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8/5/2017 10:06:22 PM EDT
I have limited personal experience with .308 AR builds and I was wondering if anyone has had good luck playing with different buffer weights in lieu of an adjustable gas block. I have Tungsten weights floating around and it got me thinking.

I'm in the process of putting together an Aero M5 build and it's what got me thinking about it. For this one I'm using a Ballistic Advantage 16" Hanson barrel(mid length) and I was just going to order the Aero .308 Carbine Buffer kit. I'll be running a Sico Omega as well.

The plan is an SLR adjustable gas block at the moment but I was just curious if an "H3" type buffer is even an option.
8/5/2017 10:18:28 PM EDT
[#1]
It's really better to have both an adjustable gas system and different buffer weights to play with as well. I mean you can of course use a standard gas block and just play with buffers to get it to function. But if you plan on using a suppressor for instance, it'll always be over gassed. If you never plan on using a suppressor, then I'm sure you'll be fine without an adjustable gas block. Of course I still think it's more desirable to be able to tune the gas system perfectly to your ammo.
8/6/2017 7:43:41 AM EDT
[#2]
In my LMT I am running a 16.2" barrel with the rifle length gas system along with a 5.5oz buffer and Wolff XP spring.
It runs wonderfully.
8/6/2017 9:43:51 AM EDT
[#3]
Quote History
Quoted:
It's really better to have both an adjustable gas system and different buffer weights to play with as well. I mean you can of course use a standard gas block and just play with buffers to get it to function. But if you plan on using a suppressor for instance, it'll always be over gassed. If you never plan on using a suppressor, then I'm sure you'll be fine without an adjustable gas block. Of course I still think it's more desirable to be able to tune the gas system perfectly to your ammo.
View Quote
Yeah, I'm planning on both, it just got the hamster wheel turning. My last 5.56  SBR build I got lucky and it runs perfectly with all my ammo types with justan H3 buffer and standard gas block suppressed and unsuppressed. Its pretty convenient but certainly not the norm in my experience.
8/6/2017 11:01:43 AM EDT
[#4]
I suspect you'd be happier with the SLR adjustable gas block.... especially considering you're silencer comment.

My PA10 had such a large volume of gas ( gas port was in the proper range ) that even with a rifle length AR10 tube , Tubbs .308 spring and KAK 9.3oz AR10 rifle length buffer it was cycling pretty fast.... the SLR stopped all that nonsense.

I bought the dimpling jig as well, and the medium length 2mm (?) adjustment tool.

I couldn't be happier.
8/7/2017 12:27:23 AM EDT
[#5]
Run the heaviest buffer you can. Keep that bolt locked as long as possible. I run a 9mm solid SS buffer turned down to DPMS carbine .308 length then milled out to hold a H3 weight set. Armalite AR10 OEM spring is recommended as well.

Lots of extractor issues on plated .308 extractor's. (NiBo, Chrome, Nickel)
Most are just plated over tolerance making the grip edge rounded and killing the grab.

Get 2 D Fender Oring's and a OEM DPMS extractor if you have any issues.
8/7/2017 10:54:01 AM EDT
[#6]
Quote History
Quoted:
Run the heaviest buffer you can. Keep that bolt locked as long as possible. I run a 9mm solid SS buffer turned down to DPMS carbine .308 length then milled out to hold a H3 weight set. Armalite AR10 OEM spring is recommended as well.

Lots of extractor issues on plated .308 extractor's. (NiBo, Chrome, Nickel)
Most are just plated over tolerance making the grip edge rounded and killing the grab.

Get 2 D Fender Oring's and a OEM DPMS extractor if you have any issues.
View Quote
Interesting, Thank you for commenting.... do you happen to know the actual total weight of your assembled buffer ?

BTW.. love your Adjustable gas blocks... Thanks again.
8/7/2017 1:25:07 PM EDT
[#7]
Quote History
Quoted:
Run the heaviest buffer you can. Keep that bolt locked as long as possible. I run a 9mm solid SS buffer turned down to DPMS carbine .308 length then milled out to hold a H3 weight set. Armalite AR10 OEM spring is recommended as well.

Lots of extractor issues on plated .308 extractor's. (NiBo, Chrome, Nickel)
Most are just plated over tolerance making the grip edge rounded and killing the grab.

Get 2 D Fender Oring's and a OEM DPMS extractor if you have any issues.
View Quote
Appreciate the input. Do you know what the weight of your modified buffer ended up at? I'm guessing something like 5.5 Oz?

This is what I think I'm going to end up with.

Kaw Valley


And an SLR Sentry 7
8/7/2017 6:29:40 PM EDT
[#8]
As SLR pointed out, run the heaviest you can. Heavy buffers with proper springs has solved almost all my 308 problems I've encountered.

I currently have Slash's 8.5oz buffer and his spring in the longer AR10 carbine buffer tube.
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