AR bolt wear / cracking / breaking

[velocette]

I own two AR type rifles. One in .223, (RRA) the other in .308. (DPMS)
The .308 has just over 1500 rds through it, the .223, about the same.
Both are and have been completely reliable with no jams, ftf, fte etc when fed even half decent ammo. (darned accurate too)
My question is are the bolts failure prone? Or more accurately, a normal wear item needing replacement after XXXX # of rounds through them?
I do have spare parts kits for both, but am interested in knowing if I should perform preventive maintenance on either of them and if so when.

Roger

 

[dprice3844444]

don't worry aboutem

 

[taliv]

http://www.dtic.mil/ndia/2006smallarms/taylor.pdf
page 44

Most Bolts Subjected to Harsh Firing Schedules Will Show Initial Cracking Around 3,000 to 6,000 Rounds

On Milder Schedules, Nearly All Bolts Will Show Initial Cracking at 6,000 to 10,000 Rounds

Once the Crack Is Initiated, the Bolt May Fail at Any Time, or May Last for Thousands of Rounds, Depending on Crack Propagation

pages 45, 46 and following show plenty of pics of their study of cracked bolts, lugs, etc.

 

[rskent]

Thanks Taliv – Very interesting read.
Steve