UPDATE: 09-26-2005, Range ReportThis past Friday, I took her out to the range again. I fired Radway Green SS109, Georgia Arms SS109, Southern Ammo 5.56mm (mostly TZZ, some WCC…some dated back to early 1970s), IMR-4895 loads with Sierra 69 and 77 grainers, factory Hornady 75 grainers, and Wolf 62 grain FMJ. Best groups were still tight at 3” at 100 yards. The only problem I had was six failures to extract. It was Radway Green. Case would not eject fully and was caught at the mouth by the returning bolt. I did note that Radway Green produced less felt recoil than any other brand. Total round count through her was a bit over 350. Once again, barrel got so hot it burned off the Kroil. I am very pleased with how this rifle turned out.
UPDATE: 09-09-2005, Range ReportI ran over 200 rounds through it today. Four failure to extract case all the way (and tried to load another on top of it). This was in the first 60 rounds (two 30-round mags). After that, all ammo grouped well: Swiss GP-90, a mixed bag of M193 (U.S. and TZZ of various dates all the way back to 1973...from Southern Ammo), 69 grain Sierra and 75 grain AMAX home loads with IMR-4895, Radway Green SS109, and Wolf 62 grain. Wolf ammo didn't not print at 100 yards, but it did go bang and ejected. I think that the four failures to extract were to it being new. Best groups were 3" at 100 yards.
I built a superlight. Below is a list of parts and costs (delivered)
M16 upper, complete, no FA or brass deflector $113.30
Bushmaster 16" LW Barrel Assembly $227.00
Stag B/BC/CH $126.42
Complete Stag Lower with M4 stock $222.98
Transfer fee $25.00
Total $714.70
This was fairly easy to assemble...with the right tools. I bought the lower complete, because a complete lower cost $7 more than the parts alone: my time is worth more than $7, and I know all the pieces are there.
I checked headspace and never disassembled the bolt.
Headspace gauges: no need to disassemble a bolt now.By the way, the white residue seen on the bolt carrier is teflon that I bought at the below link; works well for me.
Dry Film Lubricant - Ultra Slick PTFE Coating