Ridgeline shoots poorly and jams

[p47dman]

Bought a Ridgeline in 6,5 PRC, just got it back from factory today after barrel replacement and headspace adjustment. Shot first 6 rounds, cleaned per instructions. Groups were ok. Went to shoot another 6 rounds, at #9 got heavy bolt lift. Round #11 jammed, could not lift bolt handle. Groups also grew to over 7" at 100 yds. Getting halfmoon swipes on case bottom. Removing metal from case, bolt face has brass shavings on it. Shooting Hornady factory 147 ELD-M.
Funny thing is, I also have a Ridgeline in 300 PRC, and it does the exact same thing. It is still at the factory.
Is there anything I can do here without having to keep sending them back? Thanks.

 

[Joefrazell]

Bought a Ridgeline in 6,5 PRC, just got it back from factory today after barrel replacement and headspace adjustment. Shot first 6 rounds, cleaned per instructions. Groups were ok. Went to shoot another 6 rounds, at #9 got heavy bolt lift. Round #11 jammed, could not lift bolt handle. Groups also grew to over 7" at 100 yds. Getting halfmoon swipes on case bottom. Removing metal from case, bolt face has brass shavings on it. Shooting Hornady factory 147 ELD-M.
Funny thing is, I also have a Ridgeline in 300 PRC, and it does the exact same thing. It is still at the factory.
Is there anything I can do here without having to keep sending t

Make sure there not a bunch of contamination on the brass and in the chamber causing pressure issues. I'd swab that chamber out real good to be sure it's dry. Other than that you could try some different ammo. A buddies seekins havak did the same thing with the 143 eldx precision hunter ammo from Hornady. But I think it's a chamber issue with his personally as the brass is stretching at the base like crazy causing almost a case head separation on the first firing. Quality control these days

 

[p47dman]

Have never seen anything but Hornady in 6.5PRC. I cleaned before shooting with dry patches and a 12 gauge pad in the chamber. Everything was dry and clean.

 

[Jon Bischof]

Christensen again on the naughty list. I understand they shoot well when you get one that works properly, but the QC seems to be lacking.

 

[Straight Shooter]

Usually half moon swipes on case bottoms are the result of over pressure. Better look at your loads

 

[p47dman]

Primers look ok, not blown out, flat or cratered. Gary at Hornady check all the lot #s, and everything was under max pressure.

 

[DUCKMAN11]

Welcome to Christensen ownership. If you get a good one they are great. I bought one in 308 10 years ago and had basically the same issue you are having with 6 different types of FACTORY ammo. The rifle also had nearly zero primary extraction because bolt timing was way off.

I'm not trying to bash a brand but if you have 2 rifles with similar problems from the same company it might be time to request a refund twice!

 

[p47dman]

Both of mine also have zero primary extraction. The 300 I would have to tap the bolt open with a rubber mallet. Before I bought them I could find no bad reviews. Now, I see a lot of bad reviews. Guess I just must be looking for them now.

 

[FEENIX]

Both of mine also have zero primary extraction. The 300 I would have to tap the bolt open with a rubber mallet. Before I bought them I could find no bad reviews. Now, I see a lot of bad reviews. Guess I just must be looking for them now.

WOW, that has to be frustrating. I do not know if it is still possible, but a refund, as @DUCKMAN11 suggested, might be in order since they cannot fix it. I am sorry you are growing through this, esp. as the hunting season approaches. Good luck!

 

[GA Sheephunter]

I would try a different ammo. On my 3rd Christensen 7 mag (1 Mesa and 2 Ridgelines), and all have been 1/3 MOA rifles. 2 likes 160 gr Accubonds, and the other one likes 140 gr TTSX. I had a Barrett Fieldcraft in .308 that was acting like your 6.5 PRC.....changed ammo and problem solved. You gotta find what the rifle likes instead of trying to make it like what you want it to.

 

[p47dman]

Have never seen any PRC ammo other than Hornady. Gotta love this ammo shortage thing

 

[birddog 68]

I would try a different ammo. On my 3rd Christensen 7 mag (1 Mesa and 2 Ridgelines), and all have been 1/3 MOA rifles. 2 likes 160 gr Accubonds, and the other one likes 140 gr TTSX. I had a Barrett Fieldcraft in .308 that was acting like your 6.5 PRC.....changed ammo and problem solved. You gotta find what the rifle likes instead of trying to make it like what you want it to.

I'm sorry but the rifle should shoot and extract factory ammo without issue. Not saying it should shoot .5 groups but should function especially since it just came back from the factory gunsmith and the OP's other same brand rifle was sent in for the same issue but in a different caliber.
Unfortunately I highly doubt that a refund will be given and will have to be sent in again and again until a competent gunsmith gets their hands on it.

 

[Harry Knutz]

A Quick look around I have found several other mfg besides Hornady, Norma, Federal, Barnes, Nosler, Remington And HSM. I would try other Ammunition before blaming it on the rifle. Or learn to handload and then you are in the drivers seat.Hornady has recalled ammo due to excessive pressures in the past.

 

[orkan]

Tight bores in christensens pressure up HARD.