Yesterday was the last day of our deer season. Late morning I headed back to my truck to warm up. (Note to self: believe the weatherman when he says the temps would plummet.) When I went to unload the rifle, a Winchester M54 .30-30 shooting 190 gr. cast bullet/28gr. 3031, the bolt wouldn't open. When I whacked it with the palm of my hand she popped open- ejecting an empty case, dumping powder throughout the action, and leaving the bullet lodged in the throat. Countless of those loads cycled through that gun and never once did a bullet stay behind. I figure the extreme cold had something to do with it. Figuring my day was finished- no cleaning rod with which to tap the bullet out, of course- and saying a lot of very bad words, my eyes lit upon the radio antenna. I unscrewed it from the fender and lo and behold it fit into the bore. One tap and out the bullet came. It allowed me to go back and guard the trees for the remainder of the day.
Ejection of the the "afternoon" round was normal. Just the usual land engraving on the nose of the bullet as always. Big mystery.
I usually carry an Otis cleaning kit in my knapsack, but I had ventured out that day traveling light...
Last edited by gnoahhh; 12/11/16.
