P14 Ejection Issue

[ArtioZen]

I am tuning my new "old" rifle with its first session of 30-40 rounds - all HXP '75 Mk7's. I have previously fired a handfull of Privi and S&B with no issue ejecting. The rifle is all numbers matching - so no mismatched - replaced bolts etc.

The HXP cases are being extracted nicely and remains quite firmly held on the bolt head by the ejector and LH hook. On some cases the LH hook seems to have "skived" a slither of the rim edge off during unlocking. I have had to hand remove the case from the open breech after every shot no matter how I handle the bolt. The ejector strip (inside the bold release mech) seems good and complete but to me (as a '14 / '17 novice) seems too far rearward to poke the case off the LH claw.

I have pulled the bolt and bolt release assy, recleaned everything (still producing some cosmoline) and reiinspected (also lightly polished the edges of the claw and extractor edge) but the "penny has not dropped" yet.. Both extractor and hook are clean, well formed (no chips etc) and sharp - this rifle has had very little use. All cases from all brands have small rim gouges from extraction etc..unfired rounds stay in the bolt head too

Will be offline for a few days soon, but wanted to get this thread started - any help is greatly appreciated!

Information

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[jamie5070]

I've never owned a p-14. Do p-14s have the same ejector/spring that 1917's do? If so, maybe your ejector spring leaf broke off of the ejector. If so it can be repaired with a dremel tool and a small coil spring.
john

[ArtioZen]

Thanks Jamie! - That’s exactly the clue / info I needed! I now have NOS ejector on order - complete with spring leaf! I will try the small coil spring on the original and keep it as a back-up. It seems the P14 and Model 1917 use exactly the same part - amongst many others. I did not appreciate that the leaf was missing until researching after your post - now I understand that it is very common:

Skispcs: Model 1917 Ejector Replacement

Anybody have any comment on the brass mars and skiving from the LH hook? - I will search n read to keep looking also...

Just a short wait for the mail man, a quick install and then its back to the range for more break-in, doping and learning!

[Dad]

The M1917 and the P14 ejectors are not the same part.
They might look somewhat alike, but they are dimensionally different.
The SARCO web site has pictures of both.

P14 P14 Ejector

M1917 P17 Ejector


D.

[M94/14]

"Dad" is correct. The P-14 ejector is longer than the M1917 ejector. You said the current ejector seems too far rearward to poke the casing free from the extracter. Sounds to me like you may have a M1917 ejector.

[ArtioZen]

Many thanks Dad and jakester! Indeed, from the photo examples the rifle has a Model 1917 ejector - it seems previous owners got confused too! I do have a P14 example on order (but now know I do not have a spare - oh well) - will have to wait a little while to try it.

The difference in OAL for the 303 and 30-06 cartridges explains the ejector length difference - thanks for helping that one click!

[harry mac]

If you've previously tries S&B and PPU ammo without ejection issues then it might be down to the slightly different rim diameters between the ammo brands. I've always found HXP rims to be on the small side and slightly different in profile.

[ArtioZen]

The new P14 ejector arrived and has been inspected, cleaned and installed - see photo of the P14 and Model 17 ejectors side by side (P14 on top).

Also been working with my brass - clean, measure, re-size, test etc. Found the HXP rims to be running 0.527" to 0.536 diameter with a average of 0.533" and the S&B running .528" to 0.534 diameter with an average of 0.529". All cycle through the action and eject nicely now - the ejector doing a much better job of releasing the left claw and producing no more skived rims than my manual technique.

Time for more practice!