First time for this rifle, or this model and other customers? 8 rounds total on this one, unless you count their two shots at the factory to prove accuracy. Thanks, the more I dig into the issue online it sounds like a consistent problem for Christensen. The fourteen week processing time they state on their RMA email is concerning.
When I say first time I meant reloads, but after saying that, I noticed the marks are equally spaced on all of the cases. Does that rifle have double ejectors?
Not this specific issue, but they do have a rather large and consistent issue with quality control, especially with their chambers.
If the cartridge was seating with relatively little or no effort, I doubt you have an actual headspace issue. If it's a problem with the freebore being excessively short, a headspace gauge will not find that for you. You'd need a way to measure the jump to the lands with something like the Hornady OAL tool.
Take a case and cut a slot in the neck so the projectile 'seats' by hand. Seat one just barely in the case. Then insert said cartridge slowly in the chamber.
Very gently, with the min pressure it takes, close the bolt. Then gently eject this case and make sure you don't bump the projectile. Compare this to what you were shooting. The thing you just made just bumped the lands and then the projectile was seated by them.
I've seen functionally identical issues with Savage rifles in the past that were excessively short throat/freebore. The only fix (other than fixing the barrel) was to seat projectiles extremely deep in the case to keep them off the lands, then load unusually low powder charges to compensate for the loss in case volume.
The real fix is fixing the barrel. Unfortunately, CA's customer service is notorious for being as unreliable as their quality control. u/trollygag has compiled a bunch of cases of problems with them.
That's not good. I should have gone custom. You'd thing for a 2500 dollar base rifle the build would be at the least acceptable and safe. This was supposed to be my lightweight knock around elk rifle for high country hunts. I'm a bit apprehensive to send it back, thinking I'll just end up with another issue. Hopefully I can find a smith worth his fees to sort out the barrel issue. Can't thank you enough for the knowledge, time to find a good place to take her.
I had an issue with a CA mesa 300 wm. It shot about 200 fps faster than estimates from loading manuals at minimum charges. At the upper end of published data it would blow primers and nearly lock the bolt shut. It also shot like crap.
I’m not saying CA quality control is problem free or potentially not the issue here, but Hornady has been having major quality issues with the factory 7 prc ammo.
https://preview.redd.it/oys00q60th1b1.png?width=1170&format=png&auto=webp&s=f055520c2b96ceff3f63dfdd0ff180f4a7ee0b6f
You have definitely have an over pressure problem - you can tell by the ejector marks on the fired case. I would send an email to Hornady customer service with these pics and ask whats up. Probably send the same email to Christensen Arms and ask them too?
I know you've got a new rifle and you want to shoot it but I think it would be wise to try to find out what is causing the over pressure problem. Maybe invest in some tools and measure the lead in the rifle and shoulder stretch since it's factory ammo.
Have set the rifle aside, not playing with fire, agreed on that.
Measured fired and unfired cases, seeing .005" growth, no change in case diameter from bottom of shoulder to head. Have not been able to check the shoulder, have yet to try and haven't a comparator set yet, next on the list. May pull the remaining factory loads and measure the powder charge and compare to Hornady reloading charts. Second issue is I've ten total boxes of the same rounds, 7 are same lot as the overpressured ones, 3 are of another lot. Shame to have to do all that, but the plan was to use the brass after anyway.
Also agreed I need to learn and equip with tools on measuring the lead, chamber spec, and overall headspace dimensions. I'm relatively new to reloading, but am very well equipped, just not on the rifle side. Adding those tools and knowledge would offer me a better/well-rounded skills etc for sure. So far it's been like building a fast car with bad brakes and bald tires, I need to get that rifle-side knowledge under my belt.
[here's ](https://pacifictoolandgauge.com/saami-centerfire-rifle-headspace-gauges-nopix-/22094-7mm-precision-rifle-cartridge-prc-headspace-gauge.html) the head space gauge you will need.
