About my AR556 ........

[hittman]

I'm a serious newbie to this platform. Only have about 100 rounds through this gun.

Today I took my AR556 to the range, properly cleaned and lubed first. I had 500 quality re-loads from a trusted source and 4 20-round Colt brand magazines from the late 1970's.

First 3 or 4 mags ..... no problems.
Next magazine, 1 or 2 ejection problems. The brass hangs up in the ejection port (the primer end) with the bullet end pointing straight out the side.
Clear that, remainder run fine.
Next 1 or 2 magazines ..... same problem.
Last magazine, no issues.
Ran a total of 120 rounds through it today.

Safe to assume these AR's need a little "break in"?

 

[Aqualung]

Hittman,

My first thought might be to pick up some actual factory ammo, like American Eagle (Federal), PMC or the like (no Tula or cheap import stuff) and see if the problem continues.

Edited to add: this is not a judgement against your source of the reloads...just factoring out a wildcard.

While trying the next time, label your mags and see if the problem persists on a specific mag or mags.

Others with more experience with the platform may have more advice, but those are my thoughts.

Aqualung

 

[hittman]

Thanks for the help and you're not wrong ...... factory ammo and a few different mags are next.

Good part about this "problem" is that I'm :lol: obligated to shoot it some more!

 

[9x19]

Yeah, factory ammo should give you alot more to go on, but....

It sounds like the reloads are running right on the line between function and stoppage, those that stopped your rifle likely had a 1/10 grain or two less powder or a bit lighter crimp, or....

All rifles are different, reloads tested in one may not mean 100% function in another.

 

[GRAMPS 51]

Just another thought is your reloader using small base dies if not it may be the problem

Gramps

 

[pisgah]

Almost any gun can show break-in quibbles -- but my bet is that what you are describing is ammo-based. I certainly wouldn't recommend any sort of action at this point before trying factory-loaded ammo.

 

[021]

During break-in mine would not reliably function with .223, but fired 5.56 perfectly. Without checking, I would surmise the 5.56 is slightly hotter, and just enough to make a difference. Both loads were factory, and by the same manufacturer.

 

[hittman]

Thanks again for all the help and ...... as I think back on it now ...... seems like I had 3 or 4 times where it wouldn't pick up the last round in a mag. Definately need to try different mags. Good idea about 5.56 too ..... I have some factory 5.56.

Maybe I should take a half day off work and try different things? That sounds logical too. :lol:

 

[Aqualung]

Maybe I should take a half day off work and try different things? That sounds logical too. :lol:

Definitely. Maybe even the whole day.

"I've got this weird symptom that I'm trying to diagnose. I'm calling out sick today..."

:mrgreen:

Aqualung

 

[hittman]

Good news to report today. Just got back from the range.

Took 100 rounds of new factory .223 Aguilla, the Pro Mag issued with the gun, a new HK brand mag and a metal off brand magazine marked Adventure on the bottom. Did not attach the Caldwell brass catcher.

Shot all 100 rounds without fail.

Thanks for all your advice.

 

[T.A. WORKMAN]

Glad she running as expected.
I've had a couple cheap after market magazines that were crap and caused erratic feeding, but the Colt mags feed without fail.
Happy shooting!
Terry