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Posted: 3/18/2025 11:03:30 AM EDT
[Last Edit: tree-hugger][Edited]
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Total of 50 shots down this new upper. These cases were within the first 5 shots. I pulled the firing pin, no damage. The left case has a piece of cylindrical metal sticking UP out of the spent primer. The round failed to eject. Attached File Attached File Attached File On the next outing, I had two more FTE, but no damage to the case as shown above. Some primer strikes are deep as shown and some are light(er). The lower has been married to a 16" carbine and not one FTF or FTE. What caused the weird cylindrical piece to stick out of the primer within the first 5 shots and hasn't occurred again? What could be causing the occasional FTE? ETA: |
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Hot ammo, I hope not in Grendel AR, or oversized firing pin hole. Any Grendel that shows pressure signs on the bass or primer is WAY HOT. The 6.5G is bolt limited so to speak, not brass or primer limited. |
Leave me alone. I’m a libertarian. ARFCOM GD hates everything so don't freak out if catch grief for what you like. Unless you like AKs, then GFY.
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Your primers are cratered. This is indicates high pressures. I'd back off if these are reloads. |
"History teaches us that men and nations behave wisely once they have exhausted all other alternatives."-Abba Eban
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"I like it both ways, but still mainly mouth it" -gonzo_beyondo
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Originally Posted By tree-hugger: Thank you for the responses! Factory Hornady ammo. ELD Match and SST. 123gr. 2580 fps Who made the BCG? |
Leave me alone. I’m a libertarian. ARFCOM GD hates everything so don't freak out if catch grief for what you like. Unless you like AKs, then GFY.
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It is a new and complete AR platform upper. I added a scope. I'm thinking it's time to contact the MFR, Bear Creek Armory. Thank you again for the feedback, Gents. If you think of anything else, I'm all ears. |
"Some of the greatest dads I've ever seen weren't so much perfect as they were willing to work hard to overcome their failings. Does that make sense?"
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Originally Posted By tree-hugger: It is a new and complete AR platform upper. I added a scope. I'm thinking it's time to contact the MFR, Bear Creek Armory. Thank you again for the feedback, Gents. If you think of anything else, I'm all ears. I have a BCA upper. Mine works fine but their QC isn’t very good. I suspect the bolt firing pin hole is oversized. Or the pin is small. The other thing that could cause a pressure hit would be a fresh cut barrel that wasn’t cleaned well before shooting it. BCA used to test all their uppers and included two fired cases. IDK if they still do that. Is it still cratering primers? If this was just the first 3 shots and it doesn’t do it anymore then I would just shoot it. I use my Grendel on SC whitetails. |
Leave me alone. I’m a libertarian. ARFCOM GD hates everything so don't freak out if catch grief for what you like. Unless you like AKs, then GFY.
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Originally Posted By RattleCanAR: I have a BCA upper. Mine works fine but their QC isn’t very good. I suspect the bolt firing pin hole is oversized. Or the pin is small. The other thing that could cause a pressure hit would be a fresh cut barrel that wasn’t cleaned well before shooting it. BCA used to test all their uppers and included two fired cases. IDK if they still do that. Is it still cratering primers? If this was just the first 3 shots and it doesn’t do it anymore then I would just shoot it. I use my Grendel on SC whitetails. Originally Posted By RattleCanAR: Originally Posted By tree-hugger: It is a new and complete AR platform upper. I added a scope. I'm thinking it's time to contact the MFR, Bear Creek Armory. Thank you again for the feedback, Gents. If you think of anything else, I'm all ears. I have a BCA upper. Mine works fine but their QC isn’t very good. I suspect the bolt firing pin hole is oversized. Or the pin is small. The other thing that could cause a pressure hit would be a fresh cut barrel that wasn’t cleaned well before shooting it. BCA used to test all their uppers and included two fired cases. IDK if they still do that. Is it still cratering primers? If this was just the first 3 shots and it doesn’t do it anymore then I would just shoot it. I use my Grendel on SC whitetails. What loads are you using in your Grendel? Factory? I cleaned the upper before the first shots. Maybe I'l run a few patches of JB Non Embedding Bore Cleaning compound through it and give it a go again. ETA: They didn't include fired cases. I bought some FMJ 123gr. AAC ( America's Amunition Company ) rounds for pretty cheap and those primers look pretty good comparatively speaking. They grouped better than the Hornady's to boot. |
"Some of the greatest dads I've ever seen weren't so much perfect as they were willing to work hard to overcome their failings. Does that make sense?"