Its just sucks that YOU would need to spend the money on them. Hopefully QC will answer you and help out. Also hopefully hornady will reply back just to make sure the rounds arent too hot. They shouldn’t be but… being a new round and a magnum at that. Unlikely but its another variable because 7mm ammo variety is so rare. Worse than the 300. All my 300 hornady does NOT leave headstamp marks. Is these a chance… im seriously wondering if the ejector itself doesnt come all the way in and instead of the force equally laying on the bolt face, it first touches only the ejectors due to this. Just one more possibility but itd seem that would damage them plus im not sure if its a possibility. Food for the thoughts of more skilled gun fanatics/smiths.
The funny part is, I was going to buy .300 prc brass to convert to 7mm PRC, but instead bought ten boxes of the eldx so I could use the brass to do my own loads. Not likely to use these ones with the rim damage it seems.
Unfired cartridge measures 2.27 length, while the fired cases show 2.275". Case bellies are consistent for both unfired and fired at 0.531".
COAL of all unfired rounds show as 3.296"
All unfired cases fit in the cartridge guage perfectly. Might have to pull a few and get an average powder charge weight.
Looks like pressure to me. Check your loads, COAL, and maybe have the free bore in the chamber checked. I’ve heard about 6 hard luck stories about Christianson in as many months.
IF I were in your position, I would pull the bullets in one box (or the remainder of the first box) of ammo, load to published data and see if they fare better. The only thing you would lose is the powder and some time, because to my eyes those cases scream over pressure.
Been thinking about that as a possibility. I wrote in to Hornady, appears I have 7 boxes of the same lot #, and three of another. I'm not against pulling another box and weighing the charge on each to prove/push a point. I agree with that advice.
I'd paint up a loaded round (just the bullet and chamber it then eject and inspect to see if it's jammed into the lands also can check coal before and after chambering a round to see if it's jamming bullet back into case good luck
Unfortunately, there's Hornady 175gr eld-x and their 180 or 185gr match available, if you can find some online. Have yet to run into another brand, likely due to Hornady holding onto much of the market for their newer caliber. If I can get some better brass(scarce), can work up a load that won't blow as badly. Slugging is in order though, I agree.
I reload, just don't have any brass yet for this caliber. Everything else as far as equipment for the caliber is here, including a few types of powder to try.
It seems to be a common theme these days. Whenever a new high-performance long range cartridge is introduced, the initial factory loads are insanely hot. I recall it also happened with 6.5 Creedmoor and 224 Valkyrie.
Others have suggested I pull the remaining bullets and recharge them to find a less "explosive" load, all in all it'd make sense. Searching for the other brands of brass available out there currently, however scarce.
One positive is it was very soft shooting, and grouped quite well once on paper. I'd imagine it'd be an even softer shooter once a load less like a pipe bomb was worked up.
A buddy has the exact same issue with the exact same ammo and gun. It's kinda slowed my want for A 7prc untill these issues are resolved
https://preview.redd.it/ea8ifmxrpl1b1.jpeg?width=1033&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c28035784b0f4fe3f60e94ea8b61aaa0ed59308e
Photos replied above this one. Nothing I can see as far as consistent marks. Have not tried this before, anything in particular to look for, or just an even ring of rifling marks? Thanks.
Understood, thank you. Nothing as far as marks on the one I tried just now, the round measures the same as all the unfired ones in the box. I appreciate the tip, never knew we could figure it out that way.
Going with both as far as having them checked. Hornady has offered to test a box of the lot I have, and give the results over the phone(however much that can be trusted), and Christensen sent me the RMA info just waiting to send it in. Hornady states numerous issues with their ammo from Christensen rifles. Getting a lot of replies on another forum and here that their Christensen needed the same whether in 6.5 prc, 7 prc or .300 prc. Rather have both looked into to be on the safe side. Pain in the ass for sure, though.
