sticky bolt

[Antibubba]

I was using Winchester brass ammo. I've heard of sticking problems from a buildup of the lacquer used on some of the steel-cased stuff.

[Ad Astra]

The sticky bolt thing is widely attributed to case lacquer build up melting with the heat of firing... lacquer extant or no, I find that pulling back on the cocking knob, THEN opening the bolt takes the strain of cocking off the action and it opens easier.

No matter how hot the chamber/barrel are getting, that really seems to help; the trick may be as old as the hills, but never heard anyone suggest it.

[entropy]

Excellent tip, Ad Astra! I've recocked to try to fire duds before, (I've had very few, all Albanian) I'll try your method on the next sticky bolt-It won't be one of mine, however, I followed this advice-

http://www.russian-mosin-nagant.com/sticking_bolt.htm

with all of my Mosins, and never have a problem, and I shoot Czech silvertip all the time, which is purportedly the greatest offender. I have had to open bolts for other Mosin owners, however, did so yesterday with one shooting Polish light ball out of a Polish M44. I was shooting mostly silvertip and some old Czech yellowtip I bought at Sportsman's Guide a while back. the cases like to split on that, but no harm done.