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Originally Posted By tree-hugger: What loads are you using in your Grendel? Factory? I cleaned the upper before the first shots. Maybe I'l run a few patches of JB Non Embedding Bore Cleaning compound through it and give it a go again. ETA: They didn't include fired cases. I bought some FMJ 123gr. AAC ( America's Amunition Company ) rounds for pretty cheap and those primers look pretty good comparatively speaking. They grouped better than the Hornady's to boot. I have never shot factory ammo through my Grendel. Not a single round. |
Leave me alone. I’m a libertarian. ARFCOM GD hates everything so don't freak out if catch grief for what you like. Unless you like AKs, then GFY.
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Originally Posted By RattleCanAR: I have never shot factory ammo through my Grendel. Not a single round. Originally Posted By RattleCanAR: Originally Posted By tree-hugger: What loads are you using in your Grendel? Factory? I cleaned the upper before the first shots. Maybe I'l run a few patches of JB Non Embedding Bore Cleaning compound through it and give it a go again. ETA: They didn't include fired cases. I bought some FMJ 123gr. AAC ( America's Amunition Company ) rounds for pretty cheap and those primers look pretty good comparatively speaking. They grouped better than the Hornady's to boot. I have never shot factory ammo through my Grendel. Not a single round. Well that's cool. I don't reload yet. So I have that going for me.  Do you think BCA will provide a replacement bolt and/or firing pin when I show them these pics? I just want to know what to expect, if that's possible. |
"Some of the greatest dads I've ever seen weren't so much perfect as they were willing to work hard to overcome their failings. Does that make sense?"
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Originally Posted By tree-hugger: Well that's cool. I don't reload yet. So I have that going for me. Do you think BCA will provide a replacement bolt and/or firing pin when I show them these pics? I just want to know what to expect, if that's possible. Very likely. They also have a tendency to cut the lead very short in their barrels. If the bullet is hitting the lead of the rifling with no jump at all that can cause a pressure spike. Contact BCA with your issue. |
Leave me alone. I’m a libertarian. ARFCOM GD hates everything so don't freak out if catch grief for what you like. Unless you like AKs, then GFY.
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Originally Posted By RattleCanAR: Very likely. They also have a tendency to cut the lead very short in their barrels. If the bullet is hitting the lead of the rifling with no jump at all that can cause a pressure spike. Contact BCA with your issue. Originally Posted By RattleCanAR: Originally Posted By tree-hugger: Well that's cool. I don't reload yet. So I have that going for me. Do you think BCA will provide a replacement bolt and/or firing pin when I show them these pics? I just want to know what to expect, if that's possible. Very likely. They also have a tendency to cut the lead very short in their barrels. If the bullet is hitting the lead of the rifling with no jump at all that can cause a pressure spike. Contact BCA with your issue. @tree-hugger Take one of your factory cartridges, paint the bullet with a black magic marker or sharpie. Chamber the painted cartridge and then eject it. Clambering from a mag may leave longitudinal scratches (probably one long one from the feed ramp). This is no concern. Check the bullet ogive (the curve where tip transitions to bullet body) for slight rifling marks and/or a circle around the ogive. This will tell you whether you're touching the lands/lead. If so, definitely can cause a pressure spike. |
"History teaches us that men and nations behave wisely once they have exhausted all other alternatives."-Abba Eban
"I like it both ways, but still mainly mouth it" -gonzo_beyondo
"I like it both ways, but still mainly mouth it" -gonzo_beyondo
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Originally Posted By rob78: @tree-hugger Take one of your factory cartridges, paint the bullet with a black magic marker or sharpie. Chamber the painted cartridge and then eject it. Clambering from a mag may leave longitudinal scratches (probably one long one from the feed ramp). This is no concern. Check the bullet ogive (the curve where tip transitions to bullet body) for slight rifling marks and/or a circle around the ogive. This will tell you whether you're touching the lands/lead. If so, definitely can cause a pressure spike. Originally Posted By rob78: Originally Posted By RattleCanAR: Originally Posted By tree-hugger: Well that's cool. I don't reload yet. So I have that going for me. Do you think BCA will provide a replacement bolt and/or firing pin when I show them these pics? I just want to know what to expect, if that's possible. Very likely. They also have a tendency to cut the lead very short in their barrels. If the bullet is hitting the lead of the rifling with no jump at all that can cause a pressure spike. Contact BCA with your issue. @tree-hugger Take one of your factory cartridges, paint the bullet with a black magic marker or sharpie. Chamber the painted cartridge and then eject it. Clambering from a mag may leave longitudinal scratches (probably one long one from the feed ramp). This is no concern. Check the bullet ogive (the curve where tip transitions to bullet body) for slight rifling marks and/or a circle around the ogive. This will tell you whether you're touching the lands/lead. If so, definitely can cause a pressure spike. I forgot about that trick. Thank you. Waiting for the black sharpie to dry... I hope it isn't the barrel. The box the upper was shipped in? Yeah, I just threw that away. Don't know what I was thinking. |
"Some of the greatest dads I've ever seen weren't so much perfect as they were willing to work hard to overcome their failings. Does that make sense?"