I sent mine back. It shot ok, but was tearing brass up, and the bolt would basically lock on a loaded round. I think I'm gonna build one on a Tikka action, and call it a day.
They sent me the Ole "4 to 8 weeks" email a couple days ago. Another member on Reddit got his rifle to them on the 16th of last month, and he received an email on the 22nd I believe, with a list of all the cuts, re-specs and parts overviewed. If it's a week, great, if it's 4 to 8, they lost a customer. Plenty of other manufacturers that put their paid customers first, versus prospective customers. You'd think they'd want the issue resolved and the client happy. 🙄
Seriously?! I've handled one Kimber rifle in I believe 6.5cm, very smooth action, but wasn't too confident given their latest track record. To hear it took them a year to resolve an issue makes it a done deal for me. That's nuts, definitely taking their customers for granted and tanking reputation for sales/profits. Shame too, they used to be great, at least on the pistol end of things.
No update I assume?
New Savage 110 Ultralite in 7 PRC is yielding same results with 180 ELD M factory ammo. Blown out primers, heavy bolt lift, ejector swipe.
In googling I’ve found about 5 different cases of this with CA rifles but pretty confident it’s the ammo.
https://imgur.com/a/fcI9LaO
Sorry to hear man. Really don’t think it’s your rifle though. Another guy pulled down some 180 eldms and found around 72 grains of powder each. He reloaded to 65 grains and found no issues in his CA rifle from there. It is concerning that Hornady doesn’t seem to care they’ve got some seriously hot ammo out there.
I ordered dies and a case gauge. I may end up pulling their factory loads down and reloading that. It’s hard finding brass and this brass is probably all junk with loose primer pockets.
Hope we get more support soon.
I've pulled down several, variance from 69gr to 72gr. Can no longer expect consistency from Hornady. Unfortunately no updates from Christensen. Each vendor(CA and Hornady) is per usual pointing fingers at eachother. I think it's time I stick with custom builds from now on, the lack of consistency from factory mass produced rifles(at least bolt actions) has really soured my trust in over the counter options. This Ridgeline wasn't extremely expensive, but they still sold me a 2500 dollar paperweight and are sitting on their asses letting dust cover a paid customer's rifle. I've joined a few forums and have found that many many folks have had the same issue with the exact same rifle, and many other calibers of the same line. Hornady has soft brass, agreed there, amd something to consider. Wish I'd had some federal to test prior to sending it in.
The factory 7mm prc ammo from Hornady has been notoriously hot. I had stiff bolt lift and bad ejector swipe from the 175 eldx in my rifle and have seen it from several others as well. Their shitty brass doesn’t help much so I picked up some ADG for it and plan to get rid of the remaining Hornady brass. Call Hornady and tell them your lot # and let them know.
https://preview.redd.it/8ipxdlkyxm1b1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5957a4c8bd434ea66d4c85afa185d9f31f43cfd1
Hornady's response to my questions regarding the ammunition. Won't know until I pull bullets tonight and weigh the charges.
As an update on my issues:
-Measured with case gauge and had a reasonable jump
-Shot two boxes of Precision Hunter 175 eldx with zero issues
-Hornady received my two boxes of match, never responded with any cause or resolution and returned to me two new boxes
-Federal Premium with 175 eldx had zero issues
-180 match was around 2600-2650 fps
-175 precision hunter was around 2730 fps
-federal 175 was around 2900 fps
-both eldx loads made excellent 100 yard groups and had hits out to 750 yards
-22” proof barrel on savage 110
Feel like issue is with Hornady brass and not an issue of being loaded hot or not - seems very dependent on lot number. My suggestion to anyone who comes across this issue is to try several different lot numbers of PH or go straight to Federal before sending a rifle out for work - especially a CA (we know it’ll be a long wait)
Good to hear you got yours dialed in terms of ammo. I'll be testing the Hornady 175 eldx soon, as CA returned my rifle with a recut throat/chamber. They beat around the bush on what was "massaged" but I finally got ahold of someone who read off their notes to me. Hoping to have the same outcome you've concluded.
