What we have here is a failure to ...

[Grizzly Adams]

Extract!

Been working on a problem 1866, caliber 44-40, that will intermittently fail to extract spent case.  Usually occurs on the clock!

To make things more interesting, it works 100% for me, but will screw up with other shooters.....aren't I blessed1

I have checked brass, and loads - all GTO.  The extractor seems to have plenty of snap, and lots of purchase on the rim of the case.  Headspace is within spec.   I can find nothing apparently wrong, but the dang thang  can not be relied on!   I can sure replace the extractor, but I hate to do that when the current resident seems perfectly fine!


What say yo'al?

[Coffinmaker]

Grizzly,

Look at the little recess the extractor fits into.  Chamber a "dud" slowly, and see if the extractor rides "up" into the recess as it chambers.  It shouldn't.  If it is, check the bottom of the recess at the breach end of the barrel.  You may have to use a small file and cut the bottom of the recess deeper into the barrel.  You may also have to reshape the nose of the extractor if it's contacting the "ramp" of recess further in.
If that ain't it ...............
Don't have a clue (without actually looking at it).

Coffinmaker

[Pettifogger]

Also, make sure the little tab at the bottom of the bolt isn't broken off.  (A common problem.)  It holds the rim up under the extractor and if it's broke off it will extract very poorly.  Also, since you are shooting .44-40 what kind of brass are you using?  A lot of .44-40 rifles don't work well with Remington brass.

[Fingers McGee]

Also, make sure the little tab at the bottom of the bolt isn't broken off.  (A common problem.)  It holds the rim up under the extractor and if it's broke off it will extract very poorly.  Also, since you are shooting .44-40 what kind of brass are you using?  A lot of .44-40 rifles don't work well with Remington brass.

+1.  My '66 carbine hates R-P brass.  Afeter taking 14 misses on two stages at Hell on Wheels a few years ago, I dumped all my R-P brass.  Have NEVER had an extraction problem with Starline brass - that's all I use now.

Additionally, I have a 1873 in 45 Colt that doesn't like Winchester brass; but will cycle Starline all day long with nary a hick-up

[Grizzly Adams]

Gentlemen:

I sure appreciate your help.   After reading all suggestions, I made a more critical examination, and found just a bit of "lift" in the extractor when closing the bolt on a dummy round.  Very slight, but prehaps enough to present an intermittent problem.  I will make some careful adjustment to the end profile of the extractor.   Tab is intact and shows good purchase on the rim.

Also noted that the RP brass has the greatest variation in rim thickness and diameter.  Rim diameter varies from .518 to .522!  Just for grins, I checked a box of old factory stuff and found them to be consistently .517, which also happens to match my 44-40 snap caps.....