Blazer R8 issue

[meigsbucks]

I’m hoping some of you with more Blaser experience than me can help figure out an issue I’m having. When using my .257 Wby mag barrel, about 20% of the time, I get the dreaded “CLICK”. There is no dent on the primer and usually when I recycle the action, it fires. I have four other barrels, including an after market barrel that I don’t have any issues with, so I’m 99% sure it’s not operator error. Any ideas?

 

[analog_peninsula]

Reloads, or factory ammo? If factory, have you tested a different load?

 

[meigsbucks]

Reloads.. I’ve adjusted the die up and down in several increments. I’ve thought of trying factory ammo.

 

[analog_peninsula]

Check your ammo with a Wilson adjustable case length gauge and maybe take a look at a belted magnum collet die.

L.E. Wilson Adjustable Case Length Headspace Ga 7mm Remington Mag

L.E. Wilson has been making precision reloading tools for over 80 years. This gauge allows reloaders to measure case length from the base of the...

www.midwayusa.com

Innovative Technologies - Reloading Equipment

Our patented resizing die can reload Winchester, Remington and Weatherby belted magnums up to 20 times, instead of just 2 or 3 times and the top of the die is a chamber width gauge.

www.larrywillis.com

 

[Tra3]

I’ve had that with a box of factory ammo. Afterwards I was able to feel with my thumb that the primer was just lightly recessed.

 

[ftothfadd]

Make sure your bolt is pushed completely forward and it is in battery. I have run into the same issue previously when I inadvertently did not lock the bolt in the completely forward position. I apologize if this may be something obvious, but I myself ran into this situation and had the same experience of no firing, strike on the primer…

 

[Tex .416]

Buy and learn how to use headspace gauges to properly adjust the sizing die. Randomly turning the die is never the correct answer. Keep notes on the correct measurements for that rifle/barrel for future reference.

Hornady Lock-N-Load Headspace Ga 5 Bushing Set Comparator

The Hornady Lock-N-Load Headspace Gauge is a great tool for increasing the accuracy of your loaded ammunition. The Headspace gauge measures from the...

www.midwayusa.com

 

[Tex .416]

Meigs,

my apology, my post came off a bit abrupt and harsh, which was not intentional.

 

[Philip Glass]

The R8 bolt needs to be firmly worked to prevent this. If this is not the issue then it must be the reloads. I've not experienced this except when the rifles were new and learning how to use a straight pull bolt. I hope you figure it out and please post your results.

 

[PARA45]

Following with high interest since I'm a new R8 owner, and I have a 375 H&H barrel.

 

[ftothfadd]

I used the R8 with a 375 barrel on my only buffalo. It worked like a charm...

 

[meigsbucks]

Meigs,

my apology, my post came off a bit abrupt and harsh, which was not intentional.

Meigs,

my apology, my post came off a bit abrupt and harsh, which was not intentional.

Didn’t take it like that. Appreciate the help.

 

[mdwest]

I believe @One Day... has a 257 weatherby barrel for his R8, and I know he knows the R8 platform exceptionally well… he may have some insight for you…

 

[spike.t]

Thought the "click" was standard issue on those things....

 

[UpNorthMI]

I had a few clicks when I first started shooting an R8, I soon learnt to be a little rougher on closing the bolt, It solved the issue for me.

 

[Skshyk]

I would double check the case length. I have 300WM that will not even close if it the cases are even slightly longer.

 

[Datchew]

RCBS makes a precision mic that measures from base of case to the bottleneck shoulder datum.

Essentially it measures headspace unless you want to get tangled up on technicalities of how it's properly measured on belted cartridges and such.

Its excellent for measuring empirically the brass size coming out of your die.
Then you can adjust the sizing and measure it and know what fits your chamber.

 

[meigsbucks]

The R8 bolt needs to be firmly worked to prevent this. If this is not the issue then it must be the reloads. I've not experienced this except when the rifles were new and learning how to use a straight pull bolt. I hope you figure it out and please post your results.

I had a few clicks when I first started shooting an R8, I soon learnt to be a little rougher on closing the bolt, It solved the issue for me.

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

 

[dogcat1]

I had the same issue with .270 reloads. Factory ammo was fine.
I got rid of the reloads and landed on Barnes 130gr TSX factory ammo.

 

[BeeMaa]

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

Working the bolt extra hard I’ve never found necessary, but I don’t baby it either. I don’t know what a “normal” amount of force is, but that’s what I do.

Let us know what you find out.