Old thread, but still relevent.

quote:

Remington QC obviously went into the toilet 40 years ago.

Yep. I worked at a Remington Service Center for 7 years. There was zero QC. The QC was transferred to the new owner. We had to clean up the mess.

When properly fitted and installed, Rem 700 style extractors are a wonder. They will pull the rim off a case.

Hard Chambering is usually caused by poor extractor to extractor groove fit. The extractor band must move freely out and in within the groove. We always stone the sides and edges of the band and test fit for proper function. If it is the old rivet style, make sure the rivet head is not protruding into the bolt face and catching on the rim. Inspect the groove for dents and burrs. Remove as needed.

Hard Extraction is almost always due to chamber condition. Either rust from poor maintenance or more often, rough finish from the factory. This was very frequent with the magnums. A lot of chatter and tool marks. We had to polish many. Once done they run flawlessly.

If the extractor is letting go of the case it can be from the extractor being sprung from a hot load and leaking gas or flowed brass. It can also be due to poor tempering of the extractor and it becomes flattened out through use.