Browning '86 problem

[PJ Hardtack]

My beautiful Browning '86 45-70 rifle rucks up my brass on ejection. I can run dummy rds through it and eject just fine, but fired/empty cases come out with drag marks the exact width of the extractor groove. This isn't conducive to long brass life, particularly on cases that have been annealed.
There are no apparent rough edges or projections in the chamber that I can feel with a finger tip.

Wassamada my '86 and what's the cure?

[John Taylor]

Sounds like the extractor has raised a bur on the inside of the chamber. An unfired case is still small enough so there is no lines but a fired case will be a few thou bigger and leave lines on the case. You need to polish this area to get rid of the raised metal. It's best to remove the barrel but it can be done by removing the bolt. Emery cloth on a dowel will work. Try not to go into the chamber any deeper than necessary.

[PJ Hardtack]

Thanks, John!

I suspected as much. I was thinking that the extractor spring might be a bit heavy as well.

I enjoy the rifle a lot, so I really want to get rid of that as a problem. This rifle has taken two nice moose for me; one huge monster at 75 yards and one an immature bull at less than 25.
Load was a smokeless BP equivalent (36/3031) my my own 420 RNFPs. Both were heart shots and the big one staggered 50 yards before piling up. The immature dropped in his tracks.

The '86 inspires a lot of confidence. I know how it got it's reputation.

[John Taylor]

I'm in the process of making my own 86 using a 71 action and a 50 cal barrel for a 50-100-450. Barrel will be 30" long with a full length mag. I did the rifling a few weeks back now it is set to go to the mill for octagon. One of my customers gave me a nice butt stock off a new 86 which fits the 71 action. Got a new forearm and cap from Winchester.