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Posted: 2/21/2011 11:28:23 AM EDT
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I've researched and read much about the differences between a standard .223 and NATO 5.56 chamber (and some of the other options as wells). I have a couple of ban era chrome moly non-chrome lined .223 chambered rifles (one RRA and one DPMS). Even with good cleaning and maintenance, they are not completely reliable. Particularly with steel case ammo. Mostly, they experience FTE, even with o-rings and upgraded extractor springs. Now, neither is for HD or combat, but I'd like to try to improve upon the reliability issue. In my many meanderings, I've read that simply "cleaning up" the chamber (primarily the neck) with a Ned Christiansen chamber tool can do wonders to help with this problem. So here are my questions:
A) Is this chamber clean up something I can do myself? B) Can some one point me to exactly the tool that I hear about so frequently (but have not been able to clearly identify for myself)? Thanks much. |
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You need a chamber brush. Like this: http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=367843 |
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I would not recommend any recutting of the chamber as one slip and the barrel is toast. But you could try polishing the chamber. Most extraction issues are from carrier/buffer harmonics and not from lack of extractor tension. Experimenting with various weight buffers may be an easier solution than messing around with chamber finish. And since buffer swaps take just seconds on the range, a more scientific test is possible. I have modified buffers by casting lead weights to replace the steel ones in a standard rifle buffer. http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=118&t=416283 |
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Thanks for the suggestion, but I have a brush and I know how to use it.
I'm not thrilled about messing with the chamber, but it seems like a reasonable next step short of throwing bigger money at the issue. I've toyed with the idea of switching bolts and carriers altogether and debated about just canning the barrel and replacing it with a decent chrome line replacement. Haven't tried different buffers, so I might just go that route, good thought. I've got several other AR's and this one is just a range toy so I'm not interested in investing too much. I guess I was just hoping that some one who had talked so highly of this Christensen tool in the past would actually be able to point me to it. Hmmm |
I would think that if you are already considering replacing the barrel, cutting the chamber to 5.56 or a Wylde configuration would be worth a try, assuming you can get your hands on the tool for a lot less than the price of a new barrel. I'm not familier with the Christenson tool. 4D rents reamers for $30 + deposit. I have no experience, but seems like the tool you are refering to would probably cut the troat and use the shoulder as a stop, making it difficult to screw up. Worst case, you buy a new barrel , which you were considering anyway
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