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Posted: 3/3/2021 3:51:06 PM EDT
[#1]
Are you trying to create a dedicated .22?
If so, I'd recommend a .22 barrel and maybe the Catch22 bolt catch. Otherwise, I'd say you're ready to shoot. |
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Posted: 3/3/2021 4:00:28 PM EDT
[#2]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Are you trying to create a dedicated .22? If so, I'd recommend a .22 barrel and maybe the Catch22 bolt catch. Otherwise, I'd say you're ready to shoot. Oh no. Not a dedicated .22. That will be a separate build. I'm talking about a .223 wylde or 5.56 upper, but with the CMMG Bravo kit drop in BCG in it. I just want to know what other upgrades I should put in it besides the buffer plug and charging handle insert. I'm talking stuff like extractor upgrades, bolt weights, firing pins, yada yada yada. You know what I mean? |
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Posted: 3/3/2021 4:00:29 PM EDT
[#3]
You should be gtg but I would use some kind of lube as I believe this improves reliability, especially on a new kit. CMMG doesn’t recommend stingers in there 22 conversion because the actual brass is slightly longer and maybe higher pressure than HV 22 LR ammo. The walls of the chamber insert are not as strong as an actual barrel chamber and have been known to crack.
My conversion kits function near 100% with CCI Blazers, Federal bulk 525/550 packs, Armscor HV and Winchester 333/555 ammo. I did get a box of Winchester 333 ammo which leaded one of my pistol barrels. I prefer to shoot plated bullets in my AR-15 with 22 conversion as you get lead build up on the flash hider after extensive firing. I usually use a 22 bore snake on my centerfire AR-15 barrels after shooting rimfire ammo. I also recommend shooting two or three rounds of centerfire 223 after shooting 1000 rimfire. I always run a bore snake through my centerfire barrel prior to firing 223 ammo. I normally run my 22 conversions with Breakfree CLP but others like dry lube. Regardless what lube you use rimfire ammo is filthy. I moved to dedicated rimfire upper and lower because I hated all the filth in my 5.56/223 AR-15’s. I shoot way more 22 LR rimfire than centerfire. I really like shooting steel plates with the 22 rimfire in AR-15’s. The 1:9 twist barrels usually get fewer fliers than 1:8 twist but my 1:7 twist barrel has the poorest least consistent accuracy of my 223/5.56 AR-15 barrels. |
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Posted: 3/3/2021 4:08:27 PM EDT
[#4]
What twist is your bbl, OP?
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Posted: 3/3/2021 5:12:49 PM EDT
[#5]
Quote HistoryQuoted: What twist is your bbl, OP? Criterion core barrel, 1/8 twist, .223 wylde, CHF 16” barrel, Mid length gas system |
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Posted: 3/3/2021 5:23:28 PM EDT
[#6]
I'd see if the Aguila 60 grn SSS spin fast enough. Cheap bulk pack is gonna be rough.
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Posted: 3/3/2021 5:48:52 PM EDT
[#7]
Quote HistoryQuoted: You should be gtg but I would use some kind of lube as I believe this improves reliability, especially on a new kit. CMMG doesn’t recommend stingers in there 22 conversion because the actual brass is slightly longer and maybe higher pressure than HV 22 LR ammo. The walls of the chamber insert are not as strong as an actual barrel chamber and have been known to crack. My conversion kits function near 100% with CCI Blazers, Federal bulk 525/550 packs, Armscor HV and Winchester 333/555 ammo. I did get a box of Winchester 333 ammo which leaded one of my pistol barrels. I prefer to shoot plated bullets in my AR-15 with 22 conversion as you get lead build up on the flash hider after extensive firing. I usually use a 22 bore snake on my centerfire AR-15 barrels after shooting rimfire ammo. I also recommend shooting two or three rounds of centerfire 223 after shooting 1000 rimfire. I always run a bore snake through my centerfire barrel prior to firing 223 ammo. I normally run my 22 conversions with Breakfree CLP but others like dry lube. Regardless what lube you use rimfire ammo is filthy. I moved to dedicated rimfire upper and lower because I hated all the filth in my 5.56/223 AR-15’s. I shoot way more 22 LR rimfire than centerfire. I really like shooting steel plates with the 22 rimfire in AR-15’s. The 1:9 twist barrels usually get fewer fliers than 1:8 twist but my 1:7 twist barrel has the poorest least consistent accuracy of my 223/5.56 AR-15 barrels. Wait, you’re telling me that CCI stingers can cause long-term wear or damage?? I just bought 1200 rounds of the stuff to run through it! Should I go ahead and try to sell it off and buy a different type of ammo? |
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Posted: 3/3/2021 7:01:28 PM EDT
[#8]
At the store now buying CCI velocitors. Is that stuff good to go?
