Hard Bolt Lift HXP 30-06 in New to me 1903-a3

[kblasser]

Proud new owner of 1943 a3, 1903. I had some 30-06 ammo from CMP that shoots fine in either of my two M1's. Chanbers easily in the 1903 and shoots fine but 10/10 quite hard bolt lift. ? why, suggestions?
Thanks!

Information

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[browningautorifle]

Sometimes high pressures can make it hard to open. I had some 308 by HXP twenty years back and wouldn't shoot it, called it High (X) Pressure and sold it.

[kblasser]

Thanks! I was thinking that but thought the CMP Greek ammo would probably be alright.

[Chuckindenver]

HXP was loaded for the M1 garand, and is a bit longer then the average 30-06.. id try some factory ammo and see if you still have the issue.

[browningautorifle]

quite hard bolt lift. ?

a bit longer

But after firing Chuck? I could see when chambering could be hard close...?

[kblasser]

Thanks to all. I'll try some factory 30-06.

[Wineman]

I'm with Chuck, slightly tight chamber and longer/thicker brass. There were times at CMP matches that issued ammo (specifically HXP) was no-bueno for some M1903 shooters. They were told to ream their chambers to use the HXP. There might have even been chambering issues too hence BAR's question. I have shot my share of it from 62-78 and each year is somewhat different from any other. I chrono'd some HXP 69 and saw 2,800 fps solid average for 25 rounds out of an M1. They also have 52 grains of Ball powder, more than most late vintage LC 30-06. I have never had hard bolt lift but most was used up in a M1917 and M1, I use my M1903a3 for cast shooting.

Dave

[Chuckindenver]

iv had a couple guys bring in 1903s with the round stuck in the chamber, rubber mallet worked like a charm, not all HXP is this long, someone listed the date codes on the ones that were.