5.56 Not Cycling w/ Reloads?

[bkundingerii]

I'm hoping that someone might be able to help me out. I recently bought a Sig 516 chambered in 5.56 NATO. I reloaded about 400 .223 rounds and it seems to have problems cycling with the gas valve set on "normal". Now, if I set it to setting "2" (allowing for more gas to travel into the piston) it seems to work fine. The only problem is that Sig doesn't recommend using this setting for long periods. It's only for when the rifle becomes dirty. I'm guessing that I'm making the loads too weak. The problem is, I'm reloading to the "max charge" from the load book. I moved up to the maximum charge after the first 200 did not cycle the rifle too well. Should I not worry about going over the "max charge" since 5.56s can handle more pressure then your typical .223? If anyone can shed some light I this I would be very greatful. Thanks.

 

[rcmodel]

I'm reloading to the "max charge" from the load book.

It would help immensely if you would tell us what your load data is.

Without knowing the:
Bullet weight.
Powder type.
Charge weight.

I couldn't even hazard a guess.

rc

 

[weeniewawa]

have you tried using factory ammo to see if it does the same thing?

 

[bkundingerii]

I'm using 55 GN hornady FMJBT w/ 23.3 grains of H355. The case is a Remington .233 w/ Winchester Small Rifle primer. OAL is 2.200. Let me know what you think.

 

[bkundingerii]

When I first bought the gun I ran about 50 factory rounds through it and it worked great. This is why I think my loads are too light for this gun. Especially with all the new stiff springs.

 

[rcmodel]

w/ 23.3 grains of H355

Ah! "Max charge" data from a Hornady manual I betcha!

According to Hodgdon load data?
You are only 0.3 over the 23.0 starting load with H335 and a 55 grain bulllet.
25.3 is MAX.

Lyman #49 shows 24.3 Start load and 27.0 MAX.

Add some powder and it will cycle I betcha.

rc

 

[TxBobS]

I run 21gr of H335 behind a 55gr bullet and they cycle in 3 different ARs so I wouldn't' think 23.3 is too small.

Have you checked the screws on the bolt carrier key? Those can come loose if not staked down and can cause it to not cycle properly.

 

[hentown]

Load 'em to 25gr and see what happens! I've loaded a bunch of 55 gr bullets with H335. I've loaded them as hot as 26+gr when shooting moly bullets.

 

[61Woody]

I'm using 23.3 in my RRA and it cycles just fine.

 

[bkundingerii]

rcmodel: you're absolutely right. I'm going to step it up and give it a whirl.

Everything with the rifle seems to check out OK. Nothing is loose. This is the first piston style AR and didn't know what to expect.

Thanks for all the help.

 

[medalguy]

I haven't loaded H335 in a while but the last loads I made with that powder used 24.5 gr with a 55 gr bullet. Try a higher load and let us know how it works.

 

[Miata Mike]

I usually run 24.5 but have loaded 25 grains of H335 using CCI small rifle primers and 55 grain fmj pulls.

 

[accrhodes]

Report back after you load a hotter round and try it.

 

[bkundingerii]

Thought I'd get back with everyone on the results of steeping up the load. I loaded the round with 24.6 and it worked great. Problem solved. Thanks to everyone for the help.

 

[RustyFN]

I'm using 55 GN hornady FMJBT w/ 23.3 grains of H355. The case is a Remington .233 w/ Winchester Small Rifle primer. OAL is 2.200. Let me know what you think.

Like RC said your load is too light. I load the same bullet for my AR with 24.7 grains of H-335. Very accurate round.

 

[918v]

Consider the Sig has a generous 5.56 chamber and the Hornady data is meant for a min-spec .223 chamber.