Yes. Yes it does.
Yes. Yes it does.
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I only see two marks that are in the area where the lands would be touching the bullet. What do you guys think? Attached File Attached File |
"Some of the greatest dads I've ever seen weren't so much perfect as they were willing to work hard to overcome their failings. Does that make sense?"
Yes. Yes it does.
Yes. Yes it does.
|
Originally Posted By tree-hugger: I only see two marks that are in the area where the lands would be touching the bullet. What do you guys think? https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/217473/Chamber_Test_png-3494544.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/217473/Chamber_Test_2_png-3494545.JPG The "nicks" in the nose of the projectile are nothing to be concerned about. The faint ring I see on the projectile, closer to the case neck, may indicate a short lead. ETA: I see two faint vertical lines, but I can't tell if thats a reflection or not. They're near the ogive which is where I'd expect to see that. If they are, in fact, markings on the bullet....yeah you've got some issues. |
"History teaches us that men and nations behave wisely once they have exhausted all other alternatives."-Abba Eban
"I like it both ways, but still mainly mouth it" -gonzo_beyondo
"I like it both ways, but still mainly mouth it" -gonzo_beyondo
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Originally Posted By rob78: The "nicks" in the nose of the projectile are nothing to be concerned about. The faint ring I see on the projectile, closer to the case neck, may indicate a short lead. ETA: I see two faint vertical lines, but I can't tell if thats a reflection or not. They're near the ogive which is where I'd expect to see that. If they are, in fact, markings on the bullet....yeah you've got some issues. That faint ring is odd. |
Leave me alone. I’m a libertarian. ARFCOM GD hates everything so don't freak out if catch grief for what you like. Unless you like AKs, then GFY.
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They emailed me a shipping label 'for repair' and I sent it off today. Their site and email says to expect a 14-day turnaround. I'm good. Long way from the Fall Opener for Deer. Plenty of time for us to work through the problem and if their stock barrel doesn't give me the accuracy I'm expecting, I'll give something like THIS a try. Attached File It's my first rodeo, so I'm open to suggestions. Thanks again for the feedback from all of you. |
"Some of the greatest dads I've ever seen weren't so much perfect as they were willing to work hard to overcome their failings. Does that make sense?"
Yes. Yes it does.
Yes. Yes it does.
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Originally Posted By tree-hugger: They emailed me a shipping label 'for repair' and I sent it off today. Their site and email says to expect a 14-day turnaround. I'm good. Long way from the Fall Opener for Deer. Plenty of time for us to work through the problem and if their stock barrel doesn't give me the accuracy I'm expecting, I'll give something like THIS a try. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/217473/6_5_Grendel_20__Faxon_Barrel_png-3496629.JPG It's my first rodeo, so I'm open to suggestions. Thanks again for the feedback from all of you. Remember, you don't need sub MOA to kill deer. Unless you are shooting 300 yards plus anything under 1.5 MOA is not needed. If you are shooting a Grendel, contrary to what may get posted here, treat it like a 30/30 that goes to 300 with ease. Power is very comparable. The Grendel just carries the power further because the bullets are more efficient. If you need to reach further you are going to jump up in cartridge to be totally effective. Posters will be along to tell you that a Grendel is a 600 yard gun. Sure in the hands of an expert, I mean a top shelf shooter that can hit a pie plate with every shot at 600 yards. If that's not you, they treat the gun appropriately.n. Sub 300 Yards at the most. I shoot mine at 200 and in on SC whitetail. It is plenty effective. I haven't gotten exit wounds on every deer shot and I look for that because exit wounds are what leak and deer often run. Blood is how you find them. Attached File Attached File |
Leave me alone. I’m a libertarian. ARFCOM GD hates everything so don't freak out if catch grief for what you like. Unless you like AKs, then GFY.