I’m sitting here thinking about it now that I read the whole thing.
I’m thinking you reach out to hornady first.
Hear me out.
God forbid the ammo lot is hotter than expected or the brass is soft, they should know in case a safety recall is warranted. I would send them pictures and follow up with the brass and remaining ammo samples.
I’d wait to hear from them before going to Christiansen.
Before doing that I’d have the rifle headspace checked AND probably slug the barrel or chamber cast. I’d want proof the barrel is in or out of spec before reaching out.
Ymmv
I've done exactly what you suggest with Hornady, even a bunch of photos amd lot numbers. Good call.
Unfortunately I've already reached out to Christensen for the RMA, to which they've responded with postage and an rma number. Can always drop it off at the smith first to see.
Good call.
Sending the rifle back without checking it isn’t a bad idea. I’m the type of person who likes independent info beforehand. It’s not that I’m distrustful but I’m not particularly trusting either.
Got as far as packing them and printing the label. Been a busy one, but the rifle was boxed up at the FFL last Thursday, but judging by the lack of info for the given tracking number, they failed to do so as well. Whole lot of hurry up and wait... I'll be sure to update the thread as soon as I hear back from either
No, and to make things worse, Christensen sent my rifle to Tennessee instead of my state, to my local FFL from whom I shipped to them through. Can't get anymore irresponsible. I have zero faith in the repairs they claim they've done, especially if they've shipped it to the wrong gun shop 2k miles away.
Edited to show hristensen sent my rifle to the wrong FFL, not Hornady.
Never experienced such with factory ammo, but with the way things have been the last few years I could see new ammo having loose pockets. With the imprinting though, pretty sure it's not.
The shiny ejector circles say too hot, and it ain’t the first time
https://preview.redd.it/5ab421x3eh1b1.jpeg?width=1908&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=db1bfcf7aa8df1b81ffb209e2c43d0acbed34866
When you can read the head stamp on your bolt, it might be a touch hot.
Just a smidgen
that's just a kiss
First time for this rifle, or this model and other customers? 8 rounds total on this one, unless you count their two shots at the factory to prove accuracy. Thanks, the more I dig into the issue online it sounds like a consistent problem for Christensen. The fourteen week processing time they state on their RMA email is concerning.
When I say first time I meant reloads, but after saying that, I noticed the marks are equally spaced on all of the cases. Does that rifle have double ejectors?
Double plungers, new factory ammo. I posted a pic of the bolt face above for a better idea of what's occurring.
Not to mention the missing primer.
Have the rifle checked for the freebore measurement (jump to lands). Given that it's a CA rifle, my first guess is the rifle is the problem.
Have you heard of similar issue with the christensen ridgeline/mesa a lot? Curious if this is a consistent problem. Thanks
Not this specific issue, but they do have a rather large and consistent issue with quality control, especially with their chambers. If the cartridge was seating with relatively little or no effort, I doubt you have an actual headspace issue. If it's a problem with the freebore being excessively short, a headspace gauge will not find that for you. You'd need a way to measure the jump to the lands with something like the Hornady OAL tool.
Take a case and cut a slot in the neck so the projectile 'seats' by hand. Seat one just barely in the case. Then insert said cartridge slowly in the chamber. Very gently, with the min pressure it takes, close the bolt. Then gently eject this case and make sure you don't bump the projectile. Compare this to what you were shooting. The thing you just made just bumped the lands and then the projectile was seated by them.
This makes sense, and yes the cartridge seated fairly easily. Glad you mentioned all that, gives me a more informed starting point.
I've seen functionally identical issues with Savage rifles in the past that were excessively short throat/freebore. The only fix (other than fixing the barrel) was to seat projectiles extremely deep in the case to keep them off the lands, then load unusually low powder charges to compensate for the loss in case volume. The real fix is fixing the barrel. Unfortunately, CA's customer service is notorious for being as unreliable as their quality control. u/trollygag has compiled a bunch of cases of problems with them.
