I shot my new .375 a few times just to try it out, and noticed something strange..when I looked at the empty (fired) case, the opening of the case was flat on one side. In other words, looking into the neck of the case, it's D shaped instead of round.

This was a used gun, does this indicate a problem I should worry about..or is this normal?

Thanks,
David

David,

I'm going to guess you're shooting a Winchester Classic Model 70.

Mine does the same thing. If you look at the outside of the rear receiver bridge, between the ejection port and where the bolt handle sits, you'll probably see little brass marks there. That's where your case mouth is hitting and getting dinged.

You can verify this by putting some Dykem (layout dye; WhiteOut correction fluid would probably work just as well) on that spot and ejecting a case. You will see the layout dye or WhiteOut scraped off the receiver where the cases are hitting. If you look at the dented cases with a magnifying glass, you will probably see bits of dye of WhiteOut on the cases, confirming that this is where they are hitting.

H. C.

Boy, I'm dying to know if Henry was right. I love insightful, Sherlock Holmes-type stuff.

Russ

Thanks Henry..it's actually a Sako Finnbear. I'll try your suggestion!

David

I forgot to follow this up..in case anyone is interested.

When I pull the bolt back fast, the case spins around and smacks the back of the action. If I pull the bolt back slowly, the case comes out shaped normally...thanks for the help!

David

My ruger mk11 30/06 does the same thing if I pull the bolt back fast.