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Posted: 3/3/2021 7:11:11 PM EDT
[#9]
I've honestly never needed any of the upgrade stuff, mine runs fine as long as its clean.
Velocitors are fine, they're my prefered woodchuck .22LR (.22LR is marginal on woodchucks). I probably wouldn't use them through a conversion kit due purely to accuracy/wasting them. |
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Posted: 3/3/2021 7:14:33 PM EDT
[#10]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I've honestly never needed any of the upgrade stuff, mine runs fine as long as its clean. Velocitors are fine, they're my prefered woodchuck .22LR (.22LR is marginal on woodchucks). I probably wouldn't use them through a conversion kit due purely to accuracy/wasting them. I just want to know if they might cause any wear or harm to the conversion kit. After that, I am concerned about performance. |
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Posted: 3/3/2021 8:24:58 PM EDT
[#11]
It will run with what you've got. All the parts are replaceable. Just picked up BoreBuddy's Mega Bundle for a dedicated .22 build. I understand firing pins and extractors are failure points, BBs are beefed up. They also have hard rubber buffers for the bolt. The bundle includes the main weight which slows down the bolt and reduces bolt bounce (and, I imagine, would help it absorb those Stingers, etc.). Check out the Borebuddy vids on YT. At reasonable distances, the too fast-twist doesn't seem to be much of an issue, further out, you want the 1:16.
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Posted: 3/3/2021 9:16:08 PM EDT
[#12]
Quote HistoryQuoted: It will run with what you've got. All the parts are replaceable. Just picked up BoreBuddy's Mega Bundle for a dedicated .22 build. I understand firing pins and extractors are failure points, BBs are beefed up. They also have hard rubber buffers for the bolt. The bundle includes the main weight which slows down the bolt and reduces bolt bounce (and, I imagine, would help it absorb those Stingers, etc.). Check out the Borebuddy vids on YT. At reasonable distances, the too fast-twist doesn't seem to be much of an issue, further out, you want the 1:16. How difficult is it to swap out the extractor and firing pin in the CMMG drop-in kit? Do you think it’s worth the money to do it? |
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Posted: 3/4/2021 9:41:44 AM EDT
[#13]
I looked on CMMG’s web site to see if I could find where they do not recommend CCI Stingers and couldn’t find it. CMMG customer service is pretty good and should cover you if the chamber insert fails. The CCI Velociters should be fine and the kit might or might not function with Stingers. I’ve heard mixed results on Stingers in 22 conversions and should be gtg in dedicated 22 LR AR-15 barrels.