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Originally Posted By RattleCanAR: Remember, you don't need sub MOA to kill deer. Unless you are shooting 300 yards plus anything under 1.5 MOA is not needed. If you are shooting a Grendel, contrary to what may get posted here, treat it like a 30/30 that goes to 300 with ease. Power is very comparable. The Grendel just carries the power further because the bullets are more efficient. If you need to reach further you are going to jump up in cartridge to be totally effective. Posters will be along to tell you that a Grendel is a 600 yard gun. Sure in the hands of an expert, I mean a top shelf shooter that can hit a pie plate with every shot at 600 yards. If that's not you, they treat the gun appropriately.n. Sub 300 Yards at the most. I shoot mine at 200 and in on SC whitetail. It is plenty effective. I haven't gotten exit wounds on every deer shot and I look for that because exit wounds are what leak and deer often run. Blood is how you find them. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/255381/AA903F00-6FA2-474E-895C-48FD106CFC26_1_2-3496672.JPGhttps://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/255381/IMG_2460_jpeg-3496673.JPG I appreciate that post. It further solidifies the validity of choosing this round for my new 'all around' deer rifle moving forward. Shoulda clarified that this is my first rodeo with diagnosing this kind of a problem with a gun. I'd never had fired cases look like that and my groups are every bit of 5-6" at 100 yds. I'm a lefty, so my first deer rifle was a Winchester 94AE 30-30. Very happy with the accuracy. From a vise at 100yds - 2" group. My best friend and his son killed their deer with it inside of 50 yds. I really should hunt with this gun more, but the wood is so nice I feel the need to baby it. Second rifle a T/C Encore 209 X .50 Muzzle Loader. Killed my first deer with it. Very accurate. Through the heart at a trotting deer. 35yds. Ducking under the smoke to watch the deer run and die inside of 20yds was pretty cool. Even though I saw the deer drop, I followed the blood trail for the education. Added a 30-06 barrel to it and my B-I-L helped me dial in a custom load. 3/4" at 100yds. 150gr. Game King. I have the recipe around somewhere. Longest shot was on a little doe at 145 yds. DRT. My son killed his first deer with the .223 AR I mentioned earlier. 60yds. DRT. I keep hesitating in bringing this into the woods because I look at the .223, 30-30, 30-06, .50 Hornady SST side by side, and I don't feel right about using this tiny round. Otherwise. It's the perfect platform. Follow up shots, slung in front of my body. Adjustable stock for different conditions... It's all in my head I know, because today's rounds are more than adequate to get the job done on thin-skinned animals. I've rung steel with the .223 out to 300, but I don't have much longer-range shooting experience. The only thing I know about dope books is that I should put some head time toward putting one together. Since 2006 I've primarily bow hunted for deer, so I've been all about getting closer while up in a tree. Love that shit. I primarily hunt public land, so I get turned off by the pumpkin patches at sunrise. I usually hunt the first couple of days of gun season, then pack it in until the woods empty of hunters. Usually hunt the week before the gun opener pretty hard, and the terrain varies so much that I hesitate at the safe when grabbing the 'ideal' deer gun for the trip. It's an irrational hesitation because all my deer guns will do the job just fine. I haven't bought a gun in quite a while and for some reason while being in the woods this past year with my 30-06 single-shot, I wished I had a 'better' deer round for my AR. Did some research, discovered the 6.5 Grendel, and inside of a couple days looking around - I see BCA has a complete upper for $220. BCG included. $250 to my door. Already had the scope for my .223, so it was an easy impulse purchase. Welp. I've gone and rambled on and on. The result of a relaxing Saturday morning with coffee. Pretty silly - Rationalizing why I've added yet another deer gun to the safe in front of a bunch of gun people. I'll stop now. Thanks again for all the input from you guys. |
"Some of the greatest dads I've ever seen weren't so much perfect as they were willing to work hard to overcome their failings. Does that make sense?"
Yes. Yes it does.
Yes. Yes it does.
|
Originally Posted By tree-hugger: They emailed me a shipping label 'for repair' and I sent it off today. Their site and email says to expect a 14-day turnaround. I'm good. Long way from the Fall Opener for Deer. Plenty of time for us to work through the problem and if their stock barrel doesn't give me the accuracy I'm expecting, I'll give something like THIS a try. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/217473/6_5_Grendel_20__Faxon_Barrel_png-3496629.JPG It's my first rodeo, so I'm open to suggestions. Thanks again for the feedback from all of you. Stop buying the cheapest, lowest cost barrels you can find. Buy once, cry once you'll be money ahead at the end of the day. |
I'm no good at telling people what they want to hear when I dont believe it myself :)
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The faint mark that goes around the bullet right before the case mouth is concerning. Something is fukcey with that chamber. It's dominant on both pictures. When I perform this test with a semiauto it's muzzle pointing down, vertical & drop the round in & drop the bolt. SLOOOOWWWLLYY extract. The other aac ammo being a different weight & bullet shape may not have the same section contact Ask if BCA will refund your payment If you go with another barrel to build an upper get a matching type bolt. Headspaced if that is an option |
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Originally Posted By Laserjock: The faint mark that goes around the bullet right before the case mouth is concerning. Something is fukcey with that chamber. It's dominant on both pictures. When I perform this test with a semiauto it's muzzle pointing down, vertical & drop the round in & drop the bolt. SLOOOOWWWLLYY extract. The other aac ammo being a different weight & bullet shape may not have the same section contact Ask if BCA will refund your payment If you go with another barrel to build an upper get a matching type bolt. Headspaced if that is an option I almost dropped the round in as you described, but I've heard that's hard on the extractor so I didn't go that route. The AAC ammo was the same weight but admittedly more round nosed compared to the ballistic-tipped Hornady's. I'm interested in letting them fix the problem, but if they can't get it worked out I'll ask for a refund. A company like that SHOULD be able to correct the problem, so for simplicity's sake I would rather them fix it. If I can get 1.5" accuracy out of the thing I'll call it good for now. If I know myself, I'll watch for the right opportunity to upgrade the barrel - AND have a matching bolt ( Thank you ). As you can see, I haven't put too much effort into gun hunting for deer. Maybe that'll change? |
"Some of the greatest dads I've ever seen weren't so much perfect as they were willing to work hard to overcome their failings. Does that make sense?"
