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Posted: 7/5/2007 4:11:38 PM EDT
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Ok, I FINALY got my home build out for its trial run. I brought along some Federal 5.56 to get her broke in. She functioned flawlessly for 80 rounds. I decided to try some of the reloads I make for my Uncles AR15. I load a magazine with 5 rounds, lock mag, release bolt catch.....and the round gets jammed just barely out of battery (the bolt probably had only another 1/16" to go bfore being closed fully). So I pull the charging handle...STUCK. I did the "rap the butt on the bench while pulling charging handle"......got it dislodged after a few of these. Set aside that round, next one in magazine is repeated...same thing. Whats odd about all this is that I used a dummy round for function testing long before taking the rifle out. The dummy round is specced and made on the same equipment as the reloads.....the only difference is no live primer and no powder. Seating depth is the same, full length sizing...everything is the same. The dummy round had no problems before.....and I just tried it a half dozen times again just now and it STILL works FINE. The difference between now and then is that the rifle was hot. I tried more 5.56 after the reloads jammed and the gun once again worked flawlessly. So what would make a reloaded round feed and function when the rifle is cool...but not when its hot? Brian P.S. If it makes a difference the barrel is a Wilson, chrome lined, and the bolt is an LMT. |
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You must consider that even though you full length sized the rounds, they were fired in a different chamber. There is at least one dimension which does not work in the new rifle. (Usually it is the case head portion which did not get sized.) A simple test would be to try some of the fired factory brass in the Uncle's rifle. I'll bet it chambers with ease, even fired and un sized. The good news is a new and tight chamber should be good for high velocities and accuracy. Try some virgin brass, or the factory brass which had been shot in that rifle. |
Recheck the dummy round to the batch of reloaded you were using. I would bet the dimension is not the same down the entire case. Is your Wilson barrel 223 Wydle or perhaps straight 223 with your uncle's being 5.56? Both 223s are smaller than 5.56 and if the brass was fire formed in your Uncles rifle.......they won't work too good. Buy virgin and reload for your rifle. Or resize to 223 spec. Good luck.
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Both Chamers are 5.56, though mine is chromed while I my Uncles (I believe) is not. The dummy round I made was picked from brass that was fired in his rifle also. But I will indeed go through and check everything with the calipers and see if I missed something. Thanks guys, Brian |
Yes
Oops, I do trim BEFORE sizing....but I am ALMOST sure all the brass I am working with right now has not needed trimming yet, but will double check.
Affirmative. I crimp in a seperate stage using an Redding taper crimp die. |
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