TargetTalk

I shoot centrefire .32S&W with a Hammerli 280, 1.4gr VV310 behind 90gr HBWC. Sometimes a round is a bit weak with the result that the slide does not go all the way back and the fired case is not completely ejected. The slide then returns to land on the case and jam it against the back of the barrel. It is easy to clear by pulling back on the slide, letting the case drop out, and feeding in a new round. Because I have conditioned myself to expect this to happen I pull back the slide a little between shots to see that a new round has been chambered.
However, my questions are these: Is the jammed case regarded as a malfunction in terms of ISSF rules? Do I have to raise my hand to declare a malfunction in these instances? Am I allowed to clear these jams myself provided I observe the usual safety rules eg keep the muzzle pointed downrange?

1.4gr VV310 behind 90gr HBWC. Sometimes a round is a bit weak with the result that the slide does not go all the way back
--- check your powder thrower for consistant loads, some throwers do not like light loads. 1.4g n310 is more than enough to cycle. Also try a increase in crimp.

Is the jammed case regarded as a malfunction in terms of ISSF rules?
---Yes

Do I have to raise my hand to declare a malfunction in these instances?
---Yes, if you wish to claim a malfunction.

Am I allowed to clear these jams myself provided I observe the usual safety rules eg keep the muzzle pointed downrange?
---Yes, normally if it malfunctions in the precision stage you have plenty of time to clear the malfunction. In the rapid fire stage you can claim the first time as a malfunction, any further times you can clear it in time OK or at the very least only loose the next shot and keep shooting.

Also, in case you are not aware of this, Hammerli makes (made?) 2 different weight recoil springs for the 280. If you're in the US, you might want to call Larry's and check the alternatives.

HTH,
FredB

No, I wasn't aware about the additional recoil spring. Was it for the .32 barrel? There is no note about it in the Handbook. I have tried Larry's Guns before for new trigger adjustment screws but they couldn't help me because they were not allowed to export gun parts outside of the USA. I am in New Zealand so I will try other avenues. Does anyone else know about this spring option?

Yes, you asked about the .32, so my information about the recoil springs was about the .32. Mine came with the stronger of the two and would not function with lighter loads such as Fiocchi. With the weaker spring it does shoot Fiocchi nicely. Maybe you could email Larry's to get the part number.

HTH,
FredB

I used 1.2 VV pistol with 98grn. hbwc in my 280, and it cycled perfectly.
I think the spring is the culprit, as an earlier poster suggested.