Yes. Yes it does.
Yes. Yes it does.
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Originally Posted By tree-hugger: I almost dropped the round in as you described, but I've heard that's hard on the extractor so I didn't go that route. The AAC ammo was the same weight but admittedly more round nosed compared to the ballistic-tipped Hornady's. I'm interested in letting them fix the problem, but if they can't get it worked out I'll ask for a refund. A company like that SHOULD be able to correct the problem, so for simplicity's sake I would rather them fix it. If I can get 1.5" accuracy out of the thing I'll call it good for now. If I know myself, I'll watch for the right opportunity to upgrade the barrel - AND have a matching bolt ( Thank you ). As you can see, I haven't put too much effort into gun hunting for deer. Maybe that'll change? They make CHEAP stuff and are hit or miss. My Grendel is 10+ year old BCA upper. It will shoot 1.5-2 MOA. I didn't have the issues like you have but other people have. I suspect they will ream the chamber as a minimum or just swap out the barrel with one they check more closely. |
Leave me alone. I’m a libertarian. ARFCOM GD hates everything so don't freak out if catch grief for what you like. Unless you like AKs, then GFY.
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Originally Posted By RattleCanAR: Yep. Mine is a 16. Perfectly fine. Originally Posted By RattleCanAR: Originally Posted By Laserjock: Why do you think you need a 20"? Yep. Mine is a 16. Perfectly fine. One of the articles I read online recommended it for best accuracy and specifically the Faxon 20" for an excellent barrel for the money. If this BCA barrel doesn't work out, what do you guys recommend? |
"Some of the greatest dads I've ever seen weren't so much perfect as they were willing to work hard to overcome their failings. Does that make sense?"
Yes. Yes it does.
Yes. Yes it does.
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Originally Posted By RattleCanAR: They make CHEAP stuff and are hit or miss. My Grendel is 10+ year old BCA upper. It will shoot 1.5-2 MOA. I didn't have the issues like you have but other people have. I suspect they will ream the chamber as a minimum or just swap out the barrel with one they check more closely. Originally Posted By RattleCanAR: Originally Posted By tree-hugger: I almost dropped the round in as you described, but I've heard that's hard on the extractor so I didn't go that route. The AAC ammo was the same weight but admittedly more round nosed compared to the ballistic-tipped Hornady's. I'm interested in letting them fix the problem, but if they can't get it worked out I'll ask for a refund. A company like that SHOULD be able to correct the problem, so for simplicity's sake I would rather them fix it. If I can get 1.5" accuracy out of the thing I'll call it good for now. If I know myself, I'll watch for the right opportunity to upgrade the barrel - AND have a matching bolt ( Thank you ). As you can see, I haven't put too much effort into gun hunting for deer. Maybe that'll change? They make CHEAP stuff and are hit or miss. My Grendel is 10+ year old BCA upper. It will shoot 1.5-2 MOA. I didn't have the issues like you have but other people have. I suspect they will ream the chamber as a minimum or just swap out the barrel with one they check more closely. Hope it's as simple as that. When I shipped it back, I forgot to remove my BCM Gunfigher Charging handle and put their original back in. I've emailed them to let them know what I did. I'm sure it will be fine, but there have been enough times in my life where if something can go wrong - It will go wrong... |
"Some of the greatest dads I've ever seen weren't so much perfect as they were willing to work hard to overcome their failings. Does that make sense?"
Yes. Yes it does.
Yes. Yes it does.
