AR leaving marks on bullet

[Axis II]

Okay, so we got everything setup to reload 223/5.56 for an M&P15 and fired one round and the second round that chambered came out with this scratch on it. I asked a few guys through PM and got the suggestion to ask in the rifle group. When we used a marker to color the bullet and ensure there were no lands marks there were 2 defined cuts on the bullet that were U shaped going from the tip of the bullet to the ogive. The bolt closed normally with no resistance and no primer signs. So, what are these scratches? They only go half way around the bullet.

 

[Tommygunn]

It looks like the bullet might have caught on something as it chambered. It really looks more like a scuff mark than a scratch. Do all bullets get marked, or is that the only one? Might be something on the bullet from the start.

 

[Axis II]

It looks like the bullet might have caught on something as it chambered. It really looks more like a scuff mark than a scratch. Do all bullets get marked, or is that the only one? Might be something on the bullet from the start.

Its wasnt on the bullet to begin with. Once the second round did that he quit. I will check the others this week. Attached is a picture of what appeared when we colored the bullet to check the OAL. They were these weird little hoop marks on the left and right of the bullet.

 

[Double Naught Spy]

Sorry Axis II, but you need to provide a better picture. I don't think we can see what you are talking about. I have a large monitor and I don't see what your red lines are supposed to be highlighting on either image.

 

[David Hoback]

I can’t see any marks except for the marks you drew on the pic.

In any case, if the scratches look like what you drew, it’s from the feed ramp. Fact I can’t see ‘em in the pics, seems they are superficial.

It’s no problem.

 

[Axis II]

Sorry Axis II, but you need to provide a better picture. I don't think we can see what you are talking about. I have a large monitor and I don't see what your read lines are supposed to be highlighting on either image.

The first image there is a scratch mark just above the cannelure. The second image is just the snip tool showing what the marks looked like the other night. Those wouldnt show up on camera.

 

[David Hoback]

It is from the feed ramps. I know this for a fact. It won’t cause any problems, but if it bothers you, just polish the ramps and they will disappear.

 

[Telum Pisces]

AR rifles will leave all kinds of marks and dings on ammo.

 

[Axis II]

It is from the feed ramps. I know this for a fact. It won’t cause any problems, but if it bothers you, just polish the ramps and they will disappear.

Cool, thanks. Not a bother just making sure that something else isnt going on. I only load for a bolt gun so AR is new. And, the fact these bullet are way longer than Hornady FMJ I figured maybe they were contacting something.

 

[AK Hunter]

If you are worried about marks on the bullet from your AR don't buy an AK. LOL

 

[David Hoback]

Cool, thanks. Not a bother just making sure that something else isnt going on. I only load for a bolt gun so AR is new. And, the fact these bullet are way longer than Hornady FMJ I figured maybe they were contacting something.

Your not the first with the semi circle marks. Just look at pictures of the edge of the feed ramps. You’ll say “AH-HAH!”

 

[Tommygunn]

If you are worried about marks on the bullet from your AR don't buy an AK. LOL

Do AKs leave any distinguishing marks on bullets???

 

[gotboostvr]

Looks like superficial scuffs from the feed ramp. No biggie.

Nothing wrong with shutting down and double checking, actually congrats, that was prudent just to double check. Nothing wrong with "just making sure". Better than "it'll probably be fine" and kinetically disassembling a rifle due to an actual issue.

 

[David Hoback]

Looks like superficial scuffs from the feed ramp. No biggie.

Nothing wrong with shutting down and double checking, actually congrats, that was prudent just to double check. Nothing wrong with "just making sure". Better than "it'll probably be fine" and kinetically disassembling a rifle due to an actual issue.

Is there an echo in here?

 

[Varminterror]

@Axis II - so I’m just now getting to “lunch” for the day. What an unexpected train wreck my day turned into... So I wasn’t able to smoke some bullets and take example pics - what you’re seeing is textbook for AR’s, especially if a guy hasn’t “melted” the extension.

But like I said in PM this morning, the longitudinal scars down the ogive are from the feed ramps. The solid partial ring around the bearing surface junction is from the chamber throat... so the good news is, he’s not jamming into the lands.

 

[Skylerbone]

From an AR you can load to the length of the magazine and if you’re seating in the cannelure OAL shouldn’t be a problem unless you haven’t trimmed your brass correctly.

I can see the lines in your picture, most notable in the light/shadow on the right side and yes all indications that the feed ramp is gouging them slightly. If you mark successive rounds you might note a mirror image as they feed from opposite sides of the magazine to confirm. Whether you have the desire and ability to touch them up is for you to answer, but unless there are stoppages in what is, and I’m not being derogatory, a non-precision AR, I’d recommend leaving it as-is.

On a side note, your bullet is also displaying an east/west mark as if your seating die is damaging it, though it could just be a lighting issue. When I photograph something to highlight a particular thing I find my camera’s zoom feature invaluable as most phones don’t have a macro setting. I zoom in to fill the frame and play with the light or angle to it to get the shot. Poor examples below, but in this case I was highlighting lead slivers on a cleaning patch also seen as the first patch in the series.