Author Topic: 204 Ultra FTFs ( UPDATE! ) (Read 717 times)

LONGTOM · « **on:** June 13, 2010, 06:22:22 PM »

I have a HY (2008) Ultra in 204 that I bought new.
It has never give me a minutes problem.
My hunting buddy wanted it and since I had a standard NEF in 204 I sold the ultra to him.
As he was sighting it in he started having FTFs (Failed To Fire).
Not just a couple but many out of different lots of ammo.
He is using Hornady 32gr V Max which is the same as I always used.
I had around 100 rounds through it while I had it and never had a problem.
I got it back from him to try for myself and sure enough, I too experenced a few FTFs.
I have checked all I know how to do and can find nothing wrong with it.
Some of the rounds would fire on the second try and a few wouldn't even after 5 or 6 times.
I could take these same ftf rounds and run them through my standard handi and all shot just fine on the first try.
I checked the firing pin and the one on the ultra protrudes through more than my standard does so I don't think there is a problem with light strikes unless it is a weak spring problem.
There seems to be no damage to the pin.
Everything is nice and dry and the barrel has good lock up.
I am a little lost on this one.
I may end up giving him his money back and sending it back to H&R to have it corrected.
Any suggestions before I go that route?

LONGTOM

NFG · « **Reply #1 on:** June 13, 2010, 06:49:33 PM »

What did the primers look like after the FTF?...Sounds like the hammer is dragging and slowing down or hitting something...Firing pin bent slightly or is there some junk in the pin hole dragging on the pin?

I would pull it down and check out all the pieces and parts to be sure nothing is bent, broken or needs lub.

Luck

revbc · « **Reply #2 on:** June 13, 2010, 07:03:07 PM »

+1 on checking everything for lube. It could be a weak hammer spring, or as with me, more to do with my form than the function of the rifle. (Be sure to pull the trigger all the way back after the break) If you want to tackle the hammer spring it is not hard to do. Send me a PM, I may have an extra Wolf hammer spring.

Bobby

LONGTOM · « **Reply #3 on:** June 13, 2010, 07:15:30 PM »

I'm inclined to think along the same lines that it is either a weak spring or the pin is dragging.
The pin hole is clean.

I wasn't sure he was holding the trigger all the way back, that is why I brought it home to try myself to make sure it wasn't just him.

The primers looked fine with what appears to be a firm hit.
I did notice a couple that may have been a little light, but not by much.

I will have to studdy up on taking it apart.
I have never done one before.

Thanks Bobby on the offer of the spring.
I may take you up on it if I decide to try fixing it myself.

LONGTOM

quickdtoo · « **Reply #4 on:** June 13, 2010, 07:29:37 PM »

I'd go with the bad hammer spring, weak springs are a known issue even on new rifles. One thing that you might check is a loose scope, if it's close enough for the hammer to touch, it will cause a problem, even tho the 204 has little recoil, if the scope moves, it could make contact, just something to check.....been there!

Tim

LONGTOM · « **Reply #5 on:** June 13, 2010, 08:03:28 PM »

Checked the scope.
It's close, but is tight and clears.

LONGTOM

LONGTOM · « **Reply #6 on:** June 13, 2010, 10:04:05 PM »

I have never worked on the internal parts of a Handi before.
What all is involved in replaceing the hammer spring?
Is there any step by step instructions with drawings?
Is it something I could do myself?
Any special tools needed?

LONGTOM

myarmor · « **Reply #7 on:** June 14, 2010, 04:16:13 AM »

it's not to hard to take it apart and work on. Biggest suggestion is to make a correct dia. Slave pin, it will save you a lot of time. Check the FAQs Tom, there are very good step throughs to take it down.

-Aaron

capt45 · « **Reply #8 on:** June 14, 2010, 04:23:58 AM »

Tom,

Check the facts section.
Look under trigger work.
Perklo has good instructions for taking one apart.

Thanks,
Rob

LONGTOM · « **Reply #9 on:** June 14, 2010, 03:02:37 PM »

Looks really intimidating! $:-\$
Not really sure I want to try it.
I do, but!
I think I would rather own the gun myself.
That way if something happens I don't have to answer to anyone but myself.

LONGTOM

gendoc · « **Reply #10 on:** June 14, 2010, 03:14:32 PM »

frank, you possibly have another barrel that locks-up to that frame....out of the many you have.
put another on and try it... that way you will positively know its the receiver at fault.
that would be my next move before i did anything.
jus my 2-bits !!!!

but i'm sure, others will say your waste'n time do'n that

BTW... what primers is he using ?

LONGTOM · « **Reply #11 on:** June 14, 2010, 03:35:15 PM »

Quote from: gendoc on June 14, 2010, 03:14:32 PM

frank, you possibly have another barrel that locks-up to that frame....out of the many you have.
put another on and try it... that way you will positively know its the receiver at fault.
that would be my next move before i did anything.
jus my 2-bits !!!!
but i'm sure, others will say your waste'n time do'n that
BTW... what primers is he using ?

That's not a bad idea to try.
Just might eliminate a possible problem.

This is with factory Hornady 32gr V-MAX ammo.

LONGTOM

LONGTOM · « **Reply #12 on:** June 18, 2010, 06:23:31 AM »

Update on the FTF problem.

Revbc (Bobby) sent me a new hammer spring along with his only slave pin.
It arrived yesterday.
I also picked up a set of pin punches at the local hardware store.
Was a little nervous but forged ahead.
Finished it this morning.
Took about 20 minutes.
Not bad for my first time.
Everything went fine.
NO SLIPS of the punch!

The slave pin worked fine.
It just took a little to get the holes lined up to slide it through.
It all worked after I put it back together with no parts left over except the old hammer spring.

I really appreciate revbc sending me the spring and the pin along with his tech info.
It wasn't hard at all.
I put a full box of ammo through it without a single FTF, so I hope the spring was the problem.
Plan on taking it out tomorrow on a groundhog hunt to give it a few more tests.
Should be fine.
I would like to thank all that responded for your help and advice.
A special thanks to Bobby for his kindness and help.
I will let you know if this trully was the problem.

Thanks again!
Frank LONGTOM

quickdtoo · « **Reply #13 on:** June 18, 2010, 06:31:50 AM »

Don't ya love it when a plan works the way it's sposed to...... trigger job next!!!

Tim

LONGTOM · « **Reply #14 on:** June 19, 2010, 07:37:06 PM »

The groundhog hunt went well.
We saw 12 and took 7 shots for 6 kills.
5 confirmed with the rifles and one with the 12ga.
My buddy missed 1 with his 223.
The 204 took 3 with 3 shots.
All went off with no problem.
That's 3 more test shots since I changed the hammer spring.
Maybe that was the problem after all.
I can only hope.
Once again, thanks for all the help.

LONGTOM