If you own a 6.5 Creedmoor rifle, you know that itโs a force to be reckoned with.
However, even with the many upsides this long range rifle has, it also suffers from some disadvantages. These common problems can be fixed by one of a few common solutions.
In this article, weโre going to go over a few specific issues that most 6.5 Creedmoor owners deal with. Weโll also provide you with some potential solutions that will prevent more of these problems from occurring in the future.
Ruger Precision 6.5 Creedmoor Bolt-Action Rifle (Source)
Common 6.5 Creedmoor Problems
The following is a list of the four most common problems that can happen with a 6.5 Creedmoor. As we will describe each problem, we will also provide some possible solutions to ensure that a future problem is less likely to occur. Keep in mind that these issues may also affect your safety while using your rifle, so youโll need to read each problem carefully so you know what to expect and what to do when it arises.
Feeding Problems
A successful feed is when you are able to take a Creedmoor round from the magazine and slide it into the chamber so it can be ready to go. One major issue is that the round may not be able to transfer from the magazine to the chamber itself.
Another common issue could be the round jamming. For example, you see a round that looks like itโs being fed through the chamber but stops at the edge of the chamber. These feeding issues are potentially dangerous and may affect your overall safety if nothing is done about it.
Possible Solutions
One of the potential culprits could be the feeding cone on the chamber. It may not be wide enough and the bullet might be ramming into the barrel itself.
One possible solution is to widen the cone so it will be able to fit through properly. In order to do this, youโll need to use a small boring bar. If the angle is measured at less than 60 degrees, be sure to widen the angle just around that size.
Alternatively, you can consider getting a new magazine with metal feed lips.
Gas Problems
The gas system in a 6.5 Creedmoor is powerful enough to deliver a good amount of recoil and eject cartridges that will travel far and fast. However, the gas system may also have its own share of issues. For example, it may not eject rounds like itโs supposed to. You can try a lightweight round (120 grain) that is factory or otherwise and it wonโt work. It may also intermittently fire slightly heavier rounds. One of the main issues could be that the gas block or even the barrel port might be out of spec.
Too much high pressure can also be an issue for 6.5 Creedmoor rifles. There are four issues that pertain to pressure issues, the first is primer cratering. This involves the firing pin showing a raised lip indicating where the primer begins to extrude around the pin. This may lead to an even bigger problem where the pin can also pierce the primer itself. This can lead to loose materials ejecting from your Creedmoor rifle and causing gas to redirect and escape from the rear.
Another common issue weโll be looking at is known as โcase head flow.โ This is when the brass material of a cartridge case deforms while under ignition pressure. This will cause open cavities to extrude around the firing pin area. Brass smear can also occur when the brass itself deforms into negative spaces in the gun like the bolt face. While this is a common issue, higher pressure may make the situation worse.
Possible Solutions
Our first possible solution that we can offer for gas issues is reducing the diameter size of the firing pin on your Creedmoor. You should be able to reduce the diameter that is the same size as the hole located on the bolt face. As an added benefit, the mass of the firing pin is reduced considerably, which will reduce lock time and will enhance the accuracy of your rifle.
Another solution would be redesigning the ejector and pinhole. If you choose to alter the extraction design, it will more than likely eliminate any potential features that may be prone to issues like case head flow. The extractor cavity should be less distorted and brass shavings will be done away with.
Hang Fire Problems With Small Primers
The next issue we'll be looking at pertains to hang fire. This is common with Creedmoor rounds that have primers that are small in size. Hang fire is when a round is delayed in being ejected from the rifle after you pulled the trigger. More specifically, this is caused by the firing pin striking the hammer, but there is a delay afterward.
This issue will depend on which brand of Creedmoor rounds that you use. Some brands have good small primer rounds without any hang primer issues, while some lower end brands have been more susceptible to hang fire issues. Hang fire is an issue that can cause potentially dangerous hazards. So, itโs important to make sure that no one is in the line of fire.
Possible Solutions
One of the best possible solutions for hang fire is to find better cartridges. You should start with better brand names like Winchester. Once you have the rounds, be sure to test fire them to see if any hang fire issues are still occurring. If not, then it's the cartridges that you've used prior to using your replacements.
If you still experience hang fire even after using multiple good quality rounds, the inner workings of your Creedmoor rifle may need to be looked at. This may include the firing pin, the barrel, or any part that plays a vital role in the firing or ejection process of your cartridge.
Problems Resizing 6.5 Creedmoor
Is the headspace of your Creedmoor a "go" or "no go"? Either way, this is where resizing comes into play. There are some issues that you may run into while doing some resizing of your own. You're trying to figure out why your brass is not fitting properly. Is it too loose? Too tight? Your rounds need to fit through the chamber perfectly so you won't have to deal with any additional issues that pertain to loading or firing.
That's when a good headspace gauge comes in handy. If you fit it just perfectly, it's a go. However, if the headspace is oversized or undersized, the gauge tells you "no go" and the size isn't suitable for safe use. You may also have a headspace gauge that is worn out and you may not get an accurate reading, which is not good considering that you need a dead-on accurate reading.
Possible Solutions
One of the best possible solutions for resizing your 6.5 Creedmoor is bumping back the shoulder stock a bit. This can be at lengths like .005-.006โ Finding the right shoulder stock adjustments should help you be able to fire shots that may require resizing your Creedmoor prior to use. You can also try using different die casts to see if it will fit in your chamber properly. If it is a perfect fit, you should be able to use your rifle.
If you do not have a headspace gauge of your own, it is important to get one to see if your Creedmoor rifle is either a go or no go. Youโll need to determine if the headspace is either too narrow or too large. In either case, youโll need to resize it so you can be able to use your rifle safely.
Conclusion
If you run into a common 6.5 Creedmoor problem, you'll be able to easily identify it thanks to this guide. Be sure to make any adjustments if needed or purchase any necessary equipment that may alleviate the issue.
Alternatively, you may always purchase replacement parts so you won't run into any issues in the future. Your 6.5 Creedmoor rifle is a powerful gun that can get the job done at long range, and when problems arise, you need to be on top of them so your rifle lasts you a long time.
