Looking for a light weight carrier for an off build.   Just a fun gun in DI 357 mag.    I'm running a light spring and light weight buffer.  I'm using 357 magnum range ammo.   I know it's not the strongest ammo but works well enough for the range (in my wheel guns and Coonan).  

1.  I have gas port wide open.  
2.  I'm using a standard weight carbine buffer, 3 ounces if I remember correctly.  
3.  I'm using a white carbine spring from Sprinco.   It's the weakest.  

I'm still having failure to eject.   I know Ron had it working without issues but he was using better ammo than me.   Only other thing I can think about is getting a light weight carrier.   I don't care about full auto in this caliber.   Semi would be great.   I know getting more expensive ammo would help.   Thing is that I have around 5000 rounds of this stuff.  It's boxed, factory ammo that is just a bit weaker.  It would be cheaper for me to sell the upper than replace the ammo.  

Once I get it working with my low power stuff I can dial down the gas port to use with better ammo.  I don't need a super duper space age carrier.

Edit.   I would still use my proprietary 357/38 bolt.  I'm just inquiring about the bolt carrier.

Assuming standard BC's work with your .357 bolt, there are a few  light ones that come to mind:

- Boomfab  - lightest I know of, 4.3oz,  but $480
- JP Rifles - 6.7oz,  $225
- 2A Armament is coming out soon with an adjustable gas lightweight, supposedly about 6.2 oz and around $325

For the first two, keep in mind you'll need an adjustable gas block to work with them. SLR makes nice ones for about $120.

Thanks.   This is more or less a trial and error build.   I'd rather keep the price down.   I guess we all would.   Seems like JP is the way to go for the reputation and price.   This upper has a Syrac adjustable gas block on it currently.   Thoughts?

J.P. and a couple of others offer an aluminum carrier that is less than 4 ounces.

I'm trying this to get it to work.   I'm not specifically going out to build a super light recoiling rifle.   So if I'm going to experiment, rather keep the cost down in case my theory fails.  I've looked on EE without luck.  

Any advice where to look next?

aim surplus makes a titanium bcg don't know the specs off hand but if you post up in the industry forum i'm sure pimp would love to help you

steamed:  I'm using the Rubber City low mass carrier in my latest build.  You can get it with and without an adjustable gas key.  Cost is quite reasonable, quality is top shelf. - CW

https://www.rubbercityarmory.com/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=42

Thanks!   I'll order that when I get home.  I don't need a $300 low mass carrier, way overkill for this gun.  This rifle is a solid range toy (for now).

I'm using a Rhino Low Mass carrier in my BumpSAW.  Here is my picture review thread:



http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_118/669835_AP_Customs_Rhino_Low_Mass_5_56_Bolt_Carrier_Group_Picture_Review_and_POF_Roller_Cam_installation.html



I got the complete BCG for a little over $200.

I started looking at the link you sent.  I ran across this.  

https://dsgarms.com/aarvdi-bc-di-lm

States it's for gas guns and looks like it has a gas key.  Description states it's for Pistons.  Good price.   I'll have to inquire on it.

I think I would get the rubber city over the voodoo.  The voodoo is 7.5oz - almost an ounce heavier than the RCA.

I agree with you.

So I inquired about the RC carrier and the description says staked key (weight is inclusive of the key and screws).  However the overall product description says that it is only the carrier, no key.  I asked and the answer was it was only the carrier, i.e. no bolt.

Its maddening.  I don't need a bolt or cam, but I do need a gas key.  I can't tell what it is, and the answer was about the same level of clarity.

Not sure I understand your last sentence.  The RCA lightweight adjustable BC does include the gas key.  It states so clearly on the web page.

https://www.rubbercityarmory.com/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=51



ETA:  If it didn't include the gas key it wouldn't be adjustable

I have an adjustable gas block, don't need an adjustable gas key.  This is the product in question.

So I asked them (specifically about the carrier I linked) if a gas key is included.  Answer was ambiguous at best.  The item title does not match the item description.  Picture would indicate that a non-adjustable key is installed.  However the email response I got wasn't that.

Take the weights out of your buffer, that'll shave two ounces.  Or use the Taccom ultralight buffer, it's only half an ounce.

http://www.taccom3g.com/carbine-recoil-system.html

I don't think RCA offers a carrier without a gas key. It either has a standard gas key or an adjustable gas key. The one you linked does have a standard gas key.

On a side note, Im going to use the RCA LW carrier in my 3 gun AR build. I feel like its a good value when compared to all of the other LW carrier options.

It isn't super light, 10.4 ounces.
http://aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=XST5BG05&name=Spike's+Tactical+NiB+Light+Weight+.223%2f5.56+AR%2fM16+Bolt+Carrier+Group&groupid=723

This is the correct answer for a DI gun.  Plenty lightweight, but still steel so it won't gall and get beat to shit like the aluminium carriers.  I have one too and love it.

I have a LW RCA BCG. 600 rounds or so no issues.

got a photo?

Sounds interesting. Another request for a pic.

You should produce a small batch and sell.

Taccom already sells a delrin version.

http://www.taccom3g.com/carbine-recoil-system.html