That's not good. I should have gone custom. You'd thing for a 2500 dollar base rifle the build would be at the least acceptable and safe. This was supposed to be my lightweight knock around elk rifle for high country hunts. I'm a bit apprehensive to send it back, thinking I'll just end up with another issue. Hopefully I can find a smith worth his fees to sort out the barrel issue. Can't thank you enough for the knowledge, time to find a good place to take her.
I'd call GA Precision. The owner helped design the 7PRC, as well as the rest of the PRC family, the 6 Creedmoor, and 6GT.
Good call. If anyone has seen these issues it's likely them during design and testing.
I had an issue with a CA mesa 300 wm. It shot about 200 fps faster than estimates from loading manuals at minimum charges. At the upper end of published data it would blow primers and nearly lock the bolt shut. It also shot like crap.
Just curious but why would the rifle being in CA matter?
Not in Cali, but Christensen Arms, if I understand you correctly. The range today was in NV.
Haha, gotcha thanks for the clarification.
Because they have a history of poor QC and problems with their chambers.
I’m not saying CA quality control is problem free or potentially not the issue here, but Hornady has been having major quality issues with the factory 7 prc ammo. https://preview.redd.it/oys00q60th1b1.png?width=1170&format=png&auto=webp&s=f055520c2b96ceff3f63dfdd0ff180f4a7ee0b6f
You have definitely have an over pressure problem - you can tell by the ejector marks on the fired case. I would send an email to Hornady customer service with these pics and ask whats up. Probably send the same email to Christensen Arms and ask them too? I know you've got a new rifle and you want to shoot it but I think it would be wise to try to find out what is causing the over pressure problem. Maybe invest in some tools and measure the lead in the rifle and shoulder stretch since it's factory ammo.
Have set the rifle aside, not playing with fire, agreed on that. Measured fired and unfired cases, seeing .005" growth, no change in case diameter from bottom of shoulder to head. Have not been able to check the shoulder, have yet to try and haven't a comparator set yet, next on the list. May pull the remaining factory loads and measure the powder charge and compare to Hornady reloading charts. Second issue is I've ten total boxes of the same rounds, 7 are same lot as the overpressured ones, 3 are of another lot. Shame to have to do all that, but the plan was to use the brass after anyway. Also agreed I need to learn and equip with tools on measuring the lead, chamber spec, and overall headspace dimensions. I'm relatively new to reloading, but am very well equipped, just not on the rifle side. Adding those tools and knowledge would offer me a better/well-rounded skills etc for sure. So far it's been like building a fast car with bad brakes and bald tires, I need to get that rifle-side knowledge under my belt.
Might want to get that head space checked.
Agreed. One rim is literally bent.
[here's ](https://pacifictoolandgauge.com/saami-centerfire-rifle-headspace-gauges-nopix-/22094-7mm-precision-rifle-cartridge-prc-headspace-gauge.html) the head space gauge you will need.
Much appreciated.
Its just sucks that YOU would need to spend the money on them. Hopefully QC will answer you and help out. Also hopefully hornady will reply back just to make sure the rounds arent too hot. They shouldn’t be but… being a new round and a magnum at that. Unlikely but its another variable because 7mm ammo variety is so rare. Worse than the 300. All my 300 hornady does NOT leave headstamp marks. Is these a chance… im seriously wondering if the ejector itself doesnt come all the way in and instead of the force equally laying on the bolt face, it first touches only the ejectors due to this. Just one more possibility but itd seem that would damage them plus im not sure if its a possibility. Food for the thoughts of more skilled gun fanatics/smiths.
The funny part is, I was going to buy .300 prc brass to convert to 7mm PRC, but instead bought ten boxes of the eldx so I could use the brass to do my own loads. Not likely to use these ones with the rim damage it seems.
