I just picked up a used Model 7 that had very little use. I'm using my own loads with Nosler Partitions Bullets. This is my first bolt action as I usually use pumps. I've noticed that the bullet tips become somewhat deformed when cycled through the action. I did it several time to get the feel of the gun. This wasn't a problem at the range as it's one round at a time but I'm concerned about the hunting application. I've seem other hunters unload cycling all rounds through the receiver but based on my results may opt for the trap door. Is this typical for the gun or type of bullet? I was thinking of changing the bullet to a non-lead tip (possibly polymer tip) or adjusting the COL. Any thoughts?

quote:

I was thinking of changing the bullet to a non-lead tip (possibly polymer tip)

I'm loading the polymer tips in just about every rifle now w/ the exception of a few or the ones I shoot MKs from. The polymer tips are much more durable when cycling. Deformed tips aren't "supposed" to degrade accuracy but, I just don't like em' at all

Reloader

What's your new toy chambered in?

Reloader

I've not seen that with my .308 Seven but then I don't use Noslers in .308 and they are longer for the same weight than "regular" bullets. I'm guessing your bullet tips are bumping into the front of the magazine when loading a round in the chamber. You may have to limit the COL on round for that rifle to prevent bumping of the bullet tips. Sevens are just a bit shorter than short action 700s. BTW, I always unload by releasing the magazine floor plate.

Reloader, Sorry I should have noted that it a 7mm-08.

I've had deformed lead tips on my 270 for a long time and have not noticed a loss in accuracy or terminal performance because of it. It's unsightly a bit but IMO it's nothing to be concerned about.

quote:

Originally posted by Pappy:
... I'm using my own loads with Nosler Partitions Bullets. This is my first bolt action as I usually use pumps. I've noticed that the bullet tips become somewhat deformed when cycled through the action. ..

Hey Pappy, Is it happening when Chambering the cartridge or when Extracting it?

Hot Core, It happens when chambering. My COL is at 2.768 (the Nosler book reference for COL is 2.8)

Hey Pappy, Then the Feed Rails might need just a tiny bit of Tweeking for use with the Partition.

If you cycle the Bolt slowly(outside - with the muzzle pointed in a SAFE direction), you can watch down in the magazine and see the "timing" of the cartridge leaving the Feed Rails. Occasionally it is only "one rail" that needs adjustment, or it might need both slightly re-aligned.

Any Gunsmith worth a shingle should be able to do this for you at very little cost.

However, you might Seat the Partition just a bit deeper and the issue go away anyhow. Some of my M7s shoot very well with the Bullets w-a-y off the Lands.

One is in 350RemMag and the old 150gr Rem PSP Bullets have to clear 0.264" before it reaches the Lands. That rifle will place them easily in the 6s, with that Bullet - when my concentration is up.

Another suggestion mentioned above by Reloader about using one of the various Plastic Tipped Bullets also has potential.

But, I like Partitions myself and understand why you want to use them. That being the situation, Seating a few deeper and Testing them for accuracy would be the cheapest, fastest "potential" fix. And as a Bonus, it might result in better accuracy, you just never know until you try it.
---


By the way, this is a second issue that can also create some Tip Damage due to scraping against the sharp edge at the "end" of the Chamber as the Cartridge is withdrawn.

If you notice the tips hitting along the right side of the Chamber as they are on the way out when cycled(which they should), you can prevent them from getting scrape-damage by bringing your Left Hand under the magazine-well, wrapping your Left Fingers around the stock, and letting your Left Finger Tips reach into the Ejection Port. As the Bolt is drawn to the rear, let the Finger Tips touch against the "side of the Case" as it is being pulled from the Chamber. Hold some pressure against the Case until the Bullet clears the Chamber and then the Tip won't get deformed by scraping.

Best of luck to you.

Not to highjack this thread, but I was rolling this around in the emtpy space( known as my head ) And I must ask would friction heat the lead tip enough allowing it to melt or sheer off during it's flight to the target?

quote:

Originally posted by Hipster:
Not to highjack this thread, but I was rolling this around in the emtpy space( known as my head ) And I must ask would friction heat the lead tip enough allowing it to melt or sheer off during it's flight to the target?

No.

The simple solution,
Is a balistic tip or an acubond. And those bullets are both cheaper and for deer should be fine criter gitters,
If you are going after elk you might be wise to try the barnes tripple shock.
But I would try to cycle the action slowly and see if you can see where the damage is happening. Some rifles will damage bullet tips in recoil against the front of the magazine...tj3006