So today I went to the range in preparation for my departure to Nebraska tomorrow to chase whitetails. On my way I swung by a local shop and grabbed a box of Nosler Trophy Grade ABLR 129 grain and a box of Federal Premium 135 grain Berger Hybrids. I was just curios to see if either did better in this rifle.

Am at the range ensuring everything is dialed-in. I load 2 3-round magazines with Precision Hunter. Three shots at 200 yards (paper target), 2 shots at 300 yards (steel), and 1 shot at 200 yards (paper target). Rifle is still dialed-in so I am happy.

So I load three rounds of the ABLR and 3 rounds of the Berger. Put in the ABLR magazine. Went to chamber a round and could not close the bolt. Extracted the round and it looked ok. Repeated this for the next two rounds. Poop. So I then put in the Berger magazine. I have the exact same issue. So I load 3 rounds of Precision Hunter and have no issues.

So consider this a Public Service Announcement as I just spent over $90 on two boxes of ammo that I cannot use.


NOTE: Once the season is over this rifle will be getting a new scope and hand loads will be developed for it.

Did you compare the three rounds to see if the two are longer COAL or at least longer to the shoulder or neck than the PH?

The two most common things that cause chambering problems are bullet seated out too long, or shoulder of brass is too far forward.

Did you see rifling marks on the bullets?

I did not have much time to compare the three as well as provide a closer inspection. Was at the range to determine which gun was going with me on my next hunt and did not have a lot of time.

At the airport now on my way to hunt whitetail in Nebraska. Taking my 300 Win Mag on this hunt.

When I get back on Saturday, I'll take a look a closer look as well as do a comparison. I had this issue with commercial ammo (HMS) on my 6.5x284 when I first bought it; went straight to hand loads after that and have never looked back.

This really interest me for I have the T3X lite in the 6.5 CM, and currently shooting 143 grain in the PH. I am considering switching to the Nosler accubond. Look forward to seeing what you figure out.

I had too good of a hunt in Nebraska and wound up having to drive, instead of fly, back home. Only to hop on a plane to Philadelphia 2 hours after getting home.

I should be back home on Thanksgiving at which point I will be able to answer some questions.

Here are some numbers:
ELD-X:
Length: 2.8395"
Shoulder width (bottom): 0.4505"
Neck width (top): 0.2850"
ABLR:
Length: 2.7740"
Shoulder width (bottom): 0.4545"
Neck width (top): 0.2855"
Berger:
Length: 2.8220"
Shoulder width (bottom): 0.4530"
Neck width (top): 0.2860"

I did not see any marks on the case nor the bullet.

Looks like your chamber is too tight at the shoulder to accept a brass shoulder width of .453" or greater.