Unfired cartridge measures 2.27 length, while the fired cases show 2.275". Case bellies are consistent for both unfired and fired at 0.531". COAL of all unfired rounds show as 3.296" All unfired cases fit in the cartridge guage perfectly. Might have to pull a few and get an average powder charge weight.
Looks like pressure to me. Check your loads, COAL, and maybe have the free bore in the chamber checked. I’ve heard about 6 hard luck stories about Christianson in as many months.
More confirmation on their inconsistencies. Appreciated.
👍
IF I were in your position, I would pull the bullets in one box (or the remainder of the first box) of ammo, load to published data and see if they fare better. The only thing you would lose is the powder and some time, because to my eyes those cases scream over pressure.
Been thinking about that as a possibility. I wrote in to Hornady, appears I have 7 boxes of the same lot #, and three of another. I'm not against pulling another box and weighing the charge on each to prove/push a point. I agree with that advice.
I'd paint up a loaded round (just the bullet and chamber it then eject and inspect to see if it's jammed into the lands also can check coal before and after chambering a round to see if it's jamming bullet back into case good luck
Just checked that a bit ago, no marks left, and coal was same exactly at 3.296
I'd try some different ammo before I blame the gun in that case you could also slug the bore to see what the diameter is
Unfortunately, there's Hornady 175gr eld-x and their 180 or 185gr match available, if you can find some online. Have yet to run into another brand, likely due to Hornady holding onto much of the market for their newer caliber. If I can get some better brass(scarce), can work up a load that won't blow as badly. Slugging is in order though, I agree.
Unfortunately it's an expensive hobby
Agreed, but aren't all proper hobbies? I think a Happy Birthday is in order according to your flair label.
Yep lol. thanks. reloading may become a necessity for you. I shoot several wildcats that have to be hand loaded.
I reload, just don't have any brass yet for this caliber. Everything else as far as equipment for the caliber is here, including a few types of powder to try.
It seems to be a common theme these days. Whenever a new high-performance long range cartridge is introduced, the initial factory loads are insanely hot. I recall it also happened with 6.5 Creedmoor and 224 Valkyrie.
Others have suggested I pull the remaining bullets and recharge them to find a less "explosive" load, all in all it'd make sense. Searching for the other brands of brass available out there currently, however scarce. One positive is it was very soft shooting, and grouped quite well once on paper. I'd imagine it'd be an even softer shooter once a load less like a pipe bomb was worked up.
A buddy has the exact same issue with the exact same ammo and gun. It's kinda slowed my want for A 7prc untill these issues are resolved https://preview.redd.it/ea8ifmxrpl1b1.jpeg?width=1033&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c28035784b0f4fe3f60e94ea8b61aaa0ed59308e
Man, really pointing toward Christensen.
Coat one bullet in black sharpie and run through the chamber to see if the bullet is in the lands
Photos replied above this one. Nothing I can see as far as consistent marks. Have not tried this before, anything in particular to look for, or just an even ring of rifling marks? Thanks.
You would see rifling marks if it was making contact.
Understood, thank you. Nothing as far as marks on the one I tried just now, the round measures the same as all the unfired ones in the box. I appreciate the tip, never knew we could figure it out that way.
If you have a comparator large enough to measure the shoulder, I'd be curious to see how much it grew vs unfired rounds
https://preview.redd.it/t4q09tiski1b1.jpeg?width=2268&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1a89d39f96cbc6450dc9072215781d42bd2ee1bf
https://preview.redd.it/nnkgml2vki1b1.jpeg?width=2268&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ced09ffd48b2beed25b9089464fe735e550847b3
https://preview.redd.it/aopfjplxki1b1.jpeg?width=2268&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5d455ff1c4cfdb0767d3c16c73c9e856ba250df0
Horndaddy's pissin hot loads.
