Can the extractor affect accuracy?

[Bob C]

This may be a dumb question, but I've had very erratic results with my .280 Remington Encore barrel.   I've also had extractor problems, which I didn't really concern myself with. The extractor would occasionally ( every four or five rounds) fail to engage to cartridge.

Today I adjusted the spring tension on the extractor, and that's now working in a more positive way.

Could this have been a factor in the inconsistent accuracy?

[KN]

I suppose its possible. If the extractor was binding against the case when it closed it could create some problem. It really shouldn't be doing any thing when its closed.  KN

[Bob C]

I fired the .280 yesterday for the first time since I adjusted the extractor.  

This barrel has been a 2 MOA (with loads it likes) since I've had it, with only Hornady 175 RN bullets and IMR 4350 giving close to 1.5 MOA.

With 154 Hornady Spire Points and RL-19, my first three shots from a clean cold barrel went into 1.2".   Two more groups were 1.2" and 1.7".

I'd never tried this load before, so maybe it wasn't the extractor. This still isn't great, but I'm happier with this barrel now than before.

[robk]

i too have thought something might be wrong with a barrel or extractor but sometimes it is just finding the right round and right powder to make it happy. i am glad you found a good round for your gun and good luck
rob k