Buldged Cases from Browning Hunter 30-06

[Spess]

I was at my local gun store today when I mentioned that I had just bought a new Browning Stalker 30-06 W-Boss and the Clerk asked me how it shot and I told him I hadn't shot mine yet, so he showed me a couple of cases that he had shot out of his new Browning Hunter 30-06, that had a slight buldge at the base of the case after being shot. He tried a couple different Factory brands and they all did it, so it wasn't the ammo. Anyone ever have this happen? If so, what causes it should it be sent back to Browning or can a gunsmith deal with it?

[gunnut69]

Sounds as if the chamber was dinged by the reamer as it was being withdrawn or it was over chamfered.  It should be sent back to let the factory correct their mistake.  I suppose a smith could fix it but I don't know why the buyer should pay for a rebarrel.  If the bulge goes completely around the base of the case it is especially dangerous.  In any case this certainly sounds like a warrantee repair to me..  But I sent a S&W stainless snubby back for a cracked hammer pivot.  I've never seen one break before and the only other smith I spoke with that had seen one was on another stainless piece.  S&W took the piece back but then charged $135 to press in a $3 part and polish the stainless.  they didn't even clean the polishing compound out of the revolvers guts..  and they bent the sideplate to boot..  Still this is a safety issue and Browning service has always been great for me..  Good luck and keep us apprised of the results.

[Spess]

Thank you, the bulge does go all the way around the case, so I will tell him about the danger tomarrow. Others had advised him to keep on shooting.
       He complained about a rude lady at Browning's customer service that is why he was considering a gunsmith, something about him working in a gun store and her taking offence. I don't know the whole story, but grandfather, father and I  have all had nothing but great service from them, that's why we keep coming back.
      Thanks again for the warning!

[Iowegan]

A bulged case is a sure sign of an oversized chamber or excessive head space. Either condition is not good. Cases can rupture causing blowback in the shooter's eyes.  The gun needs to go back to Browning.