Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles bullet question, 141 gamemaster rifle

Hey Guys,

I have a 141 remington gamemaster, 35 remington.

I noticed after shooting it the first time, that the primer looks like it backed out of the spent shell by 1/32". I was using the new Hornady pointed bullets, these are the only bullets I've used so far.

Is there a headspacing issue with this gun?

The rifle is alot of fun to shoot.

Thanks in advance

Yeah the 14s and 141s are great old rifles. You could have an excessive headspace issue but the most likely scenario imo is that you are shooting a low pressure load.

I would look at the loading data you are using and see if it can be bumped up some according to several reloading references. Don't overload it!!

My favorite .35Rem load is 37.0/IMR3031/200g RN. This is a good full power load but not excessive in any of my several .35Rem rifles. Plateau Hunter

Same as above.... To solve the headspacing problem, if that is what it is, try to minimize shoulder setback when reloading the ammo. Try neck sizing only and then back the die down a little - very little - at a time until the rounds chamber easily but leaving the neck as far forward as you can with good chambering. Then make sure your loads are stiff enough without going over the book max's and the problem will likley go away. Of course, you could have the headspace checked..... Probably the very safest way to go.

I have the same problem with an old Remington model 14. I still shoot it as the primer backout is minimal. When I reload for it I'm planning on doing what was stated above. Great old rifles!!!

When I read your post, I got the impression that you were shooting the Hornady LEVERevolution factory ammunition. With a 2225 fps velocity claim for a 200 grain bullet, that factory ammo is probably loaded at, or close to, the SAAMI maximum safe operating pressure. If that is correct, a backed out primer could be related to a headspace issue or a weak firing pin spring. The Remington 14/141 action only has 1 locking lug, but it should be safe with SAAMI specs ammo, unless the rifle has been used hard and/or with a steady diet of high(er) pressure reloads.

I'd suggest that you fire some Federal/Remington/Winchester-Olin factory ammo and see what the primers do. If you get primers backing out with those loads, which have lower claimed velocities, I'd suggest putting in a stronger firing pin spring. It may be that you rifle was stored with the action cocked and the firing spring compressed, which could weaken it over an extended priod of time.

Jeff