Is this possibly a head space issue?

[mmppres]

You should still due a chamber cast. I would also look at the bolt very closely for any defects. marks inside the chamber like scratches, nicks etc.

[Chuckindenver]

why not just check headspace?
remove the cocking assembly, and check it.
most likely your bolt is worn, a new bolt may cure the issue.
unless it has set back, then it is toast.
150 grain bullets are much nicer on old rifles....

[oldfoneguy]

It sounds like your issue is in the bolt shroud cocking piece sear area. If the bolt is rotating no problem it's not a bolt lug or setback issue because then it would need a tap to raise the bolt handle. Have you had it out of the stock and cleaned and lubricated everything underneath? Your sear could be sticking up and putting pressure on the cocking piece. Completely clean the bolt raceway especially in the bolt shroud area. Remove the firing mechanism from the bolt disassemble clean and oil it. Also check the sear spring for petrified crud keeping the sear from pushing down all the way. - Bill

[Jaxson50]

It sounds like your issue is in the bolt shroud cocking piece sear area. If the bolt is rotating no problem it's not a bolt lug or setback issue because then it would need a tap to raise the bolt handle. Have you had it out of the stock and cleaned and lubricated everything underneath? Your sear could be sticking up and putting pressure on the cocking piece. Completely clean the bolt raceway especially in the bolt shroud area. Remove the firing mechanism from the bolt disassemble clean and oil it. Also check the sear spring for petrified crud keeping the sear from pushing down all the way. - Bill

That is exactly what I planned to do this weekend. Take it all the way down and clean completely.

---------- Post added at 12:27 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:25 PM ----------

I am also in the mind set that you need to get a chamber case done. Were there any other sign on the fired cases. Rings splits etc?

No splits, bulges or cracks.

[daveboy]

I did cover a bullet with a magic marker ink and cycled the shell, it left two light impressions from lands on the bullet half water between the tip and the shoulder of the bullet.

I'm far from an expert. But, shouldn't there be just a touch of freespace? I would think that bullet would need to move forward slightly before engaging the rifling. Otherwise, pressure is going to be high. That would not fully explain the OP's issues, but it did cause me to question that. Maybe the 180 grain bullet, being longer than the 150 gr. the rifle was designed for, could be contributing to the problem?

[RC20]

What you are seeing is sticky extraction.

That indicates too much pressure usually. As these are commercial loads, that seems very unlikely.

Too much head space just means it will fire form (if it fires, as its a control round feed the extractor will hold the case in place so likely it will shoot)

It sounds like the chamber is gummed up or has issues (though issues should show in the brass was wrinkles)

The 1917 was never a SAMI approved chamber dimensionaly, nor was SAMI around then. They tend to almost off the reject gauge head space. These are battle rifles intended to function under the worst conditions in combat.

At worst it fire forms but it does not affect extraction. Often cleaning the gun does not clean the chamber. A MOP and I would suggest a good cleaner like Carbon Killer 2000.