e. 243, 308, 30 06, 270. Just keep the extractor and bolt face clean - brush it out occasionally with a tooth brush.

Where I had problems is with the fragile rims on 223 Rem cases. It chews them up badly to the point that after about 10 reloads I've had extraction problems. However there has been no affect on the accuracy of my reloads.

With on of my premier varmint stalkings rifle (a Rem 7) I "bit the bullet" and had a Sako extractor install. It solved the problem but it was an expensive fix however I figured with the extended case life it will pay for itself if I live long enough.

I've never had any 223 Rem extraction problems with Browning or Tikka's 223's despite how many time those cases have been reloaded.

 

[270guy]

Thanks All.
I've cleaned out the "shavings" of brass and i'll see how it goes. I do have some factory loaded ammo, so I'll monitor what happens to the rims. If it is still beating them up, I guess I'll decide on a new extractor or sako style.
cheers

 

[dmoran]

Polishing extractors, is the best fix to brass swiping, IME. Primarily to the sharp edges, but also to the entire surfaces so the cases slide in and out smoother. I polish all extractors (no matter what type or model) for these reasons.
And disagree with having to replace the extractor (which is running from a issue, not addressing or fixing it - IMO).

 

[DIBBS]

@dmoran This post is a year old, but I am having an issue with a 700 223 extractor. As previous posters stated the extractor is taking a little piece out of the case head. If you rotate a fired case and re-insert into the chamber, leaves a mark in another spot. Any tips/suggestions on what and where to polish the surface and can this be done without removing the extractor, since I've read that they should not be re-used. Thanks.

 

[dmoran]

@dibbs
The leading edge is likely sharp and the cause. Or it could be roughness on the under side.
I use 1200 (black) sandpaper and a little oil, to smooth of the sharpness and/or roughness.
Real easy to do with the extractor removed, but can be done well enough with them in.
Cut a couple 3" by 1/2" strips of sandpaper and have at it (smaller pieces yet if need be).
Pretty simple task and fairly self explanatory once you get going.
Good Luck