I'm working on an Ithaca model 37 12 gauge and feel like I have hit a wall, looking for recommendations on how to proceed.
The problem: Budget trap loads do not reliably extract from the chamber & I really want the gun to shoot all types of ammo reliably.
Symptoms: 1 out of every 3-5 rounds sticks in the chamber preventing the action from opening. When the gun is warm from fast shooting the issue is less likely (15 rounds good in a row today when I got it pretty warm, then jams again when cold). I've tried a couple brands with mixed results, they all still have the issue occasionally though. Doesn't happen with older high quality brass base ammo. When I take the barrel off it is difficult to remove the spent hull from the chamber, need to use leverage off my hand with the tip of pliers under the rim.
What I have done so far:
- Cleaned entire action/bolt thoroughly, replaced both extractors and extractor springs with brand new parts from numrich & brownells.
- Checked chamber with this tool from brownells to make sure tight forcing cone isn't causing high pressure & excess base expansion: https://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-t...e-prod593.aspx
- Lightly polished chamber with this 12 gauge chamber flex hone: https://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-t...--prod647.aspx
Took it out today but the issues remain (although improved from when I started).
What do you guys think should be tried next? Is more chamber polishing the next sensible step to take?
Edit: adding some info based on responses below:
- After each of the above "what I have done so far" steps I test fired the gun, issues remained after each one though, but I did try them one at a time to help isolate if something worked.
- Chamber is in great shape no rust or pitting, very very clean, very smooth to the touch & by eye right now
- Only prying cartridges out when necessary using my hand as a leverage point for pair of pliers that only touch the case not the barrel, using extractor notches to avoid touching barrel at all with pliers when doing so.
- I have made sure I'm lining up the extractor grooves well with the extractor so that it isn't binding in that area
Thanks,
Andy