Smokeless Primer question/problem

[scn]

On my Savage MLII (HillBill custom), I am having issues with primers bulging on the bottom where they are extremely hard to extract from the bolt/primer holder when fired without a load in the barrel. Week before last up in IL, I test fired a couple, and had to remove the bolt both times in order to beat on the primer to dislodge it. I ended up using my other MLII to hunt for fear of needing to make a quick follow up shot and having the primer issue.

The fit is OK on the unfired primer. They go in the "slot" with no problems. But, when the primer is fired, it "bulges" on the bottom and won't come out of the slot. It seems to be almost as bad when I shoot the rifle loaded, but not to the point of having to take the bolt out.

The primers I am using are the Winchester 209.

Is this a gun or primer issue? Is there another brand of primer that might work better?

Thanks for any input!

 

[TheLBLman]

Sorry I don't know the cause of the problem.

. . . . . had to remove the bolt both times in order to beat on the primer to dislodge it. . . . . .
Thanks for any input!

But can't imagine having to remove the bolt to get the primer off.
Would a steel primer remover tool not work?

As I ask that, I'm trying to remember if I've ever had to use my steel primer removal tool on my "stock" Savage. I have used it on several other muzzleloaders at times when couldn't easily remove the primer.

I've always had the primer removal tool with me, but now you have me wondering if it even works at all on my Savage.

 

[GMB54]

If you "dry" fire the primer again will it come out?

When was the last time you cleaned out the flash channel in the breach plug with a 5/32 drill bit?

Is this a OEM Savage breach plug or aftermarket?

Have you checked the flash hole size lately? Over .035 can be hard on primers.

What load are you shooting?

 

[Roost 1]

Might be time for a new ventliner.

 

[Bow Hunter]

If you "dry" fire the primer again will it come out?

When was the last time you cleaned out the flash channel in the breach plug with a 5/32 drill bit?

Is this a OEM Savage breach plug or aftermarket?

Have you checked the flash hole size lately? Over .035 can be hard on primers.

What load are you shooting?

^^^^^^^^^ This is your problem I had the same thing happen to me. ^^^^^^^^^

 

[scn]

Might be time for a new ventliner.

I have some extras, and will put a new one in and try it. But, I'm pretty sure the one that is in it now is new with about 10 shots on it.

 

[ewc]

Steve-

My savages have done this and my custom does this also. I attribute it to not having a load to push back against-

the primer bulges a little towards the rear, making it difficult to remove. I just carry a small pair of needle nose pliers in my pack. I have found no need to remove the bolt.

It never happens when I fire a shot. Still the pliers are there just in case.

Good luck-

Judd

 

[scn]

Thanks, Judd! I thought it might be a deal for the unloaded firing only. I'll add a pair of needle nose to my bag, and hopefully have time to do a bunch of shooting before next season to confirm that it isn't an issue with a load in it.

As a good note, I got to shoot a gnarly IL buck with the other Savage at the long range of 14 yds. He won't score much at all, but was my first 12 pt, had some mass, and likely my biggest bodied deer to date. Your load continues to work well for me.

Thanks, ALL for the help! I'll put in a new ventliner, and head to the range sometime soon to see if the issue continues.

 

[grouser]

My ML II also does this, I run the bolt and fire on the spent primer a few times and it will fall out.

Good luck

 

[mike243]

Had that happen when shooting and it was over 80 or 90 out side,I had high speed from the crony and suspected to0 hot of a load for the temps maybe close blowing the sabot? love the savage and post a picture of your buck