Blazer R8 issue

[Red Leg]

I have a .257 barrel among mine, and it has shot factory loads without an issue. Only "click" I ever has was at the bench when I first acquired an R8. I was babying the bolt closure.

 

[analog_peninsula]

I’ve heard about these problems, but have never experienced it personally. I also don’t reload and only shoot factory loaded ammo. (snip)

I've only had the issue with reloads, but my .300 WM barrel is intolerant of imperfect dimensions. The Wilson case gauge earlier combined with a sizing die adjustment was enough to resolve the issues I experienced, but I've learned to not swap brass with other rifles, run reloads through the Wilson gauge, etc., and generally assume that things have to be exactly right to avoid issues.

 

[Philip Glass]

Haven’t had it happen on the other four barrels.

It must be the ammo then.

 

[uplander01]

I thought the R8’s were modern marvel of engineering and fail safe and worked every time….oh boy here we go…..

 

[analog_peninsula]

I thought the R8’s were modern marvel of engineering and fail safe and worked every time….oh boy here we go…..

I own and like two R8s, but they have two design weaknesses worth understanding. They are very sensitive to case dimensions, and lack the camming power of a conventional bolt action. They also require you to close the bolt vigorously to ensure reliable operation. They are great rifles, but every design has trade offs.