Chambering 1st Round AR15 Loading Problem

Does it cycle on it’s own during fire?
Does it load with the bolt release?

How is it failing? Are you getting bolt override (tail low), or is the bullet crashing on the feed ramps? Riding the charger forward or slapping the bolt catch to release? Have you tried multiple magazines? Fully loaded mags or cap-1?

I had problems with fully loaded mags.
I usually load mags to capacity -1.

All style mags or just certain ones? If you pull the bolt to the rear does it feed? I'm guessing a strong spring on certain mags, down loading one as Farmer suggested may fix it. Or, use them a few times and they may lighten up a little.

That was a common problem when the M-16 was introduced. The solution was to load 19 rounds in the 20 round magazine. This was before the forward assist was introduced.

... and you're sure the magazine is fully slammed up/home and locked ?
(ask me why I ask...)

Armered Farmer has it. My AR 10 has the same problem when the magazine is loaded with 20 round. I now load magazines with just 19 rounds.

Just a thought...

Make sure you are not riding the charging handle home. Better yet, use the bolt release to charge the first round.

rugerman07 said:

You release the charging handle but that 1st round fails to load?

Click to expand...

Dropping the bolt using the charging handle is likely a large part of your problem. The charging handle is a comparatively fragile part of an AR...use it to pull the bolt back, not to drop a round if you can avoid it.

Lots of users tend to baby the bolt drop when using the charging handle. Better to hit the paddle with your left palm (or use a paddle extension like a BAD lever) and let the bolt do its thing unaffected by the charging handle.

Dropping a bolt using the charging handle is an unavoidable part of malfunction clearing procedures but, I believe, shouldn't be done during normal loading.

Here's a test: go to the range and load your gun fifty times (using the same mag, loaded identically) using the charging handle procedure you're using now, and fifty times using the same mag and ammo configuration using the paddle.

And then you'll know if there is a difference for you and your gun.

Some of my magazines work fine fully loaded. Others need to be down loaded 1 or 2 rounds. This is a fairly common issue. Most people don't fully load magazines to ensure reliable function. And not just with AR's, I've seen issues with some other handguns with fully loaded magazines.

Weird that we never question whether it's a bolt stop or bolt release on an AR, only on handguns. Hmm...

I usually load to full capacity then smack the back of the mag on my Kevlar Helmet to ensure all of the rounds are seated to the rear of the mag and setting flat. Not riding high in front or back of the mag.

Well, that was 30 years ago..... Now I just slap it on my palm a couple of times.

rugerman07 said:

This is the loading issue I'm having.

Click to expand...

This problem is due to not fully seating the magazine before charging the weapon. When inserting the mag, push hard, then pull firmly. If the mag comes out, it wasn't locked in place. Re-insert the mag and pull to ensure it's locked in place. Practice this until you can perform this automatically.

Some advocate tapping the bottom of the mag, but this can drive the mag too deep into the magwell and/or dislodge the top round, causing feed malfunctions.

If inserting a mag in an empty AR, take a moment to lock the bolt back first. It's easier to lock an AR mag in place when the bolt is locked back than if it's closed. Then, release the bolt by pressing the release with your thumb. Using the thumb is more positive than trying to smack it with the palm.

You can slingshot the charging handle, but it's too easy to ride the handle robbing the carrier of the needed speed to positively chamber a round.

I tend to get this problem when I ride the charging handle. Agree with the others; let the bolt release slam it home.

Rugerman, you just demonstrated both the problem (magazine not fully up and locked),
and how to fix it (smack the bottom of the magazine firmly to lock it in).

In the field where it counts (i.e., you die) this is standard procedure w/ a magazine
(ps: you can't break it)

Good show.....

One of the advantages of Pmags is they still have some give when loaded to a full 30 rounds.

Another advantage is that when they get too messed up to feed they are almost always obviously broken: like missing chunks of feed lip or split down the spine. Metal mags can get subtly tweaked enough to not be 100% reliable but cause intermittent stoppages that leave you unsure if it’s the mag, ammo, or gun.

BSW

Interesting,with the exception of my 22 rf uppers I lock my holt back insert magazine and use the bolt release rather than using the charging handle don't recall any ftf using the bolt stop and find it easier the reaching back for the charging handle.

I’d really like to disable that video by the way. All that training he claims to have, then he pulls the trigger without controlling the firearm. Matters not to me that he could “feel” it was empty, that’s positively foolish.

I tend to cup the magazine to insert, then give it a swift tug as described by MistWolf. Most guys I see at the range grip their magazines around the circumference which I feel lacks a bit of leverage. Works for me and no chance of slipping as pressure is exerted on the bottom of the mag.

I was taught by my father to slap the release but now use my thumb and taught my kids the same. I still install larger than milspec style releases in case I need to smack it, but the necessity is dubious IMO.

How I load.


What I usually see.

Download your magazine by 1 round and try again. See if that helps. The video below has a good argument for why. This guy was a professional door kicker and I trust his opinion.

He also was subject to the same 'old soldiers' tales' all of us were who served since the M16 was issued. I never believed it, and never practiced it. Load 30, Insert the mag firmly, check that by pulling, hit bolt release. I have a ton of respect for John Lovell, but everything he says is not Gospel, just as with Larry Vickers or any of that ilk.

MistWolf said:

This problem is due to not fully seating the magazine before charging the weapon. When inserting the mag, push hard, then pull firmly. If the mag comes out, it wasn't locked in place. Re-insert the mag and pull to ensure it's locked in place. Practice this until you can perform this automatically.

Some advocate tapping the bottom of the mag, but this can drive the mag too deep into the magwell and/or dislodge the top round, causing feed malfunctions.

Click to expand...

Yeah, push-then-pull is how I was taught. The mantra was, "Push and pull - don't slap! It's not a baby's butt!"

Slapping the mag looks cool on TV, though...

Skylerbone said:

I’d really like to disable that video by the way. All that training he claims to have, then he pulls the trigger without controlling the firearm. Matters not to me that he could “feel” it was empty, that’s positively foolish.

Click to expand...

I agree.
I also argue that reliability is not ‘‘hearing when your rifle doesn’t run right’’ and having to rack it again...


Having sharp edges on the Lancer brand magazine feed lips causes a drag that can stop a bolt carrier that is slowed by a ridden charge handle.


However, if that video is the specific problem, that’s user error.

(Accuracy is not whether the bullet makes the three hundred yards, either. That is Mean Point Blank Range.)