New Ruger 5.56 feeding issue

[tnalways4me]

Hello all,

I have a brand new Ruger 5.56 (my first AR). I have been having and issue where the rifle will half feed and the bolt looks like it is about to chop the round in half. I have taken it apart according to the manual and cleaned and lubed it with CLP. I did not leave it wet, but I think personally it was lubed accordingly.

I have had all of these issues shooting .223 Rem American Eagle 50 gr as well as some 55gr 5.56. I have not shot any cheap BS out of it. I did notice it prefers the 5.56 as opposed to .223. I have shot maybe 300 - 400 rounds through the rifle and every time I shoot it at least one failure to feed occurs. The higher grain seems to shoot a bit better, but still I am not expecting these issues from a brand new rifle.

I am still using the stock pmag (have yet to try anything new), and have not done anything to the rifle apart from taking it apart and cleaning it. I just got back from the range and was shooting the .223 50gr and everything was shooting well
for about 20 rounds and then wham, bolt stuck halfway forward and the round was about to be chopped in half.

Any advice for a rifle noob?

 

[021]

I noticed that mine did not like 223 ammunition. When I run 5.56 it functions perfectly although this doesn't seem to be exactly your problem. Lube it good and run only 5.56 62 gr. through it--just shoot it a little more and see how it functions after a good breakin period.

 

[tnalways4me]

Seems kinda weird. I would expect a brand new rifle that shoots 223 to be able to function accordingly. I will try your suggestion and see how it goes, and I’m also going to try a new mag. Is it common for these rifles to be picky about ammo? I would hate to only be able to shoot one type of ammunition through a brand new rifle.

 

[021]

It could have just been the 223 ammo I was using that may have been loaded a little light.The 5.56 is perhaps operating at a higher pressure. Also the longer overall length with the bigger bullet may help the feeding problem. Pure speculation on my part, however it seems to have worked with mine.

 

[arfmel]

That 50gr. is a lighter weight bullet that what the rifle was designed to use. Between the light bullet, and being a new gun that isn't broken in yet, and not being run "wet" you may have created the issue.

 

[gunzo]

Trying a different mag or 3, is the next step, after proper lubrication to which you've done. P mags are generally very good, but a bad one could turn up.
AR's aren't usually picky enough to care if the ammo is 5.56, 223, 45 grain or 60. They are generally very dependable. Lack of proper maintenance or a bad mag is about it. If another mag doesn't help, it's time for hands on inspection by someone in the know, or time for a call to Ruger.

 

[DGW1949]

You are correct in that something is wrong with your rifle...and it ain't you or the ammo you are using.
With all due respect to those who are trying to help...personally, I'd cut through the chase, call Ruger, calmly explain the problem, and have them fix it. They are real-good about taking care of their customers, and the process won't cost you a dime.

DGW

 

[tnalways4me]

Thanks guys, I figured wth the reputation this company has there should be no reason why I can’t shoot a round supported by the manual without it feeding correctly. I am going to give another pmag a chance before I call Ruger and see what the issue is. Appreciate the help.

 

[daveg.inkc]

The plastic P Mags feed flawlessly with mine. I shoot only NATO, Lake City M 193 & M 855. Plus hundreds of reloads. I have a 10 Colt made magazine that will not work. I stoned off burrs, not sure why it fails

 

[tnalways4me]

So I spent a lot of time taking it apart and lubing the hell out of it. Kept it wet for a week, and went to the range last night. I shot about 200 5.56 55gr American Eagle and it shot very very well. No short stroking or any other issues. I think just giving it a deep clean and a proper lube, along with a heavier grain made the difference. I will keep on it and see if it occurs again, but I am going to chalk this one up to user error at the moment.

 

[loaded round]

Heavier bullets and several new (different) mags should solve your problem.

 

[PriseDeFer]

No, it should function 100% with 193 55gr ball. This is a a service type weapon, not some finicky target rifle.

 

[happyC@mper]

I have a brand new 556 MPR that will not cycle. At you were were getting several hundred shots. I have shot about 40 rounds and have only had ~4 successful cycles. I have already tried swapping pmags, BCGs (with another AR556), and different ammo 556, 223 (several brands). It is very discouraging. I will have to wait for Ruger to reopen after Easter to see what they have to say about it.

 

[loaded round]

Just had a thought. I you've many rounds thru your AR without a through cleaning, you gas tube may be fouled. Run some Hoppes and long pipe cleaners thru your gas system and see if it makes any difference in functioning.

 

[tnalways4me]

Just had a thought. I you've many rounds thru your AR without a through cleaning, you gas tube may be fouled. Run some Hoppes and long pipe cleaners thru your gas system and see if it makes any difference in functioning.

Will do. I did have a good range day last week, and I think I am going to load up and just wail on it today. I am hoping to have a 55 gr box of ammo and just use it all without a mishap.

 

[loaded round]

Hope all goes well for you.