exhaust fumes

[Mike O]

The last time I shot my mini 14, I was getting a face full of cartridge powder exhaust from each shot. I'm pretty new to the mini. Any suggestions or solutions?

 

[beentheredone]

Get used to it. Gas-operated semiautos all blow out gas somewhere back toward the shooter, and you're going to be aware of it until you get used to it.

 

[Mobuck]

What type of ammo? I've not really experienced much 'blow back' from typical factory load ammo in any semi-auto. Heavy for caliber bullets and slower powders will make it worse.
Even suppressed AR's don't seem to be all that bad for me.

 

[Mobuck]

Another question I just thought of: Did you collect the fired brass? If so, check the primers and primer pockets. Is there evidence of gas leaking past the primers or perforated primers?

 

[beentheredone]

That's about the only way you could get any exhaust more-or-less directly in the face. Of course, you can smell it abundantly from the gas that exhausts into the forearm area with each shot.

 

[RC44Mag]

By chance does the rifle have a muzzle brake on it or a reg flash suppressor? A brake could give you a snoot full of gas, powder