Author Topic: Bolt Scoring?  (Read 406 times)

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Offline Curly

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Bolt Scoring?
« on: August 23, 2005, 07:11:02 AM »
Not sure how to explain, but here goes.     New Model 70 LH 300WSM.   The bottom of the the bolt has an "S" shape line scored into it, that is coming from inside the receiver.   Took the gun to a local smith, and we thought it was the front trigger guard screw, but that is not the case.  It appears to be the ejector that is spring loaded, scraping the bottom of the bolt making the "S" shape when the bolt is cammed down.  The gun has 20 rds through it.  I can scrape the line with my fingernail, and feel it.  It does not show when the bolt is in the gun.   Are these parts supposed to rub/touch?  Will they break in?   Is this normal?  Sorry so long winded, but this my first M70.      Thanks Curly

Offline beemanbeme

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Bolt Scoring?
« Reply #1 on: August 23, 2005, 09:49:05 AM »
Doesn't sound right to me.  Among other things, I don't like the idea that the bolt is so soft that it will readidly wear like that.

What does Winchester say about it?

Offline SuperstitionCoues

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Bolt Scoring?
« Reply #2 on: August 23, 2005, 11:51:22 AM »
My Model 70 Classic Sporter .30-06 was doing something similar, except that it was scraping brass off the cases and depositing the flakes into the chamber.  

Call Winchester ASAP and tell them what the problem is.  You may have to return the firearm to them for service.  If so, check what UPS's procedures are and try to get a hold of an original carton to ship it back in.

My Featherweight 7mmWSM also does something similar, where the ejector will lightly scratch the brass.  Consider this though...My problem was evident with brass, a soft amalgam of metal.  Yours is scratching a much harder steel alloy.  That's a lot of force being applied to the bottom of the bolt.
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Offline Ramrod

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Bolt Scoring?
« Reply #3 on: August 23, 2005, 11:52:18 AM »
Your gunsmith is correct, and the extractor is probably a bit sharp-edged. It is normal for Winchester bolts, and most Mauser types for that matter, to show some lines under the bolt.
As far as hardness goes, there is such a thing as too hard. With steel, hard = brittle, so if the bolt were too hard the locking lugs would shear off. The bolt should be softer than the extractor. The fix here is to polish the extractor.
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Offline Lawdog

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Bolt Scoring?
« Reply #4 on: August 23, 2005, 12:35:14 PM »
Any time you have a problem with a new rifle the first step is to call the manufacture and see what they say.  Doing something on your own could void your warrantee.  Lawdog
 :D
Gary aka Lawdog is now deceased. He passed away on Jan. 12, 2006. RIP Lawdog. We miss you.

Offline Curly

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Bolt Scoring?
« Reply #5 on: August 24, 2005, 12:49:57 AM »
I called Winchester, and the tech had a model 70 in his hands.   Confirmed that the line is normal for the ejector, and both items should "break in".    I think ramrod has the rignt idea to polish the top of the ejector.    Not sure how I am going to accomplish this.     Any thoughts from you home smiths,     Thanks   Curly