Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles Ruger American feeding trouble

I have a Ruger American that I got 18 months ago and I really haven't shot it much as I tried an 85 grain barnes loading form an earlier gun and it was moa. I took it to the range to work on a 95 grain boat nosler tail load and it jams when feeding from the magazine, especially on the last round.

I was in a gun shop yesterday and picked up a RAR and the magazine was nice and tight to the stock where mine seems to have a little play. Is this a common problem with these guns? I was planning on adding the .223 rem but guess I'll look elsewhere if this can't be ironed out. I know it is an inexpensive gun but I would think it should feed correctly for the little use it has gotten.

I've owned a few, including a 223. I've not experienced any feeding issues. Actually, mine have all fed really smooth.

Just curios, any chance you don't have it seated in the v-block bedding properly?

No I took it apart and gave the action screws a little "extra" on reassembly. The magazine still has a little play. The round begins feeding and it's like the case body gets out to soon at the mouth of the magazine and the tip of the bullet lodges into the barrel before the chamber. This causes the case head to drop off of the bolt whereupon the bolt slams into the side of the round. I think it is more likely that my Mag is defective. I just figured that someone here must have had the same experience. I guess I'll try to catch up with Ruger in the morning.

I have a RAR .270 that the wife won back in Dec. I have not shot it much at all yet, but no problems so far. I think you may have a magazine issue, as mine sits pretty snug in place. The only feeding problem I have ever had with a rifle is my .300 WM Rem 700 SPS/ADL. I ended up dremeling the magazine well out and then polishing it up really nice. Did not fix the problem 100%, but it feeds a lot easier now.

try feeding it full speed,and see if that helps.
mine don't work real good at slow speed,but normal speed they works fine.
I have a 7-08 and 22-250,the 250 is a little smoother than the 7,but the mags are interchangeable.

Have you tried another magazine?



I am sure it is something simple...but nothing like throwing the baby out with the bath water.

Amazing that people are shocked to find that turds are made of chit.

Thanks for your responses.....I cycled a few federal factory rounds through and it only did it once (operating it very slowly). I also cycled a few Barnes 85 grain reloads through and it didn't do it at all. I guess it might turn into my loaner gun. I think I'll still give Ruger a call as I haven't heard about many people having trouble with these guns. I'm still interested in a .223 compact to use as a trainer for the kids.