Browning BLR lever action 7mm-08 will not fire

[Fighterpilot]

My Browning BLR 7mm-08 would not consistently fire the last time I went to the range. The hammer would not drop on the chambered round when I pulled the trigger and I could feel the trigger clicking over the release mechanism. It's acting as though the lever is not locked up thereby engaging the trigger. I'm using Winchester Silver Ballistic Tip ammunition.
When the chamber is empty, the gun will fire each and every time the trigger is pulled. With a round in the chamber, it is intermittent. Sometimes it will fire, sometimes it won't.
Does anyone know if this is a simple adjustment of the lever and bolt mechanism? The gun is in like new condition with only about 40 to 50 rounds through it. It has never done this before my recent trip to the range.
Thanks!

[Old Savage]

Welcome, it does sound like the match of the dimensions of the ammo/chamber may be in question.

[iceman]

To eliminate an ammo problem maybe try some from another manufacturer. If it works then obviously ammo.

[Tycer]

My 358 win BLR has a very tight chamber. It will not let the bolt fully seat and the hammer not drop with oversize reloads.

[BenT]

You probably have crud build up in your chamber throat , which is not allowing the cartridge to chamber all the way. Give the chamber a good cleaning with a brush and solvent.

[JB]

I agree about the crud. I'd give the rifle a good cleaning and try it again.

[Old Savage]

My 243 did have a problem with what the gunsmith said was likely polishing compound in the neck of the chamber that caused high pressures until at his direction I used a patch and brush with some tooth paste on it. Then I cleaned it with Hoppe's or the like.

[Hobie]

So now that you've cleaned it and tried different ammo, does it work?

[Bigahh]

If the rifle is new, it could have excessive packing grease in the chamber area, and does need a good cleaning.

[Fighterpilot]

I can assure you guys that the rifle was clean and the chamber free of any "crud". I will double check however, just to make sure, there is always the possiblilty.
I did change ammunition from the Winchester Silver Ballistic Tips to Federal Vital Shock. The gun fired all Federal ammunition without a hitch. This makes me believe that the chamber is tight and the Winchester plated cases are just a bit larger and not seating deeply enough to allow the bolt to consistently close all the way. So, from now on, I'll hunt with a plain brass cased ammo like Federal or Hornady.
One ammo I'd like to try in my 7mm-08 is the new Hornady Superformance SST. Have any of you guys tried it yet in your lever gun?

[Old Savage]

Makes sense - the chamber and the bore on my 243 are tight.