|
Originally Posted By tree-hugger: I almost dropped the round in as you described, but I've heard that's hard on the extractor so I didn't go that route. The extractor skips over the base & hooks the groove Every Time A Round Is Chambered Doing this doesn't increase the wear & stress on those parts. Even if you were shooting steel case the bolt components is waaay mooore harder than the case Several years back BCA had some bad feedback with their parts. They've tried to improve. Big presence at some of the shows. Web searches shows they are still having some problems Good luck on your charging handle. Hope they get your upper fixed up. If not ask for refund or a different sku. Maybe that chamber was cut with a different or not dull reamer |
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Originally Posted By Laserjock: The extractor skips over the base & hooks the groove Every Time A Round Is Chambered Doing this doesn't increase the wear & stress on those parts. Even if you were shooting steel case the bolt components is waaay mooore harder than the case Several years back BCA had some bad feedback with their parts. They've tried to improve. Big presence at some of the shows. Web searches shows they are still having some problems Good luck on your charging handle. Hope they get your upper fixed up. If not ask for refund or a different sku. Maybe that chamber was cut with a different or not dull reamer Originally Posted By Laserjock: Originally Posted By tree-hugger: I almost dropped the round in as you described, but I've heard that's hard on the extractor so I didn't go that route. The extractor skips over the base & hooks the groove Every Time A Round Is Chambered Doing this doesn't increase the wear & stress on those parts. Even if you were shooting steel case the bolt components is waaay mooore harder than the case Several years back BCA had some bad feedback with their parts. They've tried to improve. Big presence at some of the shows. Web searches shows they are still having some problems Good luck on your charging handle. Hope they get your upper fixed up. If not ask for refund or a different sku. Maybe that chamber was cut with a different or not dull reamer I know there's a shit-ton of gun stuff I don't know, but it's been my understanding that a magazine-fed round slides UP and behind the claw on the way toward the chamber. if that isn't the case then that's cool. It'll be easier to do the +1 in the chamber. Is that how it works in all platforms except hinge action?!?! ETA: If I do get an opportunity to go with a different SKU, maybe they'll let me go with the shorter barrels that you guys are suggesting.  That would make it more tree-stand friendly for sure. |
"Some of the greatest dads I've ever seen weren't so much perfect as they were willing to work hard to overcome their failings. Does that make sense?"
Yes. Yes it does.
Yes. Yes it does.
|
Lol you're asking good questions and open to learning The AR bolt face is almost fully enclosed. Like on a Savage Ruger Remington bolt action You're thinking controlled round feed in your description. Mauser Winchester FN types and some other lesser known bolt action types |
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Originally Posted By Laserjock: Lol you're asking good questions and open to learning The AR bolt face is almost fully enclosed. Like on a Savage Ruger Remington bolt action You're thinking controlled round feed in your description. Mauser Winchester FN types and some other lesser known bolt action types Thank you for the education. 
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"Some of the greatest dads I've ever seen weren't so much perfect as they were willing to work hard to overcome their failings. Does that make sense?"
Yes. Yes it does.
Yes. Yes it does.
|
Sent email and a voicemail about the charging handle today during business hours. No answers. No one would pick up the phone this time. Sigh... |
"Some of the greatest dads I've ever seen weren't so much perfect as they were willing to work hard to overcome their failings. Does that make sense?"
Yes. Yes it does.
Yes. Yes it does.
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Originally Posted By tree-hugger: Sent email and a voicemail about the charging handle today during business hours. No answers. No one would pick up the phone this time. Sigh... If it were me, I would've sent the barrel back and gotten a refund. I got tired of playing the game with budget barrels a long time ago. I prefer Kreiger, Bartlein, Shilen, Lilja, but you can get a good barrel for $250 that isn't a total crapshoot (Satern/Liberty). ETA: Here's an example: https://www.grendelhunter.com/product/16%e2%80%b3-6-5-grendel-barrel-stainless/#configuration |
"History teaches us that men and nations behave wisely once they have exhausted all other alternatives."-Abba Eban
"I like it both ways, but still mainly mouth it" -gonzo_beyondo
"I like it both ways, but still mainly mouth it" -gonzo_beyondo
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A friend brought me his rifle with the exact same issue. Only that he wasn't looking at the brass, the rifle quit cycling and the bolt wasn't wanting to unlock. When i took the bolt apart while cleaning, 50 of those cookie cutter primer discs fell out. Pushing the firing pin so that it protruded from the bolt face showed that the firing pin hole was too big and egg shaped. The extra gap around the firing pin allows the primer cup to flow into it. The rifle would run fine for 200-250 rounds afterward and then puke when the bolt was full. Had him get a new bcg and haven't heard back. ETA. This was a 556 bear creek. Attached File Attached File |
I'm not here because I make sound financial decisions.
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Originally Posted By rob78: If it were me, I would've sent the barrel back and gotten a refund. I got tired of playing the game with budget barrels a long time ago. I prefer Kreiger, Bartlein, Shilen, Lilja, but you can get a good barrel for $250 that isn't a total crapshoot (Satern/Liberty). ETA: Here's an example: https://www.grendelhunter.com/product/16%e2%80%b3-6-5-grendel-barrel-stainless/#configuration Originally Posted By rob78: Originally Posted By tree-hugger: Sent email and a voicemail about the charging handle today during business hours. No answers. No one would pick up the phone this time. Sigh... If it were me, I would've sent the barrel back and gotten a refund. I got tired of playing the game with budget barrels a long time ago. I prefer Kreiger, Bartlein, Shilen, Lilja, but you can get a good barrel for $250 that isn't a total crapshoot (Satern/Liberty). ETA: Here's an example: https://www.grendelhunter.com/product/16%e2%80%b3-6-5-grendel-barrel-stainless/#configuration They have formally let me know they will keep tabs on my charging handle. I am most certainly going to go for a better barrel if they don't make it right. Thanks for the link! |
"Some of the greatest dads I've ever seen weren't so much perfect as they were willing to work hard to overcome their failings. Does that make sense?"
