Tight bolt

ramcglohn

Member
Joined
Mar 25, 2021
Messages
19
Location
alaska
Hello, I am in need of some advice. I have a custom 300 prc that is having bolt issues. When bolt is put in it slides in smooth about 3/4 of the way in then hits a spot of serious tightness. This happens with or without a bullet in the chamber. It also happens when pulling the bolt backwards. Any thoughts on what I could do? Thanks for your help.
 
Off the top of my head id say start eliminating things that could cause it. Id remove the scope base screws first, possible the screws are too long in the front hitting the bolt. Second id check the front action screw. I've had to grind a few down so they don't hit the bolt when torqued down.
If that checks out id remove the mag box to see if that's rubbing. Lastly maybe the sear on the trigger is causing some interference so I'd remove the trigger and try cycling the bolt.
If all that checks out it's something with either the bolt or action, but I doubt a custom would leave the spot having this issue?
Good luck and let us know.
 
Is this rifle torqued sufficiently where barrel meets action?
Is it a switch barrel?
Something is out of whack and seeing as though all Defiance actions have integral rails machined into them, it can't be a scope base screw, right?
Which model Defiance action do you have, the .700" bolt or .750"?

Cheers.
 
Not all Defiance actions have integrated rails, my Anti- XM, early Tenacity's or the Rebel don't.
 
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Looked at pics of defiance actions perhaps the front action screw is too long? It would hit the bolt causing the problem. Happened to me with a Rem 700. All it would take is the bedding or stock to compress causing the screw to become too long. Loosen action screw and see if issue goes away.

Could be some debris? Maybe the raceways have something in one of them or a small particle where bolt face has clearance but now hits?


If it still persists, degrease bolt body and paint it with a sharpie to locate the tight spot.
 
Hello, I am in need of some advice. I have a custom 300 prc that is having bolt issues. When bolt is put in it slides in smooth about 3/4 of the way in then hits a spot of serious tightness. This happens with or without a bullet in the chamber. It also happens when pulling the bolt backwards. Any thoughts on what I could do? Thanks for your help.
You say with or without a bullet so I'm assuming your referring to cycling brass unloaded or loaded ?
 
I also forgot to mention I am going hunting end of this week. I would be hesitant to do anything that would affect accuracy.
 
So, I would first make sure there wasn't something "gumming up" the bolt and lug paths. If that doesn't help I would secondly try to determine if the internal magazine-box or follower were causing drag on the bolt. If it has a BDL type of floorplate open it up so the follower is outside the stock and action and see if the bolt operates more smoothly.

Since you're going hunting the end of this week I wouldn't take it apart at all if it's shooting fine.
 
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