The extractor and spring are retained by a compression pin and is not hard to remove with a punch or blunted thin nail. The newer CMMG firing pins are retained by a cotter pin but the older bolts used a compression pin just like used on the extractor. I wouldn’t swap out the firing pin or extractor but I like having spares on hand. The actual fire control group seem to affect the life of the firing pins. I got less firing pin life with mil spec single stage triggers compared to two stage triggers, YMMV. I don’t remember ever replacing an extractor on one of my CMMG 22 bolts. |
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Posted: 3/4/2021 10:20:49 AM EDT
[#14]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I looked on CMMG’s web site to see if I could find where they do not recommend CCI Stingers and couldn’t find it. CMMG customer service is pretty good and should cover you if the chamber insert fails. The CCI Velociters should be fine and the kit might or might not function with Stingers. I’ve heard mixed results on Stingers in 22 conversions and should be gtg in dedicated 22 LR AR-15 barrels. Quote HistoryQuoted: I looked on CMMG’s web site to see if I could find where they do not recommend CCI Stingers and couldn’t find it. CMMG customer service is pretty good and should cover you if the chamber insert fails. The CCI Velociters should be fine and the kit might or might not function with Stingers. I’ve heard mixed results on Stingers in 22 conversions and should be gtg in dedicated 22 LR AR-15 barrels. Vascar, I thought the very opposite would be true. As I understand the problem with Stingers, the brass is longer than it should be, so the chambered round ends up doing damage to the transition from smooth chamber wall to rifling. Wouldn't a chamber insert that has no rifling be a great use for Stingers? Quoted: I wouldn’t swap out the firing pin or extractor but I like having spares on hand. That's sound guidance. Wait to have a problem before you get very wound up about fixing it. I did a lot of polishing on my first bolt and ordered heavier springs because I read about reliability problems before I had any reliability problems. Turns out, I didn't need any of that. However, having a spare firing pin in your bag will one day save you from wasting a trip to the range. |
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Posted: 3/4/2021 11:26:41 AM EDT
[#15]
Shoot it. If you have a problem, fix it. Don't go chasing a problem that doesn't exist. A fast twist barrel will benefit from heavy, slower, ammo.
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Posted: 3/4/2021 12:42:50 PM EDT
[#16]
Instead of just getting the charging handle insert, I got the .22 specific CH so I don't need to mess with changing out the adapter every time. Also bought the Bore Buddy reliability kit and dry fire adapter. Also have a few extra springs from CMMG and some Black Dog mags and a mag loader. Shoots really smooth now but it did take awhile to get the mags and kit broken in. I still don't load the mags to full capacity.
I'm a believer in spares so am also ordering a spare firing pin and the 3 pack of bolt buffers. FWIW, I made a storage container out of 1-1/4" PVC pipe and pipe caps. Keeps the BCG from getting banged up and is big enough that it won't get left behind. It's also a good place to put your regular BCG when shooting .22. I've also got a dedicated ammo box with tray for all my .22 mags and various parts and pieces. ETA: You might want t try different types of ammo and see what your gun likes best before sinking a ton of money into one type. Mine is more accurate with Federal Match and CCI AR Tactical, but shoots others well now that it's broken in. |
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Posted: 3/4/2021 2:25:32 PM EDT
[#17]
Had a consistent issue w/ my boy's left-eject Stag kit (made by CMMG) having light strikes w/ target FCS. Two different chassis triggers and a LaRue. Finally put an ordinary hammer spring on the LaRue, problem solved.
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Posted: 3/9/2021 12:06:40 AM EDT
[#18]
So I did manage to return all 1200 rounds of the stinger ammo back to the retailer where I purchased it, lol. I replaced it all with velociter ammo. That being said, I took the rifle to the range today to see how it fares. I shot 200 rounds through the rifle with nary a hickup. It ran like a swiss watch, as the saying goes. There was ONE failure to fire at approx the 180 round mark. But that was it. I shot 150 rounds of velocitor ammo, with 50 rounds of Aguila Interceptor 40 gr copper plated ammo (the one failure to fire was with the Velocitor). It was surely a fluke. My AR is a colt 6920 upper with the CMMG drop in kit (with the stainless steel ring, not brass), using the Borebuddy buffer plug and CMMG dedicated charging handle. I shot using all 3 included 25 round mags. My rifle was pretty filthy after. I punched the bore after firing it all, then finished it off with about 10 rounds of 5.56. Spent 2 hours cleaning the receiver and barrel once I got home. All in all, it shot perfectly (almost). I'm quite happy with it.
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Posted: 3/9/2021 8:44:17 AM EDT
[#19]
Awesome! How was the accuracy?
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Posted: 3/9/2021 11:03:54 AM EDT
[#20]
How was the accuracy? Yes, inquiring minds want to know 
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Posted: 3/9/2021 2:39:27 PM EDT
[#21]
Umm, so about that. So from what I’ve researched, the first 200 rounds or so are necessary in order to break the kit in. I also wanted to test reliability. So I literally mag dumped the entire 200 rounds from the standing position, literally squeezing the trigger as fast as I possibly could, lol. Also, this was an indoor range, and there were no chairs to sit in. So I would have had to find a rest for the foreend on the table, as well as stand in a semi-crouched position in order to fire it from a rest. Which would not have been a stable shooting position. So I didn’t really do any accuracy testing. Now that I’ve confirmed reliability, I can do proper accuracy testing next time I go to the range.