Yes. Yes it does.
Yes. Yes it does.
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The upper was returned to me today along with my charging handle. I'll try to get out this weekend. |
"Some of the greatest dads I've ever seen weren't so much perfect as they were willing to work hard to overcome their failings. Does that make sense?"
Yes. Yes it does.
Yes. Yes it does.
The world's most average shooter, or worse
Joined:
Nov 2010
Posts:
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EE: 100% (1)
SC, USA
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Originally Posted By tree-hugger: The upper was returned to me today along with my charging handle. I'll try to get out this weekend. Anything with regards to the fix? I am shocked you got your charging handle back. |
Leave me alone. I’m a libertarian. ARFCOM GD hates everything so don't freak out if catch grief for what you like. Unless you like AKs, then GFY.
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No note. No email. Only the upper with my charging handle. I made a point to talk to someone about it and made him send me an email while I was still on the phone with him stating they have my charging handle. If it didn't make it back to me, I had my bases covered. I'll find that email and reply with a request to know what they did to the upper. We'll see what they say. |
"Some of the greatest dads I've ever seen weren't so much perfect as they were willing to work hard to overcome their failings. Does that make sense?"
Yes. Yes it does.
Yes. Yes it does.
The world's most average shooter, or worse
Joined:
Nov 2010
Posts:
41858
EE: 100% (1)
SC, USA
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Originally Posted By tree-hugger: No note. No email. Only the upper with my charging handle. I made a point to talk to someone about it and made him send me an email while I was still on the phone with him stating they have my charging handle. If it didn't make it back to me, I had my bases covered. I'll find that email and reply with a request to know what they did to the upper. We'll see what they say. I more curious about if it is G2G now. |
Leave me alone. I’m a libertarian. ARFCOM GD hates everything so don't freak out if catch grief for what you like. Unless you like AKs, then GFY.
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Originally Posted By RattleCanAR: I more curious about if it is G2G now. Originally Posted By RattleCanAR: Originally Posted By tree-hugger: No note. No email. Only the upper with my charging handle. I made a point to talk to someone about it and made him send me an email while I was still on the phone with him stating they have my charging handle. If it didn't make it back to me, I had my bases covered. I'll find that email and reply with a request to know what they did to the upper. We'll see what they say. I more curious about if it is G2G now. Email sent. Even though I have a ton of stuff going on, I bet I find time to hit the range... LOL! |
"Some of the greatest dads I've ever seen weren't so much perfect as they were willing to work hard to overcome their failings. Does that make sense?"
Yes. Yes it does.
Yes. Yes it does.
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Well, they answered my email right away at least, but based on this response they didn't do anything but clean out the debris in the UA Good morning, My warranty found debris in the UA. They took care of it and then were able to test fire 15 rounds with not malfunctions using Hornady 6.5 Grendel 123gr match. The Upper Assembly is a large area. Where was the debris found, specifically? What was the debris? Chunks of over-pressurized primers, perhaps? If not - Wat? What caused the debris to get in there? Any other questions come to mind? I'll go back and forth with them a couple times and shoot it to see what the spent casings and groups look like, but the writing is pretty much on the wall that I'll be getting an upgraded barrel and matching bolt before the Fall. |
"Some of the greatest dads I've ever seen weren't so much perfect as they were willing to work hard to overcome their failings. Does that make sense?"
Yes. Yes it does.
Yes. Yes it does.
