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Best guess if the reloads check out, and it's doing the same with factory ammo as well, ether the Head space is too tight (maybe like a thousands or two at the most since it sounds like the rifle is cycling fine), or the mating surface between the bolt lugs and the barrel extension lugs is rough enough that is causing the same unlocking problem.
Also, might want to take a look at the side of the extractor, just in case is slightly out of spec and binding on one of the lugs as you try to unlock the bolt.[/quote]
For headspace, I guess I need to get a set of go/no-go gages. Or maybe I can just take a fired round from it and put it in the mic?
How would I check the mating surface between bolt lugs & barrel extension lugs?
What should I be looking for on the extractor?
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The whole Head Space issue can easily get into a flame war . :-(
If it satisfactorily chambers several brands of commercial ammo , I call it good . Therefore , I have never bought a go gauge .
I use a commercial .223 no-go from Forester . Others may tell you to use a USGI 5.56 mm field gauge ?
Also , look / clean / flush the lug area of the barrel extension , where the bolt lugs lock up . For burrs and foreign objects that do not belong there ( slivers of brass ? ) . Might blow the area clean with compressed air ? Also inspect your bolt lugs / bolt head .
Not sure on the extractor .
Bolt closes OK on an empty chamber ?
God bless
Wyr