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Posted: 3/9/2021 2:50:58 PM EDT
[#22]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Umm, so about that. So from what I’ve researched, the first 200 rounds or so are necessary in order to break the kit in. I also wanted to test reliability. So I literally mag dumped the entire 200 rounds from the standing position, literally squeezing the trigger as fast as I possibly could, lol. Also, this was an indoor range, and there were no chairs to sit in. So I would have had to find a rest for the foreend on the table, as well as stand in a semi-crouched position in order to fire it from a rest. Which would not have been a stable shooting position. So I didn’t really do any accuracy testing. Now that I’ve confirmed reliability, I can do proper accuracy testing next time I go to the range. I hear ya, OP. I have shitty aim sometimes, too! 
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Posted: 3/9/2021 3:07:10 PM EDT
[#23]
lol I’m not kidding about how fast I fired them off. There were a lot of inexperienced shooters at this indoor range, and I didn’t want to be there any long than I needed to.
By the way, are there any tools to make loading up the CMMG magazines a less of a pain? The casings pressing up against each other make them wonky to press down on. |
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Posted: 3/9/2021 3:11:31 PM EDT
[#24]
People seem to like McFadden Machine Lightnin' Loader
It gets posted in nearly every CMMG .22 thread. I don't own one yet, but I think I will soon. edit: you need THIS adapter, too. edit 2: It's $40 shipped for both directly from McFadden website.
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Posted: 3/9/2021 3:28:42 PM EDT
[#25]
Quote HistoryQuoted: People seem to like McFadden Machine Lightnin' Loader It gets posted in nearly every CMMG .22 thread. I don't own one yet, but I think I will soon. edit: you need THIS adapter, too. edit 2: It's $40 shipped for both directly from McFadden website. I see on Amazon there is a third piece that people order along with those two. Do I need that one as well? https://www.amazon.com/McFadden-Machine-Ultimate-Clip-Loader/dp/B004YF931Y/ref=pd_aw_fbte_img_3/142-6647013-9942335?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B004YF931Y&pd_rd_r=03158ec0-0f2e-4911-bc71-1b086755b015&pd_rd_w=2xN7W&pd_rd_wg=TwzsE&pf_rd_p=16a91b47-29f0-44ad-9cd6-3a1b8bcc4fa6&pf_rd_r=Z2QQA48ZNQE8D027GKMP&psc=1&refRID=Z2QQA48ZNQE8D027GKMP |
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Posted: 3/9/2021 4:49:03 PM EDT
[#26]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I see on Amazon there is a third piece that people order along with those two. Do I need that one as well? https://www.amazon.com/McFadden-Machine-Ultimate-Clip-Loader/dp/B004YF931Y/ref=pd_aw_fbte_img_3/142-6647013-9942335?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B004YF931Y&pd_rd_r=03158ec0-0f2e-4911-bc71-1b086755b015&pd_rd_w=2xN7W&pd_rd_wg=TwzsE&pf_rd_p=16a91b47-29f0-44ad-9cd6-3a1b8bcc4fa6&pf_rd_r=Z2QQA48ZNQE8D027GKMP&psc=1&refRID=Z2QQA48ZNQE8D027GKMP No. That is for loading Ruger style magazines. With the Lightnin' loader you can buy different adapters for different mags, but the adapter I linked is for the CMMG mags. There's another for M&P mags, too, if you end up going that route in the future. |
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Posted: 3/9/2021 5:05:11 PM EDT
[#27]
Quote HistoryQuoted: No. That is for loading Ruger style magazines. With the Lightnin' loader you can buy different adapters for different mags, but the adapter I linked is for the CMMG mags. There's another for M&P mags, too, if you end up going that route in the future. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: I see on Amazon there is a third piece that people order along with those two. Do I need that one as well? https://www.amazon.com/McFadden-Machine-Ultimate-Clip-Loader/dp/B004YF931Y/ref=pd_aw_fbte_img_3/142-6647013-9942335?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B004YF931Y&pd_rd_r=03158ec0-0f2e-4911-bc71-1b086755b015&pd_rd_w=2xN7W&pd_rd_wg=TwzsE&pf_rd_p=16a91b47-29f0-44ad-9cd6-3a1b8bcc4fa6&pf_rd_r=Z2QQA48ZNQE8D027GKMP&psc=1&refRID=Z2QQA48ZNQE8D027GKMP No. That is for loading Ruger style magazines. With the Lightnin' loader you can buy different adapters for different mags, but the adapter I linked is for the CMMG mags. There's another for M&P mags, too, if you end up going that route in the future. Nice! I ordered those two. I can’t wait. The most annoying part of shooting the CMMG kit is loading up the magazines. |
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Posted: 3/9/2021 6:47:57 PM EDT
[#28]
If anyone else is looking for accessories and spares, Black Dog also has a pretty good selection. They've also got magazines, but the drums are currently out of stock.