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I'd chase what bendigo78 described. I could see if there was debris (left behind from machining operations) inside the bolt or carrier channel preventing the firing pin from fully extending out and causing a larger than acceptable bolt face to firing pin tip gap ( I don't know if there is a min to max gap allowance) When you get your upper back inspect the bolt face. Compare to another bolt face and the gap around the firing pin. Post pics if you can side by side with another bolt face. Request a replacement BCG at a minimum this way you're not waiting and getting things moving Hopefully you would not have to waste ammo to test this. I would shoot no more than 3 to 5 rounds and report back. Reply to BCA email also. |
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Originally Posted By Laserjock: I'd chase what bendigo78 described. I could see if there was debris (left behind from machining operations) inside the bolt or carrier channel preventing the firing pin from fully extending out and causing a larger than acceptable bolt face to firing pin tip gap ( I don't know if there is a min to max gap allowance) When you get your upper back inspect the bolt face. Compare to another bolt face and the gap around the firing pin. Post pics if you can side by side with another bolt face. Request a replacement BCG at a minimum this way you're not waiting and getting things moving Hopefully you would not have to waste ammo to test this. I would shoot no more than 3 to 5 rounds and report back. Reply to BCA email also. Originally Posted By Laserjock: I'd chase what bendigo78 described. I could see if there was debris (left behind from machining operations) inside the bolt or carrier channel preventing the firing pin from fully extending out and causing a larger than acceptable bolt face to firing pin tip gap ( I don't know if there is a min to max gap allowance) When you get your upper back inspect the bolt face. Compare to another bolt face and the gap around the firing pin. Post pics if you can side by side with another bolt face. Request a replacement BCG at a minimum this way you're not waiting and getting things moving Hopefully you would not have to waste ammo to test this. I would shoot no more than 3 to 5 rounds and report back. Reply to BCA email also. Here is my reply to them: Thank you XXXXXX- The Upper Assembly is a large area. Where was the debris found, specifically? ( What others have found -w/ BCA issues - to cause excessive pressures is chunks of primers are behind the bolt face where the firing pin is located. See attached. ) If not primer chunks behind the bolt face - Again. What did the debris consist of and where was it found? Thank you, I also included the pic bendigo78 posted above with all the primer chunks. No answer yet. |
"Some of the greatest dads I've ever seen weren't so much perfect as they were willing to work hard to overcome their failings. Does that make sense?"
Yes. Yes it does.
Yes. Yes it does.
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Upper is going to be sent back. Again. I reached out to the original tech I talked to about the issues, and he jump-started things back up since no one else replied to my earlier attempt. He agree's there is something wrong and that BCA should dig into a solution or give me my money back. |
"Some of the greatest dads I've ever seen weren't so much perfect as they were willing to work hard to overcome their failings. Does that make sense?"
Yes. Yes it does.
Yes. Yes it does.
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Bear Creek didn't do anything to the upper, so I bought the barrel linked earlier in the thread. 16" Saturn Liberty barrel and the matching gas block. The barrel comes with a head-spaced bolt. $322 delivered. Should be here in a few days. Wondering if I should install a thread protector to keep the length down or go with a flash hider for the AR look. What did you guys do? |
"Some of the greatest dads I've ever seen weren't so much perfect as they were willing to work hard to overcome their failings. Does that make sense?"
Yes. Yes it does.
Yes. Yes it does.
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Originally Posted By tree-hugger: Bear Creek didn't do anything to the upper, so I bought the barrel linked earlier in the thread. 16" Saturn Liberty barrel and the matching gas block. The barrel comes with a head-spaced bolt. $322 delivered. Should be here in a few days. Wondering if I should install a thread protector to keep the length down or go with a flash hider for the AR look. What did you guys do? Flashhider until I got a suppressor. Only because I didn't have any thread protectors. |
"History teaches us that men and nations behave wisely once they have exhausted all other alternatives."-Abba Eban
"I like it both ways, but still mainly mouth it" -gonzo_beyondo
"I like it both ways, but still mainly mouth it" -gonzo_beyondo
|
Originally Posted By tree-hugger: Bear Creek didn't do anything to the upper, so I bought the barrel linked earlier in the thread. 16" Saturn Liberty barrel and the matching gas block. The barrel comes with a head-spaced bolt. $322 delivered. Should be here in a few days. Wondering if I should install a thread protector to keep the length down or go with a flash hider for the AR look. What did you guys do? Your hunting/shooting situation is much different, but on my field-use Grendel I have a brake, to improve my chance of being able to spot impacts and identify hits or make needed corrections. |
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Ok. Here it is completed. Attached File I lapped the upper where the barrel is inserted and torqued it to 45lbs w/ a cheap Harbor Freight wrench. My son and I shot today. This was fired only two times. Both times the bolt didn't seem to grab the spent case. When I cleared the gun, the spent case fell out of the chamber on its own when I pointed the barrel up. On top of that, the two shots were about 2" apart at 25 yards. Maybe it was me, but 2"? So the saga continues. What do you guys think? |
"Some of the greatest dads I've ever seen weren't so much perfect as they were willing to work hard to overcome their failings. Does that make sense?"
Yes. Yes it does.
Yes. Yes it does.
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I know, I'm late to the party and it has probably been answered in a post above... TMDR; (Too Many, Didn't Read) Those initial pics show a top-hat primer and blanking... the FP hole is too big for the FP and primer metal is flowing up into the hole. It will happen with normal pressure ammo - not just high pressure... In some cases it stops before it pops and a top-hat is formed... in others it completely blanks out the primer area around the bolt FP hole like a doughnut. This is an issue the OEM needs to replace... either the bolt & FP or the FP with one that fits (how would they know what size?) - send it back and tell em to get it right. OK, I see you replaced the barrel and bolt... probably better off that way... did that fix the top-hat issue? |
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