Light strikes on .308 ammo.

[FinBusDev]

I have a Savage Axis II Precision in 308. I experience FTFs on several brands of ammo. Examination of the failed cartridge indicates
a light strike on the primer. See pic. Light as compared to the indents on my other 308 rifles. The firing pin protrusion appears to be in spec at
.059", though this is less than my other rifles. In any event there is no way to adjust this.
I disassembled the bolt and cleaned all components thoroughly. This bolt is very strange utilizing two short springs with a ring between them.
I am thinking maybe these springs do not provide enough force to the firing pin to ignite the primer. So my questions are:
1. Does anyone make an upgrade kit to address this problem?
2. Is there a particular brand of 308 ammo that will perform better in light striking guns?
Your help is appreciated.
Yes I contacted Savage service and they opened a request number but so far that's it.

 

[Carlos Hathcock]

Maybe chambered long?

 

[dsdmmat]

Is this a new or persistent problem? How many rounds fired through the gun?

 

[Jezman]

Get a new firing pin spring.

 

[tony]

I read you have throughly cleaned and degreased the bolt and all of its components. If you did not do this, I would stick a long, thin screwdriver down into the bolt body and lightly scrape around a bit and see if you get anything out.

The dimple in the primer does look shallow to me but not by a lot. I'm thinking the firing pin protrusion from your bolt face may be at or towards the min. spec. and your headspace may be at or towards the max. spec. The combination could be enough to give what appears to be light strikes.

Have you the gages to check the headspace on your rifle?

 

[meketrefe]

Do not use. Clean everything and...
A) check headspace
B) check pin protrusion
C) check spring and function of firing mechanism.

Whatever thr issue is easily solvable but don't use the rifle. If you have use a fired case to compare.

 

[IrishMick]

Having the same issues with a Savage Axis as well, Chambered in .223. Almost feels like the hammer strike is soft every so often.

 

[FinBusDev]

Thank you all for your suggestions. Working thru them. Alos, still wating for Savage service to reply. Beginning to doubt they will.
Will let you know what solution I find as this is not an uncommon problem.

 

[Saltwater60]

Thank you all for your suggestions. Working thru them. Alos, still wating for Savage service to reply. Beginning to doubt they will.
Will let you know what solution I find as this is not an uncommon problem.

Good luck.

 

[meketrefe]

The savage axis is a budget rifle but it is robust and simple so if anything is a tad off it is very easy to diagnose and fix.
Do a complete take down and clean well everything. Run and Emeril cloth where suitable. After some lube the plunger should move like lightning.
Again, check headspace and protrusion.

 

[FinBusDev]

Thank you all for your suggestions. Working thru them. Alos, still wating for Savage service to reply. Beginning to doubt they will.
Will let you know what solution I find as this is not an uncommon problem.

Update: Savage replied to my service request. They say the problem is the gun's firing pin needs new springs. They will only send these to an FFL to install (unless I send them the whole gun) which I don't understand but OK. Will let you know if these fix the problem.

 

[Saltwater60]

Update: Savage replied to my service request. They say the problem is the gun's firing pin needs new springs. They will only send these to an FFL to install (unless I send them the whole gun) which I don't understand but OK. Will let you know if these fix the problem.

Good luck. I hope they are covering the cost of all.

 

[FinBusDev]

Update: Savage replied to my service request. They say the problem is the gun's firing pin needs new springs. They will only send these to an FFL to install (unless I send them the whole gun) which I don't understand but OK. Will let you know if these fix the problem.

As I await parts from Savage (and Godot) I have been surfing the net for other solutions. One post suggested finger placement on the Savage AccuTrigger could impact firing pin striking force. I tried this with a half dozen snap caps. Results were interesting but counter-intuitive. The higher I placed my finger on the trigger the deeper the impact on the snap cap? I have also identified 3 brands of .308 ammo that seem to have no problem in my rifle (PMC FMJ, PPU SP and PMP SP..all 150 gr). Still want a better solution. Hope Savage actually send the parts.