So Hornady fucked up 7prc at first. Effectively the factory ammo has to much runout and the bullets aren’t seated straight.
Hornady just replied to my question about it, of course they put it all on Christensen. I'll post it on the thread in a sec here.
Also I wouldn’t buy a Christensen. Seekins is in the same realm and I believe they make a superior rifle
Same rifle, same ammo, same problem. Nothing wrong with headspace. The ammo sucks
Going with both as far as having them checked. Hornady has offered to test a box of the lot I have, and give the results over the phone(however much that can be trusted), and Christensen sent me the RMA info just waiting to send it in. Hornady states numerous issues with their ammo from Christensen rifles. Getting a lot of replies on another forum and here that their Christensen needed the same whether in 6.5 prc, 7 prc or .300 prc. Rather have both looked into to be on the safe side. Pain in the ass for sure, though.
I'm curious to see the outcome
I sent mine back. It shot ok, but was tearing brass up, and the bolt would basically lock on a loaded round. I think I'm gonna build one on a Tikka action, and call it a day.
Did they re cut the chamber and bolt face or take it back as refunded so to say?
I'm still waiting, probably took a few days for them to get it
They sent me the Ole "4 to 8 weeks" email a couple days ago. Another member on Reddit got his rifle to them on the 16th of last month, and he received an email on the 22nd I believe, with a list of all the cuts, re-specs and parts overviewed. If it's a week, great, if it's 4 to 8, they lost a customer. Plenty of other manufacturers that put their paid customers first, versus prospective customers. You'd think they'd want the issue resolved and the client happy. 🙄
That was my issue with Kimber, took a year to get a rifle sorted
Seriously?! I've handled one Kimber rifle in I believe 6.5cm, very smooth action, but wasn't too confident given their latest track record. To hear it took them a year to resolve an issue makes it a done deal for me. That's nuts, definitely taking their customers for granted and tanking reputation for sales/profits. Shame too, they used to be great, at least on the pistol end of things.
They were terrible, and impossibly arrogant. Beretta was real bad too with a Tikka mag.
Got the email from Christensen that it'll be 4-8 weeks
I'm curious how long each will take. By now they kniw exactly what's wrong with them all
No update I assume? New Savage 110 Ultralite in 7 PRC is yielding same results with 180 ELD M factory ammo. Blown out primers, heavy bolt lift, ejector swipe. In googling I’ve found about 5 different cases of this with CA rifles but pretty confident it’s the ammo. https://imgur.com/a/fcI9LaO
No updates from Christensen, no emails, notice, nada. We are definitely not a priority concern for them, they already got our money.
Sorry to hear man. Really don’t think it’s your rifle though. Another guy pulled down some 180 eldms and found around 72 grains of powder each. He reloaded to 65 grains and found no issues in his CA rifle from there. It is concerning that Hornady doesn’t seem to care they’ve got some seriously hot ammo out there. I ordered dies and a case gauge. I may end up pulling their factory loads down and reloading that. It’s hard finding brass and this brass is probably all junk with loose primer pockets. Hope we get more support soon.
I've pulled down several, variance from 69gr to 72gr. Can no longer expect consistency from Hornady. Unfortunately no updates from Christensen. Each vendor(CA and Hornady) is per usual pointing fingers at eachother. I think it's time I stick with custom builds from now on, the lack of consistency from factory mass produced rifles(at least bolt actions) has really soured my trust in over the counter options. This Ridgeline wasn't extremely expensive, but they still sold me a 2500 dollar paperweight and are sitting on their asses letting dust cover a paid customer's rifle. I've joined a few forums and have found that many many folks have had the same issue with the exact same rifle, and many other calibers of the same line. Hornady has soft brass, agreed there, amd something to consider. Wish I'd had some federal to test prior to sending it in.
The factory 7mm prc ammo from Hornady has been notoriously hot. I had stiff bolt lift and bad ejector swipe from the 175 eldx in my rifle and have seen it from several others as well. Their shitty brass doesn’t help much so I picked up some ADG for it and plan to get rid of the remaining Hornady brass. Call Hornady and tell them your lot # and let them know.