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Posted: 3/9/2021 9:25:09 PM EDT
[#29]
Quote HistoryQuoted: lol I’m not kidding about how fast I fired them off. There were a lot of inexperienced shooters at this indoor range, and I didn’t want to be there any long than I needed to. By the way, are there any tools to make loading up the CMMG magazines a less of a pain? The casings pressing up against each other make them wonky to press down on. This is why I like the S&W mags. They have the slider on the side so all you do is drop the rounds in. The thumb is thankful |
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Posted: 3/9/2021 10:42:18 PM EDT
[#30]
Quote HistoryQuoted: This is why I like the S&W mags. They have the slider on the side so all you do is drop the rounds in. The thumb is thankful Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: lol I’m not kidding about how fast I fired them off. There were a lot of inexperienced shooters at this indoor range, and I didn’t want to be there any long than I needed to. By the way, are there any tools to make loading up the CMMG magazines a less of a pain? The casings pressing up against each other make them wonky to press down on. This is why I like the S&W mags. They have the slider on the side so all you do is drop the rounds in. The thumb is thankful Ugh, I so wish all 22 LR magazines had those lol. I was thinking about springing for an M&P 15-22 In the future. I’m just not sure if I should get one since I already have the drop in kit. Nothing would be more satisfying than being able to mag dump several hundred rounds through a rifle without having to worry about the gas tube getting gunked up. |
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Posted: 3/9/2021 10:44:15 PM EDT
[#31]
Quote HistoryQuoted: If anyone else is looking for accessories and spares, Black Dog also has a pretty good selection. They've also got magazines, but the drums are currently out of stock. Do they sell short magazines? I like being able to lay in the prone or on a rest without having my magazine dig into the ground. The CMMG mags are pretty long. That’s why I always keep a couple 20 round 5.56 mags when I want to do accurate shooting with my AR. |
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Posted: 3/9/2021 11:12:14 PM EDT
[#32]
There's a 10 rnd S&W mag. Thinking I'm gonna convert the boy's left hand AR-22 to the S&W mags now that I've got his La Rue trigger sorted.
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Posted: 3/10/2021 1:02:41 AM EDT
[#33]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Ugh, I so wish all 22 LR magazines had those lol. I was thinking about springing for an M&P 15-22 In the future. I’m just not sure if I should get one since I already have the drop in kit. Nothing would be more satisfying than being able to mag dump several hundred rounds through a rifle without having to worry about the gas tube getting gunked up. I use the boonie packer bma with my dedicated 22LLR uppers, not the 15-22 rifle. I handled one in the local fun store and it seemed like a toy. I think you could use them with your drop in, but dedicated upper is the way. No worries about mucking up a centerfire upper. |
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Posted: 3/10/2021 9:07:09 AM EDT
[#34]
Catch22 makes this CLIP ON ADAPTER to use S&W15-22 mags in a standard lower.
They also have STICK ON ADAPTERS that go on the mags and do the same thing. I haven't tried these yet, but I think I will sometime soon. |
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