I have a Winchester Model 70 Coyote in 22-250 that only fires about 50% of the time. Initialy I thought it was a ammo problem as I was shooting the very cheapest ammo possible. I have since upgraded ammo and tried various handloads with same result. Friends Savage will fire all of my misfires. Primers are dented. Any help would be much appreciated.

Also curious if one of the heavier Wolfe firng pin springs may cure problem.
Thanks

pull the FP assembly and make sure that both it and the inside of the bolt body are free of any grease and grit. also make sure the split collar that retains the spring is not out of alignment.

Take the bolt apart and see whats preventing the pin from falling. More than likely it's some dried grease thats keeping the pin from falling all the way.

Thanks for the replies, had the gun at the gunsmith on saturday and he pulled the bolt apart and cleaned it. He thought maybe it had been oiled excessively. Took gun home, same deal with the misfires. no change.

two things
Check the headspace, if good...
Check firing pin protrusion .055"-.065"

My cousin bought a Kimber that had the same symptoms you described. Mis-fired about 25% of the time.

It was the firing pin hole in the bolt had been drilled at a angle.

My M70 had the same problem. Changed the firing pin spring to a new Wolf spring, problem solved.

John

Bshmstr, if that thing is anywhere near new, I would be taking it back to the dealer/Winchester. The problem direct with Win is obvious though, time or no service. Otherwise, I'd have a smith check that PDQ, Like Rusty said, you need to KNOW that headspace is OK, or you could have a problem occur real quick. It's likely just a firing pin/bolt issue, but is makes me wonder since a smith already cleaned your bolt, and didn't sleuth anything else out--hmmmmmmmm

Get it back to him if you know him to be a good competent smith, or to another one if you're not sure.

Good Luck--Don

Check that the action is timed properly -see if the rear of the firing pin assembly (cocking piece) contacts any where it shound not when that rifle is fired. Make sure also that the bolt handle is not bearing in its cutout in the stock.
Try posting this problem on www.benchrest.com - in the gunsmithing forum .