new rifle - ladder rounds

[Archeryrob]

I’m thinking 4227 is too fast for heavies in 6.8.

Should not fast, push more gas into cycling? I compared a bunch of typical reloading powders and found ones that work in larger cases as 30-30 and 30-06 with (3031 and 4198) gave me warnings in GRT. 4227, N120 or Reloader 7 look like the best from what i worked up. Am I wrong, possibly.

I am hoping PSA built something wrong, mis-aligned or just a failed gas block or something.

 

[Archeryrob]

I’ve been known to plug barrels with my fingers and blow into the muzzle to determine if there are restrictions and misalignments with the gas block. If you know what it “should” feel like you can get a good idea. Also there are some powders that just do not create the right gas pulse to properly function an AR in some situations. You have to verify and gas flow and try some factory rounds to go much further here.

Thanks, but I've wasted enough time bullets. I am dropping it off at Byron's expert as this task is about my amateur AR knowledge. Even if I found it was blocked or leaking, I'd feel better learning from him than trying this alone.

 

[Russ D]

Thanks, but I've wasted enough time bullets. I am dropping it off at Byron's expert as this task is about my amateur AR knowledge. Even if I found it was blocked or leaking, I'd feel better learning from him than trying this alone.

Hopefully he can eliminate at least half of your variables.

 

[gungate]

Thanks, but I've wasted enough time bullets. I am dropping it off at Byron's expert as this task is about my amateur AR knowledge. Even if I found it was blocked or leaking, I'd feel better learning from him than trying this alone.

Did you try a bolt from another AR?

 

[Archeryrob]

The only other AR I have is a 556 and the bolts are not compatible. Daughter has a 6.5 with a different bolt. So, not really.

 

[outrider58]

Should not fast, push more gas into cycling? I compared a bunch of typical reloading powders and found ones that work in larger cases as 30-30 and 30-06 with (3031 and 4198) gave me warnings in GRT. 4227, N120 or Reloader 7 look like the best from what i worked up. Am I wrong, possibly.

View attachment 459635

I am hoping PSA built something wrong, mis-aligned or just a failed gas block or something.

I saw no pressure signs on the brass you showed me. No swipes. No flow.

 

[outrider58]

The only other AR I have is a 556 and the bolts are not compatible. Daughter has a 6.5 with a different bolt. So, not really.

But the carriers are the same, no? That's where the leak will occur, at the gas key-bolt carrier interface.

 

[Archeryrob]

Hopefully he can eliminate at least half of your variables.

I tried the blowing thing. I put an ear plug in the chamber of the 223 and 6.8 and blew threw them. I get about the same air flow, but I would think I should get more on the 6.8 as its wide open and the 223 is non adjustable. I put my finger over the gas tube in the receiver and do not sense any leaks, at least that I can notice. I seem to pressurize as I put my finger on it.

Felt a little gay sliding that flash hider in my mouth though.

 

[Archeryrob]

But the carriers are the same, no? That's where the leak will occur, at the gas key-bolt carrier interface.

Don't know. I am pretty new to AR's and never did anything with them but load, shoot and clean them. I'm learning on the fly. Pretend your teaching your grandson.

So are you talking the tube on the bolt that slides on the gas tube and that seal leaking? I figured the force just blew it back and there was no seal.

 

[Russ D]

I tried the blowing thing. I put an ear plug in the chamber of the 223 and 6.8 and blew threw them. I get about the same air flow, but I would think I should get more on the 6.8 as its wide open and the 223 is non adjustable. I put my finger over the gas tube in the receiver and do not sense any leaks, at least that I can notice. I seem to pressurize as I put my finger on it.

Felt a little gay sliding that flash hider in my mouth though.

It’s probably your ammo then. Before I reload any semi auto I always run 500 rounds of good factory ammo to make sure function is 100%. At least then you know if it’s gun or ammo. My WAG is you powder isn’t right or they aren’t hot enough. Non adjustable gas block is basically wide open equivalent of an adjustable.

 

[outrider58]

It’s probably your ammo then. Before I reload any semi auto I always run 500 rounds of good factory ammo to make sure function is 100%. At least then you know if it’s gun or ammo. My WAG is you powder isn’t right or they aren’t hot enough. Non adjustable gas block is basically wide open equivalent of an adjustable.

This^^^ is what I suggest to everyone. ARs need to 'seal' up/break in.

 

[Archeryrob]

So I tried some factory ammo. I found a box of Sellier & Bellot 110 grains and 2549 fps at the muzzle it says. First shot ejected back behind me and locked back. 2nd shot ejected to my side directly and no lock back. The gas block was on 7 clicks as per the instructions sent. Moved up 2 clicks each shot and it either limped out the side for ejection or did not eject at all. at 13 clicks open it failed to eject at all.

Lowered it back down and still no ejection. There is a gas system problem. I am ready to have it looked at or send back to PSA.

 

[outrider58]

So I tried some factory ammo. I found a box of Sellier & Bellot 110 grains and 2549 fps at the muzzle it says. First shot ejected back behind me and locked back. 2nd shot ejected to my side directly and no lock back. The gas block was on 7 clicks as per the instructions sent. Moved up 2 clicks each shot and it either limped out the side for ejection or did not eject at all. at 13 clicks open it failed to eject at all.

Lowered it back down and still no ejection. There is a gas system problem. I am ready to have it looked at or send back to PSA.

At this point, I'd probably see about returning it. If any of us touches it mechanically, it would likely end up voiding any warranty.

Now, if PSA tells you to pound sand, then I would recommend having someone locally take a look at it.

ETA: Short of that, the only thing I would try is a different bolt carrier(with your 6.8 bolt in it) to see if the problem is with a leaky BCG. If the problem persists, then it is more than likely the gas block.

 

[E.Shell]

If you know someone with a borescope, gas block alignment can be checked in 5 minutes.

 

[Archeryrob]

Pete said he'd look at it and maybe its a buffer spring/weight. Maybe my lower build kit was not quite right. he's going to look at it and tell me what to do/buy/return.

I about ready to buy a bolt gun with an extended magazine at this point.

 

[outrider58]

Pete said he'd look at it and maybe its a buffer spring/weight. Maybe my lower build kit was not quite right. he's going to look at it and tell me what to do/buy/return.

I about ready to buy a bolt gun with an extended magazine at this point.

One more example that shows AR-15s are NOT like Legos.

 

[Doco Overboard]

This^^^ is what I suggest to everyone. ARs need to 'seal' up/break in.

Blanks are good for sealing things up.

 

[outrider58]

Blanks are good for sealing things up.

So are rounds down range.

 

[Doco Overboard]

So are rounds down range.

Seems to be a problem with a lot of these AR type rifles.
Everyone of them is different and they seem to often have problems.

 

[gungate]

Seems to be a problem with a lot of these AR type rifles.
Everyone of them is different and they seem to often have problems.

I've never had any issues with any of mine. They all run like a top. I have 5 .223s and 2 "other". I wonder if it is the ammo? I don't think there would be a problem with factory ammo but maybe some reloads could cause issues?