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Cast Ballard action too tight (Read 1854 times)

bpjack Frequent Elocutionist Offline Posts: 4078 Location: East Olympia, WA Joined: May 18^th, 2008	Cast Ballard action too tight Aug 27^th, 2023 at 1:21pm	Print Post
	I just picked up a cast Ballar and although it functions properly when the block is fully inserted, It appears that the block cavity has been squeezed about 010 and I had to tap the block out with a wood dowel with some effort. I have used the method of expanding a cavity with a bolt and nut but wonder if this is a problem with a cast action. ANy thoughts? Jack

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scharfe Oldtimer Offline A good plan today beats a perfect plan tomorrow. Posts: 635 Location: ny / pa line Joined: Dec 18^th, 2006	Re: Cast Ballard action too tight Reply #1 - Aug 27^th, 2023 at 2:08pm	Print Post
	I had the same problem years ago on a rebarreled #3. The block was engine turned and when I tried to swap a double set block it wouldn't fit. I discussed the problem with a gunsmith and considering the risk I chickened out.


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bpjack Frequent Elocutionist Offline Posts: 4078 Location: East Olympia, WA Joined: May 18^th, 2008	Re: Cast Ballard action too tight Reply #2 - Aug 27^th, 2023 at 3:15pm	Print Post
	Based on coating the block with dykem, the binding is happening around the lever screw. I don't think it could be pried further apart there anyway. I am working on removing a bit of metal from the inside of the receiver in that area.

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scharfe Oldtimer Offline A good plan today beats a perfect plan tomorrow. Posts: 635 Location: ny / pa line Joined: Dec 18^th, 2006	Re: Cast Ballard action too tight Reply #3 - Aug 27^th, 2023 at 3:36pm	Print Post
	Good luck.


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bpjack Frequent Elocutionist Offline Posts: 4078 Location: East Olympia, WA Joined: May 18^th, 2008	Re: Cast Ballard action too tight Reply #4 - Aug 27^th, 2023 at 4:43pm	Print Post
	I shelved that idea for now and reinserted the block (with help from a wood dowel and a hammer). Luckily it is loose enough when inserted to get the extractor in place. I am going to install some scope blocks in the existing holes hopefully and see how it shoots. I have a match in a couple of weeks and really need to shoot a rimfire 250! Jack

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uscra112 Frequent Elocutionist Offline Posts: 4079 Location: Switzerland of Ohio Joined: May 7^th, 2007	Re: Cast Ballard action too tight Reply #5 - Aug 27^th, 2023 at 5:08pm	Print Post
	To answer the original question - "cast" Ballards were white iron castings that were "annealed" into malleable iron. Mechanical properties like a mild steel. As such there would not be any risk of fracturing one by trying to spread it, but removing a bit of metal to ease an interference is less effort in my book.

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bpjack Frequent Elocutionist Offline Posts: 4078 Location: East Olympia, WA Joined: May 18^th, 2008	Re: Cast Ballard action too tight Reply #6 - Aug 27^th, 2023 at 5:21pm	Print Post
	I did try the bolt and nut method to some extent and could open it by .010, but it would spring back. I am more curious now to see how it shoots.

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bobw Frequent Elocutionist Offline Posts: 2221 Joined: Mar 19^th, 2013	Re: Cast Ballard action too tight Reply #7 - Aug 27^th, 2023 at 6:27pm	Print Post
	Out of curiosity did you pull the block apart. I had a similar issue with the pitted Ballard. Someone had replaced the sear spring and peened the slot shut, raising a ridge and leaving the spring proud, expanding the sides of the block when screwed back together. It would go in so far then get tight and had to tap in just like yours. I removed the high spot and the problem went away. Bob


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bpjack Frequent Elocutionist Offline Posts: 4078 Location: East Olympia, WA Joined: May 18^th, 2008	Re: Cast Ballard action too tight Reply #8 - Aug 27^th, 2023 at 7:14pm	Print Post
	I did pull it apart and stone the mating edges. I also tried it in another rifle and it fit well so it is the frame. Marlinguy said the has seen variations in the width of the cavity.

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marlinguy Frequent Elocutionist Offline Ballards may be weaker, but they sure are neater! Posts: 18328 Location: Oregon Joined: Feb 2^nd, 2009	Re: Cast Ballard action too tight Reply #9 - Aug 28^th, 2023 at 10:12am	Print Post
	The receivers aren't all that hard to remove some metal inside, and that's what I'd do Jack. A good file to the area around the lever screw hole on each side will likely take care of the tight fit there, and let the block move easier.

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bpjack Frequent Elocutionist Offline Posts: 4078 Location: East Olympia, WA Joined: May 18^th, 2008	Re: Cast Ballard action too tight Reply #10 - Aug 28^th, 2023 at 10:16am	Print Post
	My plan exactly after I shoot it for a while. Match coming up in Tacoma in a couple of weeks

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