Ruger American Hard Bolt Lift

[nettereo16]

I have a Ruger American Predator Gen 1 308 that has really hard bolt lift. Haven't shot this rifle much (~200 rounds) as it's a backup/loaner.

Factory ammo only - Federal Fusion, PPU both had this issue
It's only been shot suppressed, not sure if that adds more pressure to cause this.

I'm wondering if there is a burr/toolmark in the chamber that, when the brass expands, it becomes difficult to extract. I've attached a video where even a spent case is loaded into the chamber and becomes hard to extract. Any ideas??

 

[Tx_6UM]

Have you shot it without the suppressor? Mine in 6.5 has stiff bolt lift only when shooting suppressed.

 

[nettereo16]

Have you shot it without the suppressor? Mine in 6.5 has stiff bolt lift only when shooting suppressed.

I haven't yet but I guess I should try. Though I only bought this rifle to be able to shoot suppressed as it came with a 18" threaded barrel. It shoots great otherwise.

 

[nettereo16]

Anyone have any other ideas before I send it in to Ruger to take a look at ? I really only want to shoot it suppressed

 

[BLJ]

Does it still have the heavy bolt lift when you dry fire it?

 

[FacePlant]

Take a look at the backside of bolt lugs and mating face in the receiver for any burrs or a crap surface finish. The spent case could be putting enough rearward pressure on the bolt to lock up a rough surface. Maybe? Might be easier to let Ruger sort it out if you don’t need it this fall. They seem to have pretty good customer service, compared to most.

 

[BigNate]

Is the case getting roughed up? Marks? When you load a live round and extract it its easy from my understanding, but does it get marred at all?

I'd probably start with examining the bolt, lugs and look for strange wear marks. You may have to sharpie some contact surfaces to see, but I'm thinking the expanded case is taking up the clearance that allows easy operation empty and with loaded ammo. I've stoned lugs to get even contact, but if it's more than you want to deal with just send it in.

 

[nettereo16]

Thanks everyone for the replies

It’s more of an issue with a hard extract than just heavy bolt lift - seems like the spent case is hanging up on something in the chamber like a burr. Once I lift the bolt sometimes it’s really hard to extract. I shined a light to see inside the chamber and there’s all sorts of brass shavings. My cases are getting chewed up too.

I’m going to send it into Ruger, they’ve already sent me the label and said they want to check it out. This rifle shoots great otherwise and was a steal to have threaded at 18” from the factory.