Removing ejector spring from Cooper M21?

[jackbrownii]

Does anyone know how to remove the ejector spring from a Cooper M21 bolt? It’s a single shoot 223AI. Partly, I don’t need to eject or chase brass.

My other issue is fire forming. I’ve had some inconsistent primer strikes while fireforming. I’m suspicious that the rather strong spring behind the ejector may be pushing cases away from the bolt face. Want to test that idea.

I’ve got the Kleinendorst tool to pull the firing pin assembly. I cannot,however, figure out how to get the ejector plunger to release. Anybody have pointers?

 

[jepp2]

My other issue is fire forming. I’ve had some inconsistent primer strikes while fireforming. I’m suspicious that the rather strong spring behind the ejector may be pushing cases away from the bolt face. Want to test that idea.

I'm not trying to talk you out of removing the ejector on your Cooper bolt. But,

- are you sure your brass being used for fireforming isn't short to begin with? The 223AI headspace if -0.004" vs a normal 223. When I fireform in my 223AI, I can feel the "crush" of the brass between the bolt face and the chamber shoulder when I close the bolt.

- even if your ejector spring is strong and "pushing cases away from the bolt face", the force of the firing pin striking the primer will drive the case forward until the case shoulder is in solid contact against the chamber shoulder.

Just something to think about.

 

[jackbrownii]

Interesting. Thanks for the information. I don’t remember feeling a shoulder crush like that. I’ll have to test with a 223 dummy round when I get back out to the garage.

I was looking at a 223 case next to one of the fired AI cases and it sure looked like the AI shoulder was visibly further forward. Methinks I need to make some measurements. FWIW, I bought the rifle second hand and I think it’s a factory installation...

My theory may not be on the ball. OTOH, I’ve taken the ejector out of more than one of my other rifles due to an allergy to dropping Lapua cases on the concrete floor of the range.