CZ 97B feeding issues

[K-9COPPER]

Hey guys, so I bought a used CZ97b recently and finally got to the range. I replaced the magazine spring with a wolff spring because it was so weak, I wouldn't get slide lock on empty. So with the mag issue resolved, I went shooting to run some defense loads(Hornady Critical Duty 220gr 45 auto +p) through it. So I loaded the 10 rnd mag, racked one in chamber and fired as normal, but second round failed to feed. Upon closer inspection, it appears the red plug inside the Hornady got stuck on the feed ramp. After clearing the round, I continued firing the remaining rounds with no issue. I then loaded another mag and fired and same issue occurred. I then loaded ball ammo and no issues whatsoever. Curious of everyone's thoughts and possible solutions. Any recommendations and alternatives for defensive loads?

 

[clandestine]

Some guns font like certain loads and bullet profiles.

The ramp and mouth can be contoured to make it run on those loads, but that's not something you should do unless you know what you are doing.

 

[BradMacc82]

Some guns don't like certain loads and bullet profiles.

The ramp and mouth can be contoured to make it run on those loads, but that's not something you should do unless you know what you are doing.

^^All of this.

Unless you're willing to have a 'smith work some magic on it, I'd just try a few diff't offerings.

 

[K-9COPPER]

Any recommendations for 'smiths in the baltimore area? I wouldn't dare do anything myself.

 

[BradMacc82]

Two options off the top of my head -

Scott's in Glen Burnie.

John Carduner (trikshot, here on MDS).

 

[jimbobborg]

Remington Golden Sabres.

 

[K-9COPPER]

Just polished up the feed ramp and will try some different ammo. I got a box of federal hydro shock 230gr and will try some others. Thanks for the info guys. I'll try some golden sabers too. This is gonna get expensive. Haha!

 

[Mr.Blue]

Check the CZ board. I have a CZ 97BD and haven't had any problems, but I seem to recall that a lot of 97's had feeding problems with certain ammo. There might be a quick fix that they know about over there.

 

[K-9COPPER]

Thanks Blue, I love this pistol and I'm having a hard time believing it's the pistol rather than the odd shaped cone on the hornady critical duty. I'm gonna get my hands on some different types and see what she eats best. Clandestine was able to help me out some as well. Thanks guys!

 

[TheGunnyRet]

I had a similar problem with my New P09, a couple of rounds stove piped and checked and CZs are a little rough on fit an finish so I polished the feed ramp and fired 150 more rounds through it "Remington and Winchester" FMJ & JHP and no issues since, figure when I get home on my next leave I'll break it in some more. Most members w/CZ say you need to run 200 plus rounds thru to get it broken in nicely... Cajun Gun Works is the CZ go to for refining you CZ Pistol. How do you like the 97B otherwise?

Oh I forgot t mention, in the CZ owners manual what did it say about +P ammo, mine said it wasn't recommended but you can shoot it.

 

[K-9COPPER]

Not sure how many rounds were put through it from the previous owner but the pistol is immaculate with very little signs of use and that's only on the barrel itself. Fit and finish is amazing and couldn't be happier with my purchase. I understand it's said that the 97b doesn't care for jhp but the new style feedramp should be more forgiving. I'm gonna be taking it out next week and will let you know how it does. But overall, I love this thing. If it don't shoot, I can knock you out with it as solid as it is.

 

[TheGunnyRet]

I know, something about CZ's just that feel of them. I'm hooked already need to get another...

 

[DocAitch]

This is a common issue with the older CZ 97s. They will not feed anything reliably except ball.
CZ makes a replacement barrel which has a revamped feed ramp. http://shop.cz-usa.com/ProductDetail/0460049101_Barrel--Cz97-45-Acp
I am reluctant to do anything more than polish the feed ramp on mine since the barrel is also serial numbered and may affect resale.
I am planning to get that replacement for mine in the near future. In the meantime, I will load ball for it.
DocAitch

 

[K-9COPPER]

Latest update for my CZ feeding issues. Went to freestate today and tried some federal jhp and had 3 failures to feed due to the feedramp. Pic below indicates the gouge left in the hollow point after clearing the jam. Ran 100 rounds of ball ammo without one issue. Funny thing is, my sistema 1911 ran all jhp just fine.

 

[K-9COPPER]

 

[Mr.Blue]

I guess you like the accuracy! If you like this gun, you'll love The CZ 75 SP01 Tactical 9mm. It's my favorite handgun in the world. No feed issues EVER!

 

[OrbitalEllipses]

Cajun Gun Works has the updated barrels for ~$160.

http://cajungunworks.com/miscellaneous.html

 

[K-9COPPER]

Yeah, it's very easy to shoot and recoil is very manageable. Just point and squeeze. I'm very happy with it when running fmj.

 

[K-9COPPER]

Went to Freestate last night to test some more ammo (Golden Saber) and see if I can get a better idea of what creating these failures to feed. I got a box of 50 ball ammo and started to get FTF even with ball ammo at about 45 rounds through the CZ. Same issues of bullet hitting the feedramp and bullet not seating in the chamber. The round was getting stuck at a 45 degree angle with the slide open. So is this due to the gun being dirty or other issues? I then tried to shoot some of the golden sabers and each one was a FTF. First round went fine but second would hit the feedramp. I have read some posts on CZ forums and some claim the recoil spring is too light in these and need replacing, so I have ordered a wolff #16 as apposed to the stock #13. Not sure if this would even address the issue. I have also contacted CZ and waiting for a response. I'm in love with this pistol but getting frustrated to say the least. I'd like to hear anybody's thoughts.

 

[smokey]

In your OP, you mentioned changing the spring in the magazine. Before tinkering around with the gun, get another magazine and try it out. Your mag is the heart of what feeds the gun reliably. If that magazine's feed lips are messed up, you could be running into timing issues. If it's not running golden sabers and fmj, something's wrong. You may also want to check out the recoil spring to see if it's the stock spring or if the previous owner messed with it and put a heavier one in or something.