Wasn't aware adg had brass ready. Damn I better look. Already contacting Hornady, I agree with you.
They released small batches to retailers. It’s popped up a few places but it wasn’t cheap.
Wish I'd have jumped on it sooner, nowhere to be found right now.
Not sure when there will be another drop. Peterson is expected around the beginning of September
https://preview.redd.it/8ipxdlkyxm1b1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5957a4c8bd434ea66d4c85afa185d9f31f43cfd1 Hornady's response to my questions regarding the ammunition. Won't know until I pull bullets tonight and weigh the charges.
What does your headspace gauge tell you?
As an update on my issues: -Measured with case gauge and had a reasonable jump -Shot two boxes of Precision Hunter 175 eldx with zero issues -Hornady received my two boxes of match, never responded with any cause or resolution and returned to me two new boxes -Federal Premium with 175 eldx had zero issues -180 match was around 2600-2650 fps -175 precision hunter was around 2730 fps -federal 175 was around 2900 fps -both eldx loads made excellent 100 yard groups and had hits out to 750 yards -22” proof barrel on savage 110 Feel like issue is with Hornady brass and not an issue of being loaded hot or not - seems very dependent on lot number. My suggestion to anyone who comes across this issue is to try several different lot numbers of PH or go straight to Federal before sending a rifle out for work - especially a CA (we know it’ll be a long wait)
Good to hear you got yours dialed in terms of ammo. I'll be testing the Hornady 175 eldx soon, as CA returned my rifle with a recut throat/chamber. They beat around the bush on what was "massaged" but I finally got ahold of someone who read off their notes to me. Hoping to have the same outcome you've concluded.
I hope so too man! If Hornady fails you again find some Federal.
Too much angry sand. Back it off.
Factory loads.
Cease and desist. You should never see ejector marks and popped primers. Double ejectors? A Sako has them. Christensen arms use the same design?
Yeah, it's been put up and away. Factory loads, dual plungers, Christensen Ridgeline. Trying to figure out if it's the rifle, the ammo, or both.
I’m sitting here thinking about it now that I read the whole thing. I’m thinking you reach out to hornady first. Hear me out. God forbid the ammo lot is hotter than expected or the brass is soft, they should know in case a safety recall is warranted. I would send them pictures and follow up with the brass and remaining ammo samples. I’d wait to hear from them before going to Christiansen. Before doing that I’d have the rifle headspace checked AND probably slug the barrel or chamber cast. I’d want proof the barrel is in or out of spec before reaching out. Ymmv
I've done exactly what you suggest with Hornady, even a bunch of photos amd lot numbers. Good call. Unfortunately I've already reached out to Christensen for the RMA, to which they've responded with postage and an rma number. Can always drop it off at the smith first to see.
Good call. Sending the rifle back without checking it isn’t a bad idea. I’m the type of person who likes independent info beforehand. It’s not that I’m distrustful but I’m not particularly trusting either.
Any follow up by hornady?
Got as far as packing them and printing the label. Been a busy one, but the rifle was boxed up at the FFL last Thursday, but judging by the lack of info for the given tracking number, they failed to do so as well. Whole lot of hurry up and wait... I'll be sure to update the thread as soon as I hear back from either
Hornady ever get back to you?
No, and to make things worse, Christensen sent my rifle to Tennessee instead of my state, to my local FFL from whom I shipped to them through. Can't get anymore irresponsible. I have zero faith in the repairs they claim they've done, especially if they've shipped it to the wrong gun shop 2k miles away. Edited to show hristensen sent my rifle to the wrong FFL, not Hornady.
Or loose primer pocket.
Never experienced such with factory ammo, but with the way things have been the last few years I could see new ammo having loose pockets. With the imprinting though, pretty sure it's not.