New .223 problems

[trex1210]

Newbie here.....................great site!!

I just bought a .223 NEF Handi with the black synthetic stock.  I bought some 55g Moly V-Max from Hornady to shoot through it.  I shot two shots and it was extremely tough to break open, and the third shot didn't eject.  Each of the three cases are split at the neck.  Is this a problem with the ammo or chamber on the rifle? 

I plan on trying some different ammo this weekend, but I didn't know if this was a common occurence with the Handi rifle's.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Trey

[quickdtoo]

Welcome to GBO! That's a new one, could be bad ammo, but you also may have a defective chamber. Is it new or used?  Is it an ejector(throws an unfired round over your shoulder) or extractor(just lifts the round out of the chamber ¼")?

Tim

[safetysheriff]

are you closing the action on that rifle like the instructions tell us......with a firm hold so the lockup between barrel and frame is tight?

close the action with 'gusto' and see if that doesn't get the cartridge possibly better seated in the chamber...............if that's what is wrong in the first place.

ss' 

[trex1210]

It is the ejector style as once I got it opened it ejected the shells to the ground.  I will give some different ammo a shot, and if that doesn't work I am figuring it is a chamber problem. 

Any other thoughts?  I thought the ammo might be too hot, but a friend of mine shoots the same ammo without problems (although is a bolt gun).

Trey

[quickdtoo]

I don't think it's too hot, it's rated the same as other 55gr .223 ammo at 3240fps. Try some Winchester white box 45gr JHP in the value pack at Walmart, it's about $14 a box of 40.

Tim

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=498532

[JPH45]

I assume you are talking about Hornady factory loads and not reloads. I and another friend have found Hornady to be very hot ammo. I recently fired some in a 25-06 barrel that flattened the primers more than I am comfortable with. In addition, the expansion ring at the web was swollen more than Remingotn 100 grian PSP loads.

That you have split necks makes me question the conditon of the chamber. If we are speaking reloads, it makes me question the condition of the brass. If in fact it is Hornady factory ammo, I'm not surprised, Every lot of that stuff I've seen runs right at the ragged edge of max pressure. Break opens actions are known to be springy, I'd stay away from ammo known for being hot.

[Ditchdigger]

Check your remaining ammo that you hav'nt fired and see if the neck's are split on them. I had a problem with some Rem. 7 mag ammo that had splits on the fired and unfired ammo. Called the dealer that I bought it from and he checked and sent back 7 box's of the same ammo.  Digger

[jb22-250]

A freind just sent a case of hornady .480 handgun shells for his ruger revolver back because they were so hot they they would not come out after it was fired, and once we got them out the brass was very discolored, they also had alot more "kick" than other brands.  After he called hornady they said they wanted to have a look at that case. I don't think he has heard back yet.

[mt3030]

Until I see a post stating different, I'm assuming this is reloads with overworked brass. Even with the wide assortment of problems I've seen reported, I've never heard of a NEF with that bad of a chamber. Even high pressure factory loads should just refuse to eject or at the most spring the action open upon firing. Of course, anything is possible.

[trex1210]

It is factory ammo from Hornady.  55g Moly V-Max

I will try different ammo and see if that cures it.  If not, I guess it will be back to NEF for a look over.

Thanks for the replies.

Trey

[quickdtoo]

If you need to send it back, give em a call, tell them the problem, ask that they reimburse you for shipping. Their toll free number is in the FAQs and Help.

Tim

[quickdtoo]

Another thing....if the brass sticks, but otherwise looks ok, give the chamber a good polishing, that info is in the FAQ and Help sticky. .223 ejector equiped Handis are notorious for stuck brass, but can easily be fixed.

Be sure to report back!!

Tim

[mt3030]

. .223 ejector equiped Handis are notorious for stuck brass, but can easily be fixed.

Tim

O.K., I guess I was wrong. But split necks??

[Dave Allen]

hello...i don't want to insult you with a "dumb" question ?? it is 223 ammo right ?? not 22-250 ?? it would be easy to grab the wrong box ?? something just seem's off to me ?? i"m only guessing ?? edit...it might be impossable to force a 22-250 round into a 223 chamber..sorry..even with a break open action ?? i'm grasping at straw's...

[quickdtoo]

. .223 ejector equiped Handis are notorious for stuck brass, but can easily be fixed.

Tim

O.K., I guess I was wrong. But split necks??

Wally, I just wanted Trey to be aware that stuck brass is a possibility with any ammo he tries. The split necks and hard to open issues are another matter entirely that hopefully are related to the Hornady ammo.

Tim

[mt3030]

Tim:
Thanks for the response. I understand now. Boy, from reading the previous posts this Hornady ammo must be something. It will be interesting to see how this one washes out.
Wally

[dw06]

I'd do like quick said and get some winchester witebox 45gr hp,it shoots great in many handis just shoot two or three and see if they do ok.I would also call or email hornady with lot no on there ammo and see if there may be a problem with that lot,never know.Now if the winchesters do the same,I'd call H&R and see about sending it back to be checked.