Federal Terminal Ascent 6.5 Inconsistent Head Spacing
Anyone have any issues with some Federal Terminal Ascent 6.5 Creedmore (or any other calibre of Terminal Ascent) rounds not allowing their bolt to close (or to be extremely tight on closing the bolt on a fresh round) because something in the cartridge is not the correct size?
Out of 4 boxes of 130 grain 6.5 Creedmore, I've had 0, 4, 2, and 2 rounds that will not load in my brand new Savage 110 Tactical Ridge Warrior.
Here's what I know:
- The main culprit is the head-to-shoulder length (what some might call "head spacing" which is kind of a misnomer but hopefully you get what I mean)
- It's not the case overall length (OAL), they are within spec, all measuring about 1.91 (some slightly less) and never exceeding 1.915
- It's not the diameter of the case (measured at multiple points), they are all similar and within spec and all 80 rounds go into and out of the chamber fine without using the bolt.
- It's not the bullet itself, because it's not touching the lands/grooves and also they go in and out of the chamber fine without using the bolt.
So why is there so much inconsistency in the so-called "head-spacing" datum of what is supposed to be premium factory ammo? Do you think my head spacing on the rifle might be too short? I think that's unlikely given Savage's reputation for correct head spacing, but I currently don't have a perfect way to measure the true head spacing on the rifle itself. Do you think it could be the thickness of the nickel plating on the case at the shoulder?
Depending on feedback I don't know whether to blame it on the rifle head spacing or maybe there is a QC issue at the Federal factory for head-to-shoulder datum length.
One more thing, there are no lot numbers or anything else identifying on the boxes. Same with some Fusion 300WSM 165 grain I have, no lot number in the white space in the top left of the back of the box. Shouldn't they be stamping lot numbers on the boxes???
Thanks for your feedback!
Last edited by HuntWithABrittany; 11-06-2020 at 06:08 PM.
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