catridge won't extract

[Halfwatt]

I took my Molot M44 out today for the first time to the range. Shot my first round and could not extract the casing. Bolt was stuck closed so used a rubber mallet to open it. Casing extracted and proceeded to shot another round off, same thing bolt was locked shut. I tried it a third time and I had to use a mallet and cleaning rod to nock the casing out from the muzzle.

Now when I put a round in and extract it no problem, bolt is smooth, casing extracts. I am using russian surplus ammo from sportsman guide circa 1980.

Is the the casing expanding to a point where it won't eject? do I have bad ammo? All thoughts would be much appreciated.

[apteryx]

Could it be laquered ammo with a dirty chamber?

[Halfwatt]

Its not lacquered, Its the steel surplus ammo in a spam can. I also cleaned the gun before I went shooting.

[apteryx]

Could also be a headspace issue. Has that been checked?

[Halfwatt]

Yes I bought a no go guage and the headspace is ok, bolt will not close with the no go gauge. Maybe I need another type of gauge?

[desdem12]

This sounds like sticky bolt. A thorough cleaning of the chamber is needed. Also check with a good light to see if there is no dried grease or cosmo in the chamber causing the issue. If needed clean with 20 guage bore brush and drill but not over drilling.

[millman]

This sounds like sticky bolt. A thorough cleaning of the chamber is needed. Also check with a good light to see if there is no dried grease or cosmo in the chamber causing the issue. If needed clean with 20 guage bore brush and drill but not over drilling.

+1 here is JYD's answer from the info section.
"What he means is use a length of shotgun cleaning rod, not a shorter pistol rod stick a 20 gauge bore brush on the end of the rod, wrap it with OOOO size steel wool, soak the wool with bore solvent or JB bore paste and drill it into the chamber for a minute, do not go into the rifling. This will clean out the crud stuck to the chamber walls, repeat as necessary."

[Halfwatt]

I will try cleaning again. The funny thing is when I put a round in and then extract that round the bolt is smooth and the round extracts. But I see what your saying I could have something gummed up in the chamber. I will try the 20 gauge bore

[Halfwatt]

This sounds like sticky bolt. A thorough cleaning of the chamber is needed. Also check with a good light to see if there is no dried grease or cosmo in the chamber causing the issue. If needed clean with 20 guage bore brush and drill but not over drilling.

+1 here is JYD's answer from the info section.
"What he means is use a length of shotgun cleaning rod, not a shorter pistol rod stick a 20 gauge bore brush on the end of the rod, wrap it with OOOO size steel wool, soak the wool with bore solvent or JB bore paste and drill it into the chamber for a minute, do not go into the rifling. This will clean out the crud stuck to the chamber walls, repeat as necessary."

thanks to the both of you! I will try it

[Sequim]

Which would be better, a bronze or a stainless steel bore brush??

.

[desdem12]

Bronze or brass

[Junk Yard Dog]

Which would be better, a bronze or a stainless steel bore brush??

.

Never use a stainless steel brush as this will only accelerate wear. Copper type brushes only.

[Sequim]

OK, thanks.

.